You autumn love the events Historic Yorktown has in store this September to November! From special-themed markets that house a cornucopia of treasures to wine, beer, and tea festivals that put you into the spirit of the season, there’s something for everyone! Attend free concerts that will have you dancing like a leaf in the wind, dive into celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, and immerse yourself in an art show that captures creativity with every brushstroke.
September
Rhythms on the Riverwalk
Thursdays, Sept. 5-Oct. 10
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Riverwalk Landing
Feeling groovy? Enjoy talented blues and swing musicians, a scenic location, delicious food, and hours of fun. The only things you have to bring are your dancing shoes and a lawn chair or blanket.
First Responders Market
Saturday, Sept. 7
8 a.m. to noon
Riverwalk Landing
Spend your morning saluting firefighters, deputies, 911 dispatchers, and other first responders at this family-friendly event featuring emergency vehicles, educational opportunities, and a market with seasonal produce, fresh seafood, handmade goods, and more.
1781 Yorktown Before the Siege
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7 & 8
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Historic Main Street
Experience Historic Yorktown as it appeared in September 1781, under the occupation of British forces commanded by Lieutenant General Charles, Earl Cornwallis. Witness the British fortifying Yorktown, observe soldiers drilling and performing daily duties, and see locals going about their business, all while learning about the last major land battle of the American Rebellion.
Yorktown Market Days
Saturdays, Sept. 14, 21 & 28
8 a.m. to noon
Riverwalk Landing
Purchase seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, meats, honey, eggs, glassware, leather goods, handcrafted artwork, and more. Listen to local musicians perform while you shop.
Yorktown Art Stroll
Sunday, Sept. 29
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Riverwalk Landing & Freight Shed
Canvas the area as dozens of talented artists will display their work in and around the Freight Shed at this annual event.
October
In Yorktown, October means more than just pumpkin picking, fall foliage, and bonfires. It’s a time to enjoy craft beer and wine, celebrate the love of a furry pet, and rake in history lessons about the birth of our nation.
Yorktown Wine Festival
Saturday, Oct. 5
Noon to 6 p.m.
Riverwalk Landing
$50 per person
Along with this grand tasting of wines from Virginia and beyond, you can enjoy live music, delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks, a beer garden, and the work of talented artisans.
Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 12
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Riverwalk Landing
Shop from vendors and artists selling seasonal favorites like pumpkins, mums, autumn-inspired art, kettle corn, and caramel apples. Partake in free, family-oriented activities like pumpkin painting, face painting, and a petting zoo.
Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour
Friday, Oct. 18
3 to 5 p.m.
Yorktown Waterfront & Freight Shed
This event marks the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s historic tour and will feature lectures, reenactments, and family-friendly events to celebrate our alliance with France and the founding of our nation.
Yorktown Victory Market
Saturday, Oct. 19
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Riverwalk Landing
The sweet smells of victory will permeate the air during this inaugural market, where red, white, and blue will be on full display. Shop for revolutionary foods and artwork; learn about Lafayette on a Storytelling Trail; observe a cooking demo; and more.
Yorktown Day
Saturday, Oct. 19
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Victory Monument & Historic Main Street
Join in the festivities to commemorate the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 and the Revolutionary War victory that paved the way for America and her freedom. The day begins with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a patriotic parade down Main Street.
Paws at the River
Saturday, Oct. 26
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Riverwalk Landing
This paws-itively adorable, annual event brings awareness to animal rescue organizations and helps place adoptable pets in their “furever” homes. The day features a pet portrait station, doggy delights, info booths, and a pet costume contest.
Yorktoberfest
Sunday, Oct. 27
Noon to 5:30 p.m.
Riverwalk Landing
$30-$55 per person
Sample more than 40 beers (unlimited tastings), ciders, and more, from Coastal Virginia at this annual event hosted by the York County Chamber of Commerce.
November
This Thanksgiving, Yorktown will give you a lot to be grateful for — three unique markets, a historical celebration, and an appetizing learning experience you won’t forget.
York County Vintage Market
Saturday, Nov. 2
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McReynolds Athletic Complex
Browse for collectibles, antiques, art, accessories, and unique home décor. Live entertainment and food trucks will also be on hand.
Yorktown Tea Festival
Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 6-8
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Historic Main Street, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown & the Watermen’s Museum
$50 per person, per day
Immerse yourself in the world of tea as you sample and learn about historic teas and herbal blends, as well as explore the culture and politics of tea on the eve of the American Revolution.
250th Anniversary of the Yorktown Tea Party
Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 6-10
Times vary daily
Townwide
The week will be filled with festive and patriotic events to celebrate the time when Thomas Nelson Jr. and his group of fellow patriots marched to the Yorktown waterfront and threw two chests of tea overboard. Enjoy concerts, reenactments, ship tours, a Colonial Tea Ball and much more.
Maritime Festival
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9 & 10
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Riverwalk Landing
Sample some of the best seafood in the area including clam chowder, Virginia blue crabs, and fresh fried fish. Artisans will be selling nautical-inspired jewelry and art, and pirates will invade the area to talk to kids about seafaring life.
Harvest Festival
Saturday, Nov. 16
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Riverwalk Landing
Kids of all ages will delight in this autumn extravaganza featuring a live animal show, petting zoo, balloon art, inflatable axe throwing, and a hay ride. Pick up holiday staples like turkey and pumpkin pie, as well as handcrafted items from local jewelers, painters, and photographers.
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