About

Join us on Saturday, September 20th for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, education, and community at Yorktown Battlefield as we gather for an exclusive sneak peek screening of acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns's highly anticipated documentary, "The American Revolution," before it premieres on TV.

REGISTRATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- Sign up for free today!

• Revolutionary Festival starts at 3pm


• Screening starts at 7pm

Colonial National Historical Park, in partnership with WHRO Public Media, York County, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, and the VA250 Commission, invites the public to this special screening.

The entire 12-hour, 6-part documentary, which includes scenes filmed throughout Colonial Virginia, premieres on PBS on November 16th and is co-directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Schmidt, a Virginia native, will participate in the event!

Before the screening, join us for an exciting afternoon filled with revolutionary fun and learning. The Revolutionary Festival promises a range of hands-on history activities and live music creating a fun and festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

The screening is free and open to the public; advanced registration will be required. Visitors will be encouraged to bring lawn chairs, water, and to prepare for the weather

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, celebrate, and connect with our nation's history in the very place where it happened!

Registration is highly recommended! This event is rain or shine. For more information on this event, please call (757) 898-2410.

On the Docket:

3 - 7 p.m.
• Artillery Demonstrations - Witness the firing of period cannons and learn about the artillery used during the Revolutionary War.
• Colonial Music - Rock out to the greatest hits of the 18th century with live performances by local musicians playing traditional colonial music.
• Join the Militia Drill Station - Kids of all ages can "enlist" in the Continental Army, learn simple marching drills, and earn a mini patriot certificate.
• Revolutionary Spy Games - Complete spy training by finding hidden messages and solving secret codes that lead to fun historical facts.
• Picture Yourself into History - Dress up in period clothing and pose for a selfie in front of an American Revolution backdrop.
• Colonial Kids Games - Kids of all ages can learn to play traditional 18th century games.
• Living History Encampment - Step back in time as you learn about soldiers' lives during the American Revolution through demonstrations on camp life and military drills.
• Education Truck - Participate in family-friendly, hands-on activities focusing on early Virginia history.
• 250-Year Canvas - Help paint a mural that visualizes America's journey -- from battlefield to modern democracy.

3 - 3:45 p.m.
• The Colonial Entertainers Guild performs.

3:15 p.m.
• Ranger Programs begin. Join a Park for an engaging talk/walk about the people and the events at Yorktown. The tours will take place every half hour.

4 - 4:45 p.m.
• Cigar Box String Band performs.

5 - 5:45 p.m.
• Follow the River performs.

6:15 - 7 p.m.
• The Fifes & Drums of York Town perform.

7 p.m.
• The Old Guard performs.
• Remarks and screening begin.

Food Trucks:
• Amma's Curry in a Hurry
• Bali Bali Korean BBQ
• Boyd's Tasty Dogs
• Midnite Express
• Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters
• Parallel Stix
• SnoToGo
• Strawberry Street