Commemoration related events are already happening throughout Virginia and can be found in the listing below. If you would like VA250 to include events not currently listed here, please click here to submit your event.

 

Colonial Williamsburg: American Indian Heritage Month Colonial Williamsburg: American Indian Heritage Month
November 01, 2024 - November 30, 2024
City of Williamsburg

American Indians, Native Americans, and/or Indigenous peoples were a regular and frequent presence in 18th-century Williamsburg. There were local "tributary" tribes, who were considered subjects of Great Britain by the 18th century, such as the Pamun... Read More

Turkey ShootsTurkey Shoots
November 11, 2024 - March 09, 2025
King William County

Join us at the Tribal Grounds from 7 pm - 11 pm on the 2nd Saturday of every month beginning November 11th, 2023 until March 9th, 2024. All proceeds benefit cultural programs sponsored by the Cultural and Environmental Restoration Steering Committee.... Read More

Reluctant Witness: Nicholas Cresswell Views the Revolution from Loudoun, 1774-1777Reluctant Witness: Nicholas Cresswell Views the Revolution from Loudoun, 1774-1777
November 21, 2024 - November 21, 2024
Loudoun County

Nicholas Cresswell, a young Englishman who traveled in America from 1774–1777, kept a journal that has long been a key primary source about the American Revolution. What can we learn from his observations about society, politics, religion, and eve... Read More

Reluctant Witness: Nicholas Cresswell Views the Revolution from Loudoun, 1774-1777Reluctant Witness: Nicholas Cresswell Views the Revolution from Loudoun, 1774-1777
November 21, 2024 - November 21, 2024
Loudoun County

Nicholas Cresswell, a young Englishman who traveled in America from 1774–1777, kept a journal that has long been a key primary source about the American Revolution. What can we learn from his observations about society, politics, religion, and eve... Read More

Reluctant Witness: Nicholas Cresswell Views the Revolution from Loudoun, 1774-1777Reluctant Witness: Nicholas Cresswell Views the Revolution from Loudoun, 1774-1777
November 21, 2024 - November 21, 2024
Loudoun County

Raise a glass with Nicholas Cresswell! Join us at Loudoun Museum and learn about the life, travels, and observations of Cresswell, a visitor to Loudoun during the Revolutionary War. The presentation will be led by local public historians Rich and Tra... Read More

Henrico 250: Tea at the TavernHenrico 250: Tea at the Tavern
November 23, 2024 - November 23, 2024
Henrico

Travel back in time 250 years ago to when tea parties meant more than just tea and cookies. Protests sparked across the 13 original colonies with citizens destroying tea, setting ships ablaze, and creating formal resolutions to demonstrate their beli... Read More

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Fredericksburg, VABicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Fredericksburg, VA
November 23, 2024 - November 24, 2024
City of Fredericksburg

November 23, 2024 The Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Committee welcomes you to George Washington’s hometown and site of the James Monroe Presidential Library and Museum. Fredericksburg is known for its authenticity and our commemoration o... Read More

Holiday TraditionsHoliday Traditions
November 23, 2024 - November 24, 2024
Fairfax County

Make a pomander ball to fill your home with holiday scents, listen to the music of the season, and participate in a holiday story time. Included with admission and free for members.... Read More

Marie Antoinette and LafayetteMarie Antoinette and Lafayette
November 24, 2024 - November 24, 2024
Henrico

The amazing true story of the French Queen and her encounter with a brave young man who would go on to play a pivotal role in America's Revolution. Information: sch107@henrico.gov... Read More

Winter GlowWinter Glow
November 29, 2024 - December 23, 2024
Fairfax County

Visit Mount Vernon for an enchanted evening of festive lights and an 18th-century holiday experience. See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, and meet holiday guest,... Read More

Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Fort Belvoir, VABicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Fort Belvoir, VA
November 29, 2024 - November 29, 2024
Fairfax County

Join the celebration commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s return to America in 1824 as “guest of the Nation” in which he visited all 24 states and all surviving residents. Historian Mark Schneider will appear as Major General Lafa... Read More

Foods & Feasts of Colonial VirginiaFoods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
November 29, 2024 - November 30, 2024
York County

Long before microwaves, electric stoves and refrigerators, early Virginians prepared meals in clay pots and iron kettles and preserved food by smoking and salt curing. This Thanksgiving holiday, join in a family tradition by digging into the foodways... Read More

Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia
November 29, 2024 - November 30, 2024
James City County

