WILLIAMSBURG — Visit Williamsburg announced that it will host Williamsburg’s first Pancake Festival Sept. 26-27 with CultureFix.
The event will celebrate the city’s title as the Pancake Capital of the World, with more pancake house restaurant options than any other town. Visit Williamsburg promises an event packed with delicious food, lively entertainment and family-friendly fun.
“We’ve embraced our identity as the Pancake Capital of the World, and now we’re serving up a festival that reflects the warmth, creativity, and community spirit Williamsburg is known for,” said Edward Harris, CEO of Visit Williamsburg. “Our hope is that this becomes an annual tradition that not only brings residents together but also draws visitors from near and far to experience all the charm our destination has to offer.”
Festivities kick off on National Pancake Day, Friday, Sept. 26, with an evening of pancakes, swag and live entertainment at the Hellenic Center. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite PJs to this ticketed event, which will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Visit Williamsburg said highlights include a menu of breakfast favorites, a performance by the upbeat Tidewater Drive Band, a “Pancake Lab” sponsored by Capitol Pancake House, a kids’ zone where little ones can get creative decorating their own pancakes with delicious and imaginative toppings and face painting at both events.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, the celebration moves outdoors to Duke of Gloucester Street in Merchant’s Square during the Farmers Market, with family-friendly activities including the Sausage Sprint, a dachshund dog race presented by Zoom Room. Other activities include a pancake-themed children’s book reading and the World Pancake Eating Championship, where professional eaters like Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry will compete in a pancake showdown, with pancakes sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg.
In addition to the festival, Visit Williamsburg and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce are launching the Pancake Trail, an interactive way for locals and visitors to explore Williamsburg’s breakfast scene.
Throughout September, participants can download the trail on their phones and check in at participating pancake restaurants such as Shorty’s Diner in Yorktown, Astronomical Pancake House and Southern Pancake Waffle House to earn points for a keepsake T-shirt and a ticket to the Friday festival.
Ticket prices for the Pancake Festival on Friday, Sept. 26, range from $20 for adults to $15 for teenagers. Children and college kids receive free admission, as do those who participate in the Pancake Trail. For tickets, vendor inquiries, or more information about the Pancake Festival and register for the Pancake Trail Pass, please visit visitwilliamsburg.com.
