CW Planner

Candlelight Organ Recital - Rebecca Davy

Enjoy a varied program of music by Rebecca Davy, music director & organist at Bruton Parish Church.

Chamber Recital: Music from an English Garden

See this beautiful 300-year-old worship center and enjoy Music from an English Garden presented by Sarah Taylor, Colin Ruffer, Diana Ruffer, and JanEl Will.

Choral Concert - Radford Singers

Enjoy the voices of the Radford Singers from Radford University in Radford, Virginia, directed by Meredith Bowen.

Choral Evensong of Remembrance

Join us for a choral evensong of remembrance in honor of James (Jock) S. Darling, former Choirmaster of Bruton Parish.

Civil Discourse & Common Ground

Brought to you by The Williamsburg Institute, witness an unprecedented exchange between great influencers of the 18th century: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Gowan Pamphlet.

Conversation: Meet a Nation Builder

Find a Nation Builder, a significant figure of 18th-century Williamsburg, around the Palace Green for some informal conversation.

Conversation: Meet a Person of the Past

Find people of the past in front of the William Pitt Store for some informal conversation or activity.

DIY Craft: Quilting

Discover the story of Arlonzia Pettway, quilter, and enjoy a mini quilting project.

Early Music Chamber Recital

Enjoy this Early Music Chamber Recital with Sophie Genevieve Lowe on baroque violin, Ryan Lowe on baroque cello, and Rebecca Davy on harpsichord.

Evening Program: Cry Witch

Question witnesses, weigh evidence, and determine the guilt or innocence of "the Virginia Witch." Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion.

Evening Program: Haunted Williamsburg

Brave centuries of scares, from 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters!

Evening Program: Music at the Raleigh Tavern

Explore how music shaped identity in the newly independent United States through musical entertainment featuring songs and pieces enjoyed in post-Revolutionary America.

Evening Program: Palace Concert

Colonial Williamsburg's early music ensemble, the Governor's Musick, offers an elegant evening of chamber music.

Evening Program: Revolutionary Points of View

Step back in time to the eve of the American Revolution, and there are just as many opinions about war and independence as we hear about politics and religion today.

Evening Program: To Hang a Pirate

Join us in a trial of a Blackbeard crew member that occurred in Williamsburg in 1719. Hear the evidence and make a judgment!

Event: Crystal Carols

Dean Shostak returns to the Kimball Theatre with his popular holiday show on glass armonica, glass violin, and crystal handbells. Featured on PBS, CNN, and The History Channel.

Event: Holiday Pops - Williamsburg Symphony

Ring in the season with The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Michael Butterman, featuring tenor John Riesen. Tickets at www.williamsburgsymphony.org.

For Donors: Visit a Nation Builder

Donors who contribute $250 or more annually to the Colonial Williamsburg Fund are invited to visit with a Nation Builder.

Hands-On: Fire a Flintlock Musket

Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms used during the Revolutionary War.

Hands-On: Shoulder Your Firelocks!

Engage in a military drill, learning the tactics and drills of the 18th-century soldier.

Hands-on: Daily Life

Participate in the daily activities of an 18th-century family at the Geddy House.

Harpsichord Recital - Dr. Anita Renfroe

Enjoy a recital with Dr. Anita Renfroe, retired professor of music from Millersville University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Historic Organ Recital - Norman Elton

Norman Elton, organist at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital - Rebecca Davy

Rebecca Davy, Music Director at Bruton Parish Church, gives a recital on the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments.

Historic Organ Recital with Thomas Marshall

Enjoy this Historic Organ Recital in the Wren Chapel at the College of William & Mary performed by Thomas Marshall, organist at Williamsburg United Methodist Church.

Home School Hands-On: Art

Explore the Galleries at the Art Museums, then drop by the Goode Education Studio and create art inspired by objects on exhibit.

Homeschool Hands-On: First Baptist Church Site

Participate in an activity where you can learn what the science of archaeology is like.