Long before microwaves, electric stoves and refrigerators, early Virginians prepared meals in clay pots and iron kettles and preserved food by smoking and salt curing. This Thanksgiving holiday, join in a family tradition by digging into the foodways... Read More

Wreath WorkshopsWreath Workshops
November 30, 2024 - December 08, 2024
Albemarle County

Offered on select days and times - please visit our website for a full list of availability. Monticello's annual Wreath Workshops are a time-treasured tradition to kickoff the holiday season in Charlottesville. Led by our expert team of floral desig... Read More

Holiday FoodwaysHoliday Foodways
November 30, 2024 - December 01, 2024
Fairfax County

Visit the Discovery Cart to learn about holiday food traditions, including black-eyed peas and the Great Cake, watch as staff turns cacao seeds into chocolate, and join our specialty tour Dining with the Washingtons (ticket required). ... Read More

Holiday Open HouseHoliday Open House
December 01, 2024 - December 01, 2024
Charlotte County

The annual Christmas Open House at Red Hill will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 1:30 pm to 4 pm. The Patrick Henry Auxiliary sponsors this event and cordially invites the public to attend; admission is FREE. Guests will be treated to doc... Read More

Christmas Open HouseChristmas Open House
December 01, 2024 - December 01, 2024
Charlotte County

The annual Christmas Open House at Red Hill will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The Patrick Henry Auxiliary sponsors this event and cordially invites the public to attend; admission is FREE. Guests will be treated to... Read More

Virtual Battle Brief - The Battle of Brandywine, 1777Virtual Battle Brief - The Battle of Brandywine, 1777
December 03, 2024 - December 03, 2024
Virtual

In September 1777, Gen. George Washington posted his army along Brandywine Creek west of Philadelphia to defend the capital city from an enemy attack. British and American forces battled for hours along the winding stream in one of the largest and bl... Read More

Holiday Candlelight ToursHoliday Candlelight Tours
December 05, 2024 - December 20, 2024
Bedford County

Tours are December 5, 6, 7, 13, 19, and 20 at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the advent of the Christmas season in Jeffersonian style at Poplar Forest. Explore the president’s cherished hideaway by candlelight on this hour-long holiday tour.... Read More

Scientist Turned SpyScientist Turned Spy
December 05, 2024 - December 05, 2024
City of Richmond

André Michaux was one of the most accomplished scientific explorers of North America before Lewis and Clark. His work took him from the Bahamas to Hudson Bay, and it is likely that no contemporary of his had seen as much of the continent. But there ... Read More

Andrew Johnston House Art Show and Open HouseAndrew Johnston House Art Show and Open House
December 06, 2024 - December 07, 2024
GilesCounty

The Giles County Historical Society Museum and Andrew Johnston House will host a Christmas Open House and Art Contest celebrating the Virginia250 anniversary. ... Read More

Candlelight Yule ToursCandlelight Yule Tours
December 06, 2024 - December 07, 2024
City of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach History Museums presents Candlelight Yule Tours at the Thoroughgood House. Come celebrate the season by stepping back in time to experience some favorite colonial Christmas traditions. Costumed guides will escort you by candlelight th... Read More

Lafayette at WoodlawnLafayette at Woodlawn
December 06, 2024 - December 06, 2024
City of Alexandria

When the Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of the American Revolution, returned to America in 1824, thousands of citizens greeted him. In December 1824, Lafayette paid the first of several visits to Woodlawn, home of Eleanor Parke Custis and Lawrence... Read More

Winter Wreath ClassWinter Wreath Class
December 06, 2024 - December 06, 2024
Fairfax County

Craft an elegant holiday wreath using an assortment of evergreens and botanical accents — including some collected from Mount Vernon’s historic landscape! Please note that this class is for adults aged 16 and up. Tickets include estate admiss... Read More

Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Mount Vernon Inn RestaurantHoliday Afternoon Tea at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
December 06, 2024 - December 13, 2024
Fairfax County

This holiday season, savor afternoon tea as you enjoy the holiday ambiance of the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant and live harp music. Choose from 6 loose-leaf teas and dine on finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of sweets. There are two seatin... Read More

Red Hill Rediscovered: Revolutionary ThingsRed Hill Rediscovered: Revolutionary Things
December 06, 2024 - December 06, 2024
Charlotte County

Hear from University of Miami professor Dr. Ashli White, author of Revolutionary Things: Material Culture and Politics in the Late Eighteenth-Century Atlantic World. Dr. White’s new book examines how objects associated with the American, French,... Read More

