Celebrate Williamsburg: Festivals, Markets, and MVW Owner Events

There’s so much more to Williamsburg than its charming Colonial center. It’s also a place for arts and culture with great contributions from William & Mary university. It’s a home for world-class golf courses, nature trails, and bike paths. And its surrounding agricultural areas and waterways supply the ingredients for every outstanding restaurant in the area.

Group these entertainment options with Williamsburg’s temperate climate, and it sets the stage for a full calendar of events, markets, and festivals throughout the year.*

And Marriott Vacation Club^® Owners have special events just for them!

Farmers Markets
When: April through October

The fertile soils of Virginia’s tidewaters provide ample produce for the weekly Williamsburg Farmers Market on Saturday mornings April through October. Wander the blocks of vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, arts and crafts, and mementos from Virginia. And the fun doesn’t stop there. Just down the road, the Yorktown Market Days Food and Artisans Market happens at the same time comes with a view of the York River.

Art on the Square
When: April

Springtime in Williamsburg is truly magical. The Colonial center bursts into beautiful blossoming flowers, sunlight bathes the bricks in a warm glow, and the longer days allow for temperate evening strolls. It’s sure to inspire the artist in you. Later in the month, Art on the Square brings artists from near and far to display their work along the avenues of Colonial Williamsburg.

Historic Garden Week
When: Late April

The annual statewide celebration of Virginia’s gardens offers the chance to see inside some of the area’s notable homes and gardens. The Williamsburg Garden Club provides floral arrangements in each of the homes to reflect the beauty of the season indoors. Proceeds of the tour go to preserve and restore Virginia’s historic gardens and landscapes.

Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens
When: Late April through mid-June, Thursdays through Sundays

For over a decade, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has hosted the Food & Wine Festival on spring weekends, offering menus from around the world to sample throughout the park. This popular event includes wine and whiskey tastings as well as local beers and live music to accompany the international fare.

Virginia Arts Festival
When: Mid-June

The Virginia Arts Festival programs cultural events throughout the Tidewater area, but June brings several prominent musical acts to Williamsburg for Williamsburg Live. This outdoor event takes place on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

Independence Day
When: July 4

Colonial Williamsburg is the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day. The festivities include a reading of the Declaration of Independence by a Thomas Jefferson interpreter, performances by the Fife and Drum corps, and of course, fireworks — the latter display explodes above the Governor’s Palace in the evening and are visible from all around the historic center. And the best part? Admission to the historic festivities is free.

Constitution Day
When: Mid-September

Celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution with panel discussions, music performances, and historic interpreters on the lawn of the Art Museums.

Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival
When: Early October

The Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival features wines from area wineries, as well as from the regions of France and Germany that are home to Yorktown’s sister cities, Zweibrücken and Port-Vendres. Live music and food are offered, as is the Virginia Craft Beer Garden.

Grand Illumination
When: December

Probably the most beloved of Williamsburg’s festivals is the Grand Illumination, which marks the start of the holiday season. Taking place the first three Saturdays of December, the Grand Illumination finds the central Colonial district decked out in its finest holiday decor while strolling musicians entertain the crowds. The event has been held since the 1930s, but in recent years has added a Yule Log Procession culminating in a large bonfire. And of course, the Grand Illumination must finish with fireworks. The festive spectacle is great fun for any age.

Exclusive Owner Events
When: Throughout the year

Marriott Vacation Club Owners can experience Williamsburg in a whole new way at an Exclusive Owner Event using Club Points.1 You’ll meet fellow Owners on an exciting vacation filled with amazing experiences and unforgettable memories. Feel the best of both worlds with a golf or spa day. See the shining lights VIP-style at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town. Or see a country superstar live and in person.

Are you a Vistana^® Owner? If you elect for Club Points, you’ll be able to take advantage of these great events as well. 

And check out the other exclusive events created just for you using StarOptions® in other cities.

Where to Stay:
Experience a glimpse into the United States’ past in Williamsburg. Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony is your gateway to the country’s history as well as the modern conveniences of today. See the past come alive at Colonial Williamsburg and visit the historic sites in the region. Want something a bit more modern? Play a scenic round of golf or visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a repeat award winner for the world’s most beautiful theme park from the National Amusement Park Historical Association.