Homeschool Hands-On: Importance of Tobacco

Visit the Ewing field to see some tobacco firsthand, then learn about how tobacco shaped the basis of the economy.

Homeschool Presentation: Order in the Court

Participate in a local court session where lives, liberties, and property are contested.

Homeschool Tour: Capitol

Students and their families are invited on an engaging and interactive tour of Virginia’s second capitol building.

Homeschool Tour: Palace

The Royal Governor of Virginia wielded great influence over the colony of Virginia. See how that authority, power, and wealth set the Governor above Williamsburg's residents.

Homeschool Workshop: Silversmith

Make a copper bracelet with the Silversmiths.

Indigenous Short Films

Richmond's acclaimed Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival comes to Williamsburg to share a series of short films written, directed, and produced by Indigenous artists.

Museum Discoveries: The Public Hospital of 1773

Visit the Public Hospital of 1773 for a discussion about 18th-century mental health and the history of the reconstructed mental hospital.

Music: Domestic Diversions

Listen to musical pieces best suited for the intimate settings of an 18th-century home on the organized piano in the Leckie Gallery.

Music: Early American

Explore the influence and enjoy the music that has come from nearby and distant shores to shape the music of Early America.

Music: Fife & Drum

Watch and listen to the Fifes and Drums as they demonstrate the music and drill of various military ceremonies from an 18th-century soldier's working day.

Music: Fife & Drum March

The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, representing military field musicians, march from the Capitol to the Palace Green.

Music: Governor's Musick at the Art Museums

Join members of the Governor’s Musick in the Hennage Auditorium as they present some of their favorite topics.

Music: Governor's Musick in the Wythe Parlor

Join members of the Governor’s Musick in the gentry setting of the Wythe House Parlor as they illustrate domestic music on period instruments.

Music: The Art of Fifing & Drumming

Join the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums as they demonstrate the many musical tasks and ceremonies that occurred throughout a revolutionary soldier's day.

Oboe, Organ & Harpsichord Recital

Enjoy a candlelit concert of oboe, organ, and harpsichord music in an elegant historic church, presented Melinda McKenzie, oboe, and Rebecca Davy, organ and harpsichord.

Organ Recital - Christopher Reynolds

Enjoy a recital in this 300-year-old worship space performed by Christopher Reynolds, organist from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Organ Recital - Dr. James Mellichamp

See this beautiful 18th-century worship center and experience a candlelit recital by Dr. James Mellichamp, professor emeritus at Piedmont University.

Organ Recital - Dr. JanEl Will

Enjoy a candlelit recital by Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish Church.

Organ Recital - Justin Oei

Experience a candlelit recital by Justin Oei, organist from St. James' Episcopal Church in Skaneateles, New York, in this 300-year-old worship space.

Performance: A Soldier's Journey

Meet John Jarret Carter, a solider in Washington’s army and a barkeep in Williamsburg. The year is 1781 and Williamsburg stands on brink of invasion!

Performance: All Things Are Possible

Robert Carter III discusses his inner struggles and new-found faith that will lead him to an extraordinary decision and an equally remarkable action.

Performance: Designing Virginia's Seal

Join George Mason and George Wythe as committee members to design the new seal of a free and independent Virginia.

Performance: Entertainments at the Play House

Jug Broke Theatre Co. members discuss and demonstrate the 18th-century theatre world as it pertains to Williamsburg, both past and present.

Performance: Forgotten Hero: General Rochambeau

Join French General Rochambeau as he discusses his role in the American Revolution, specifically during the Yorktown campaign.

Performance: From Freedom to Slavery

After making a free life for herself as an adopted Shawnee Indian, Methotaskee is brought back into slavery.

Performance: Gulliver's Travels

Join us in a humorous retelling of Jonathan Swift's 18th-century novel Gulliver's Travels, read the world over since 1726.

Performance: Highland Jubilee

In this interpretive concert, the Jug Broke Theatre Co. plays the tunes, songs, and poetry of Scottish origin that would have been heard here in Williamsburg.