Holidays Through The Ages At Rippon Lodge Holidays Through The Ages At Rippon Lodge
December 06, 2024 - December 30, 2024
Prince William County

Stroll through seasonal celebrations of the past at Rippon Lodge Historic Site. With interiors and exteriors richly decorated for the holidays, guests enjoy an in-depth exploration of seasonal festivities over the centuries. No groups larger than 15 ... Read More

Christmas Open House Christmas Open House
December 06, 2024 - December 06, 2024
City of Colonial Heights

You are invited to the annual Christmas Open House at the Historic Old Brick House. ... Read More

The Founders Illuminated SymposiumThe Founders Illuminated Symposium
December 07, 2024 - December 07, 2024
City of Williamsburg

Join us for a Grand Illuminating Symposium where expert historians will discuss six essential American founders. Speakers include Christian Di Spigna, Dr. Edward G. Lengel, Elizabeth Mauer, Dr. Gordon Steffey, Dr. Bruce Venter, and Stephen Wilson. Lu... Read More

Fort Boykin Walking TourFort Boykin Walking Tour
December 07, 2024 - December 07, 2024
Isle of Wight County

Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when a fort known as the Castle was constructed following the 1622 Indian Attack. Today, Fort Boykin constitutes an example of military architecture of the Civil War era. Join us for this fre... Read More

Scots at Mount VernonScots at Mount Vernon
December 07, 2024 - December 08, 2024
Fairfax County

Learn about Mount Vernon's many connections to Scotland past and present. Explore Scottish foodways, learn about whiskey production, and make your own tartan. ... Read More

Christmas Open House Christmas Open House
December 07, 2024 - December 07, 2024
City of Colonial Heights

You are invited to the annual Christmas Open House at the Historic Old Brick House. ... Read More

Christmas Open House Christmas Open House
December 08, 2024 - December 08, 2024
City of Colonial Heights

You are invited to the annual Christmas Open House at the Historic Old Brick House. ... Read More

Waiting For Washington at The Edge Hill House Waiting For Washington at The Edge Hill House
December 08, 2024 - December 08, 2024
Gloucester County

The Gloucester Woman’s Club Presents “Waiting for Washington” at the Historic Edge Hill House. Christmastide is a time when families gather and there is nothing more Lady Washington wants than to have her General home from the War. Join Mart... Read More

King and Queen County Tavern Museum Christmas Open HouseKing and Queen County Tavern Museum Christmas Open House
December 08, 2024 - December 08, 2024
King and Queen County

The King and Queen Court House Tavern Museum Holiday Open House is the perfect way to start your holiday season. Come join the indoor and outdoor festivities on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at 2 PM. The museum is located at 146 Court House Landing Rd., King ... Read More

2nd Annual King and Queen County Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony2nd Annual King and Queen County Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 08, 2024 - December 08, 2024
King and Queen County

Join us for songs and stories at the 2nd Annual King and Queen County Christmas Tree Lighting!... Read More

Battle Brief - The Battle of Brandywine, 1777Battle Brief - The Battle of Brandywine, 1777
December 10, 2024 - December 10, 2024
Virtual

In September 1777, Gen. George Washington posted his army along Brandywine Creek west of Philadelphia to defend the capital city from an enemy attack. British and American forces battled for hours along the winding stream in one of the largest and bl... Read More

Virtual Book Talk - "George Washington in the French and Indian War"Virtual Book Talk - "George Washington in the French and Indian War"
December 12, 2024 - December 12, 2024
Virtual

George Washington has frequently been criticized for his first military campaign, which sparked the French and Indian War. In 1754 Washington was an ambitious yet inexperienced young officer, eager to carry out his orders on behalf of Virginia and th... Read More

Colonial Christmas Dinner Colonial Christmas Dinner
December 13, 2024 - December 13, 2024
City of Colonial Heights

Join us for a periodic, festive Colonial style dinner at the historic Violet Bank Museum. The evening's menu will consist of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls, dessert cobbler, tea and water. Tickets are $30 per person. Seating w... Read More

Holiday Evening ToursHoliday Evening Tours
December 13, 2024 - December 30, 2024
Albemarle County

Join us for the rare opportunity to experience Monticello after dark, decorated with the style of holiday greenery found during Jefferson’s era. This tour offers an intimate look at how all people who lived on the Monticello mountaintop – enslave... Read More

Colonial Christmas Dinner Colonial Christmas Dinner
December 14, 2024 - December 14, 2024
City of Colonial Heights

