There’s never been a more exciting time to visit Williamsburg than during America’s 250th anniversary celebration. As the city where revolutionary ideas took root, Williamsburg will be at the center of the nation’s Semiquincentennial festivities with unforgettable living history, patriotic ceremonies, concerts, and spectacular fireworks.
At Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast, you’ll enjoy a peaceful retreat just minutes from all the excitement. Start each morning with a homemade breakfast before heading into the Historic Area, then return each evening to relax among our beautiful gardens after a day filled with history and celebration.
If you’re joining us for the holiday weekend, here’s our favorite three-day itinerary.
Thursday, July 2: Settle In & Step Back in Time
Morning & Afternoon
Spend your first day exploring Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. Wander Duke of Gloucester Street, watch skilled tradespeople at work, tour the Governor’s Palace, and visit the Capitol where many of the conversations that shaped America began.
Take your time browsing the unique shops and museums while enjoying costumed interpreters bringing the 18th century to life.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic taverns for an authentic colonial-inspired meal or check out our list of restaurant recommendations here.
Evening
Attend the Great American Dance Party on the Palace Green from 7-9 PM with special guests, Good Shot Judy providing the tunes
Friday, July 3: Explore the Historic Triangle
After breakfast, venture beyond Williamsburg to experience more of the birthplace of America.
Morning: Jamestown
Visit Historic Jamestowne or Jamestown Settlement to discover where America’s first permanent English colony began more than 400 years ago.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch overlooking the James River before continuing your adventure.
Afternoon: Yorktown
Drive to Yorktown, where the Revolutionary War reached its decisive conclusion. Walk the waterfront, visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and explore the charming historic village.
Many special exhibits and commemorative events throughout 2026 highlight the region’s pivotal role in America’s founding.
Evening
Visit Sweet Haven Lavender Farm for their Truetone Honeys, join the Williamsburg Ghost & Taverns Pub Crawl and explore local taverns with haunted tales, listen to the Alison Brown Quintet in Merchants Square for a free outdoor concert, or head to the Muscarelle Art museum for music, art activities and exhibitions, and demonstrations.
Saturday, July 4: America Turns 250
Saturday, July 4 – America’s 250th Birthday
This day is packed from morning until night. You can check out the full list of activities offered here, but we’ve listed the highlights below.
Guests shouldn’t miss:
9:30 AM
- Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson from the Capitol Balcony.
10:30 AM
- A Salute to the States at the Military Encampment featuring a special military muster.
11:00 AM
- “The Virginia Declaration of Rights” with George Mason at the Hennage Auditorium in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg OR
- Visit with James Madison at the Governor’s palace stage
11:30 AM
- Revolutionary weapons and military tactics demonstration: Freedom and the Fog of War at the Military Encampment
Noon
- Williamsburg Declares at Raleigh Tavern, exploring Williamsburg’s role in declaring independence in front of the Raleigh Tavern
1:00 PM
- Visit with George Washington at the Charleton Stage OR
- Visit with Martha Washington at the Governor’s Palace Stage
2:00 PM
- Under Arms: Training the Grand Army, an interactive military drill where visitors can participate at the Military Encampment OR
- Pursuing Happiness, observe imagined discussions between Thomas Jefferson, John Locke, and King George at the Hennage Auditorium in the Art Museum Colonial Williamsburg
3:00 PM
- Visit with Patrick Henry at the Governor’s Palace Stage
4:00 PM
- Beat the Retreat: Marching to a New Nation, featuring General George Washington leading a ceremonial march
4:30 PM
- 1776: The Trial for Independence, a dramatic presentation on the birth of the nation in front of Charleton’s Coffeehouse
5:30 PM
8:00 PM
- America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together — a live national PBS celebration featuring performances by singer-songwriter Judy Collins, filmmaker Ken Burns, Michael Feinstein, Kelli O’Hara, Richard Thomas, Adrienne Warren, Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes & Drums, and many more.
9:25 PM
- A spectacular drone show over Market Square behind the Court House
Approximately 9:35 PM
- One of the largest fireworks displays in Williamsburg history over the Palace Green.
Stay Close to History at Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast
Whether you’re visiting for America’s 250th celebration or planning a future getaway, Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast offers the perfect blend of Southern hospitality, comfort, and convenience.
Located just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, our peaceful gardens provide a relaxing escape after exciting days exploring the Historic Triangle.
The 250th anniversary will be one of the busiest travel seasons Williamsburg has ever experienced, so we encourage guests to reserve their stay well in advance.
We look forward to welcoming you as America celebrates 250 years of history right here where so much of it began.