Performance: My Dear Madam

Mrs. Washington reflects on her life in the public eye and how her friendship with Mrs. Adams has shaped the role of the president’s lady.

Performance: My Story; My Voice

Witness a compelling story from the life of an 18th-century person, then hear from the actor interpreter as they share how they discover and bring to life a voice from the past.

Performance: Play House of Horror

Horror-as-entertainment was as popular in the 18th century as it is today, and in both centuries, it was fodder for fun as much as fear!

Performance: Street Theater

The Williamsburg community comes to life in this street theatre experience exploring the daily lives of ordinary people during extraordinary times.

Performance: To Purchase a Likely Man

Join Colonel and Mrs. Washington as they discuss the intricacies and complexities of purchasing a pair of enslaved brothers.

Performance: Visit a Nation Builder

Step into the past with a Nation Builder. Through stories, discussion, and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges they faced.

Performance: Visit with Ann Wager

Step into the past with Ann Wager, Educator of free and enslaved children. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges she faced.

Performance: Visit with Colonel George Washington

Step into the past with George Washington, Colonel of the Virginia Regiment. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with General George Washington

Step into the past with George Washington, father of the country. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with George Wythe

Step into the past with George Wythe, teacher, lawyer, judge, and revolutionary. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with James Madison

Step into the past with James Madison, Scholar Statesman.

Performance: Visit with Marquis de Lafayette

Step into the past with the Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of two worlds. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with Martha Washington

Step into the past with Martha Washington, our Nation’s first First Lady. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges she faced.

Performance: Visit with Patrick Henry

Step into the past with Patrick Henry, the Revolution’s son of thunder. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with Reverend Gowan Pamphlet

Step into the past with Gowan Pamphlet, revolutionary Black Baptist preacher. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.

Performance: Visit with Thomas Jefferson

Step into the past with Thomas Jefferson, The Rebellious Philosophe.

Performance:Cost of War

Colonel George Washington discusses the Seven Years' War and its high cost to combatants and non-combatants alike.

Presentation: Deed Without a Name

Discover the tale of this musical theater playwright, who lost his career due to public exposure of his homosexuality. Mature subject matter, audience discretion advised.

Presentation: Excavation to Programming

Join a Nation Builder and a Colonial Williamsburg Archaeologist as they discuss important sites in Williamsburg from the 18th century to today.

Presentation: Good Stories about Great Stuff

Join a curator, conservator, educator, archaeologist, or historian to discover who created the object, who owned it, and how it ended up in the Colonial Williamsburg Collection.

Presentation: Good Stories about Great Stuff Kids

Calling all KIDS! Join us as we explore stories about objects chosen just for YOU!

Presentation: Life and Character of Washington

In this series of seven lectures, Professor Henriques details what he views as the seven stages of George Washington's life.

Presentation: Musket Demonstration

Military Programs staff will demonstrate the loading and firing of the musket. Experience the sounds and smells a soldier experienced during the Revolution.

Presentation: Order in the Court

After a short exploration of the Courthouse and its surroundings, participate in a local court session where lives, liberties, and property are contested.

Presentation: Pride not Prejudice

This program creates a framework for understanding the connections between the past and the present, inspiring future researchers, allies, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Presentation: Students of Brafferton Indian School

Join Fallon Burner, historian, on an Indigenous tour of 18th-century Williamsburg while introducing the legacy of four centuries of Indian School projects in North America.

Presentation: The Necessity of Order in Battle

Witness a demonstration of tactics that are crucial to success in combat.

Public Auction

Take part in an exciting auction! Bid on selected items from Colonial Williamsburg stores as well as exclusive items not available elsewhere.

Special Event: 250 Years of Eastern State Hospital

Join us on the front lawn of the Public Hospital of 1773 on Francis Street, Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 2 p.m. to commemorate 250 years of organized Mental Healthcare.

Special Event: 250 Years of VA Mental Healthcare

Join the discussion of Mental Healthcare in Virginia from 1773-2023 with a panel of mental healthcare practitioners and historians.