Join us for a periodic, festive Colonial style dinner at the historic Violet Bank Museum. The evening's menu will consist of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls, dessert cobbler, tea and water. Tickets are $30 per person. Seating wil... Read More

Daytime Holiday ToursDaytime Holiday Tours
December 14, 2024 - December 21, 2024
Bedford County

Tours are December 14, 19, and 21 at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy Poplar Forest decked out for the holidays on this special daytime tour that focuses on holiday traditions of the Jefferson time period. These hour-long, docent guided tours explore how Jefferso... Read More

Candlelight Wine DinnersCandlelight Wine Dinners
December 14, 2024 - December 21, 2024
Bedford County

Dinners are December 14th and 21st at 6:30 p.m. Step back in time to experience the magic of Christmas past at a seated holiday dinner in Thomas Jefferson’s villa. Join Mr. Jefferson, as portrayed by actor Bill Barker, to celebrate the season wi... Read More

Christmas Past & PresentChristmas Past & Present
December 14, 2024 - December 14, 2024
City of Chesapeake

Travel back in time at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum for our Christmas Past & Present Family Fun Day. Learn about holiday traditions in three different time periods, get a stamp in your time-travelers passport, enjoy crafts at each ... Read More

Plaque Dedication & Revolutionary ChristmasPlaque Dedication & Revolutionary Christmas
December 14, 2024 - December 14, 2024
City of Lynchburg

Join us in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, and the Patriots at rest on our grounds. Then, celebrate with us as we invite artisan vendors to sell their wares at our Christmas marke... Read More

Colonial Christmas Dinner Colonial Christmas Dinner
December 15, 2024 - December 15, 2024
City of Colonial Heights

Join us for a periodic, festive Colonial style dinner at the historic Violet Bank Museum. The evening's menu will consist of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls, dessert cobbler, tea and water. Tickets are $30 per person. Seating wil... Read More

Patrick Henry "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" ReenactmentPatrick Henry "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Reenactment
December 15, 2024 - December 15, 2024
Loudoun County

Stephen P. Wilson, Executive Director of the St. John’s Church Foundation, will present a program on Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death!" speech which took place on March 23, 1775, at St. John’s Church in Richmond, during the S... Read More

Pursuits of KnowledgePursuits of Knowledge
December 17, 2024 - December 17, 2024
Albemarle County

This fall, Monticello introduces "Pursuits of Knowledge," a series of dynamic conversations with leading thinkers exploring Jefferson's world, ideas, and legacy. Working in disciplines and genres ranging from biography to political history to young a... Read More

Christmas Illuminations at Mount VernonChristmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
December 20, 2024 - December 22, 2024
Fairfax County

Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th-century winter encampment, a working blacksmith shop, and Christmas carolers. Vis... Read More

Holiday EntertainmentsHoliday Entertainments
December 21, 2024 - December 22, 2024
Fairfax County

Try your hand at popular card games of the period, learn about the music of the enslaved, and hear from Washington's closest friends about how the season was celebrated at his home. ... Read More

Holiday EntertainmentsHoliday Entertainments
December 21, 2024 - December 22, 2024
Fairfax County

Try your hand at popular card games of the period, learn about the music of the enslaved, and hear from Washington's closest friends about how the season was celebrated at his home. ... Read More

Holiday TraditionsHoliday Traditions
December 28, 2024 - December 29, 2024
Fairfax County

Make a pomander ball to fill your home with holiday scents, listen to the music of the season, and participate in a holiday story time. Included with admission and free for members.... Read More

ArnoldArnold's Raid on Richmond
January 02, 2025 - January 05, 2025
City of Richmond

In January, 1781, General Benedict Arnold led British troops in capturing the new capital of Virginia. This annual event returns, focused on the Revolution in Richmond and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Four days of activities will... Read More

ArnoldArnold's Raid Encampment & Skirmish
January 04, 2025 - January 04, 2025
Henrico County

Drop in throughout the day to experience life in a local Patriot militia encampment. What's a powder magazine and why does it need to be guarded? Learn about the local militia's defense as British troops fought their way through Henrico into Richmond... Read More

WhoWho's Your Founding Father?: One Man’s Epic Quest to Uncover the First, True Declaration of Independence
January 15, 2025 - January 15, 2025
City of Richmond

In 1819 John Adams came across a stunning story in his hometown newspaper that he described to his political frenemy Thomas Jefferson as “one of the greatest curiosities and one of the deepest mysteries that ever occurred to me . . . entitled the M... Read More

A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American RevolutionA Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution
February 06, 2025 - February 06, 2025
City of Richmond

As the American Revolution broke out in New England in the spring of 1775 dramatic events unfolded in Virginia that proved every bit as decisive as the battles of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill in uniting the colonies against Britain. Virginia... Read More

Love & Liberty SocialLove & Liberty Social
February 08, 2025 - February 08, 2025
City of Chesapeake

Enjoy an evening at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum and experience the music and dance of an 18th century social. Ticketed event ... Read More

HenryHenry's Ride for Liberty
March 15, 2025 - March 15, 2025
Hanover County

It is March 1775 at Scotchtown in Hanover Virginia and Patrick Henry is contemplating the impactful speech he would soon deliver to the Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church. For the 250th anniversary of this momentous occasion, experience inter... Read More

HenryHenry's Ride for Liberty
March 15, 2025 - March 15, 2025
Hanover County

It is March 1775 at Scotchtown in Hanover Virginia and Patrick Henry is contemplating the impactful speech he would soon deliver to the Virginia Convention at St. John’s Church. For the 250th anniversary of this momentous occasion, experience inter... Read More

Brethren of the CoastBrethren of the Coast
March 22, 2025 - March 22, 2025
City of Chesapeake

Experience maritime history at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum. Join the historical reenactment group, Brethren of the Coast, as they regale us with maritime history and stories from the Revolutionary War era and beyond. Brethren of t... Read More

Virginia International TattooVirginia International Tattoo
April 24, 2025 - April 27, 2025
City of Norfolk

Established in 1997, the Virginia International Tattoo, a signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival, is an annual celebration of patriotism and international goodwill. Every year, the Tattoo welcomes over 800 performers from all over the world in... Read More

The Gunpowder IncidentThe Gunpowder Incident
May 03, 2025 - May 03, 2025
Hanover County

Have you ever wanted to experience life in an 18th-century American Revolution encampment? Join us for another Scotchtown signature 250th event as Patrick Henry’s Hanover Independent Company gathers at Scotchtown before heading to Williamsburg to ... Read More

200th Celebration of Lafayette’s Visit to Greenwood Estate and Downtown Culpeper200th Celebration of Lafayette’s Visit to Greenwood Estate and Downtown Culpeper
August 23, 2025 - August 23, 2025
Culpeper County

To commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit, several organizations have combined efforts for a full of events! Event details are still being formulated, so stay tuned. On Saturday morning the Military Reception will be held at Greenwood ... Read More

Lafayette Ball in Culpeper - costumes encouraged!Lafayette Ball in Culpeper - costumes encouraged!
August 23, 2025 - August 23, 2025
Culpeper County

Join the Culpeper Minute Men (host) in celebrating the bicentennial of the arrival of Our Nation’s Guest by dancing the night away on Saturday, August 23, 2025 in the historic downtown Culpeper. Meet General Lafayette, his son George Washington, C... Read More

Greene County Historical Society - Annual Meeting / Guest Speaker Jayne BlairGreene County Historical Society - Annual Meeting / Guest Speaker Jayne Blair
May 17, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Greene County

Jayne Blair will be the guest speak at the annual Greene County Historical Society's Meeting. She is a member of the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) . She will present "The US Constitution - How & Why We Got It". ... Read More

James Hunter and the American RevolutionJames Hunter and the American Revolution
June 04, 2026 - June 06, 2026
Stafford County

Around 1758, Scottish merchant James Hunter commenced an iron manufactory a short distance up the Rappahannock River from Falmouth. His business grew into what is arguably the largest manufacturing facility in colonial America. During the American Re... Read More

HunterHunter's Iron Works Symposium
June 04, 2026 - June 06, 2026
Stafford County

This is a 2 day event to highlight the story of Hunter's Iron Works. James Hunter’s Iron Works, also known as Rappahannock Forge, was located east of Falmouth. It was Stafford’s major industrial enterprise and one of Virginia’s and America... Read More

Sail250 VirginiaSail250 Virginia
June 19, 2026 - June 23, 2026
City of Norfolk

In June 2026, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region will welcome an international fleet of tall ships, military vessels, and character ships to commemorate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. This milestone maritime festival - Sa... Read More

4th of July Parade - 2026 / Greene County 4th of July Parade - 2026 / Greene County
July 04, 2026 - July 04, 2026
Greene County

Montpelier Chapter, NSDAR will have a walking unit in the Greene County 4th of July parade in 2026. The chapter members will be passing out miniature scrolls of the Declaration of Independence to the parade attendees. ... Read More

 

 

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