Special Event: A Veterans Day Salute & Procession

Join us this Veterans Day weekend for a march and ceremony honoring America's veterans.

Special Event: Create Art

Explore the galleries at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, then drop by the Goode Education studio and create art inspired by Eddie Arning, a self-taught artist.

Special Event: Custis Square Community Open House

Join us for a day of archaeology at Custis Square! Free flow exploration all day and conversations with George and Martha Washington.

Special Event: Dr. King Davis

This presentation highlights key people, policy decisions, and contributions made by the development of Eastern State Hospital as the nation’s first.

Special Event: Explore the Public Hospital of 1773

Explore the Public Hospital of 1773 for a discussion about 18th-century mental health and the history of the reconstructed mental hospital.

Special Event: Firing of the Brick Kiln

Fall is time to fire the bricks! Come see the kiln fires rage as the bricks reach a temperature of over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Special Event: Heal Thy Self

Witness a compelling story set in 1777 from the life of Doctor John Galt, then hear from the actor interpreter who portrays him.

Special Event: Idea of America Seminar

The Idea of America Seminar explores how shared values have shaped our American identity and how you can apply them to the fundamental issues facing our nation today.

Special Event: John Minson Galt II

Join Dr. Kelly Brennan as she discusses the life and work of John Minson Galt II, the first Superintendent of Eastern Lunatic Asylum of Virginia.

Special Event: Lighting of the Cressets

Join us on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night.

Special Event: Patient Care at the Public Hospital

Join Margaret Perry, apprentice apothecary, as she discusses Patients and Patient Care at the Public Hospital.

Special Event: Pop-Up Archaeology!

Stop by the Art Museums for a special pop-up exhibition of artifacts from the Public Hospital of 1773 discovered through archaeology.

Special Event: Salute to the Heroes

A lone bagpiper plays from the Governor's Palace in a heartfelt tribute to honor those men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Special Event: The Arts and Mysteries of Brewing

Enjoy this enlightening demonstration of the brewing process as it was practiced in the 18th century.

Special Event: The Making of the Public Hospital

Join Christina Westenberger, manager of gallery learning, as she discusses the Public Hospital of 1773.

Special Event: Veterans Day Proclamation

Our Veterans Day begins at 10 a.m. with a ceremony on Palace Green honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Tour: Arboretum Central Historic Area

Learn about some of Colonial Williamsburg's most asked-about trees, how the colonists used them, and how they continue to be important today.

Tour: Art Museums Overview

Join us on a 20-minute guided tour and enjoy some Museum favorites at a glance.

Tour: Bassett Trace Nature Walk

Take a leisurely stroll on Bassett Trace Nature Trail and learn about Virginia’s wildlife and native habitats. If you like nature and enjoy being outdoors, this walk is for you!

Tour: Black Artists and Artisans

Tour the museum galleries, including the “I Made This” exhibition, to explore decorative arts and folk art made by Black American artists and artisans.

Tour: Custis Square Archaeology

Take a guided tour and talk with archaeologists in the field about the current archaeological investigations at John Custis IV’s four-acre home and early 18th-century gardens.

Tour: Designer in Residence

Explore the interior of the oldest frame house in Virginia (circa 1695) and discover how Designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas reimagined these spaces for today.

Tour: Freedom's Paradox

Explore the paradox of the institution of slavery and the movement for independence in a 60-minute walking tour that begins and ends at the Randolph Yard.

Tour: Meet the Gardener

Garden volunteers answer questions about growing flowers and vegetables in the Historic Area.

Tour: Robert Carter House

Explore the processes used to investigate this unfurnished 18th-century house while learning about the Robert Carter family and the enslaved and free individuals who lived here.

Tour: Stables Behind-The-Scenes

Get a behind-the-scenes look at our modern stables and learn more about our carriages.

Trombone Ensembles Concert

Enjoy this candlelit concert by the Trespuntá Trombone Quartet from Colombia, South America, joined by the VCU Trombone Choir & Friends.