Experience Sail 250, Virginia’s maritime wonders and VA250’s historic events honoring the nation’s founding and the Commonwealth’s legacy
Virginia is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2025 and 2026, blending history, culture and patriotic pride into a host of remarkable events. Sail 250Virginia and VA250 will honor the Commonwealth’s integral role in shaping the nation’s founding ideals and maritime heritage. These festivities promise something for everyone, from breathtaking parades of tall ships and free public concerts to deeply moving commemorations of Virginia’s history and diverse communities. With celebrations spanning the Chesapeake Bay region and key historical sites statewide, 2026 will be a year to remember. Put simply, history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and those just looking for family-friendly excitement will all want to be in the Commonwealth as 2026 approaches.
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Sail250® Virginia
Virginia will play a key role in America’s semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026, hosting Sail250® Virginia from June 19 to June 23. As part of the nation’s Sail250® America tour, Virginia has been selected as one of five official ports, alongside New Orleans, Baltimore, New York and Boston. This milestone maritime festival will transform the Chesapeake Bay region into a vibrant hub of history, culture, and international camaraderie.
The festival will welcome more than 55 of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships from at least 20 nations, accompanied by 7,000 sailors, officers and dignitaries. The spectacular Parade of Sail, a tradition of maritime pageantry, will usher the fleet into the Hampton Roads harbor on June 19. Norfolk will serve as the main host city, offering free public ship tours, dynamic concerts, dazzling fireworks, and engaging educational programs through June 23.
Affiliate harbors across the Chesapeake Bay region, including Smithfield/Isle of Wight County, will enhance the festivities. As a new affiliate, Smithfield will host ships and events the preceding weekend, June 12–15, adding depth to the celebration. Sail250® Virginia is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the grandeur of maritime history while commemorating 250 years of American independence. With parades, festivals, and a lineup of free, family-friendly activities, it promises to captivate locals and visitors alike. Keep an eye on sail250virginia.com for event updates and details on howto experience this historic celebration.
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VA250
Beyond the beauty and excitement of Sail250 Virginia, the broader VA250 celebrations will commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence, marking this important national milestone by uniting Virginians and inviting groups to explore where so much history has taken place. Visit Virginia.org/groups/va250 for suggested group itineraries, attractions and events.
To make VA250 special, there are numerous high-profile events—spread throughout the state—to mark the semiquincentennial. One example is the Virginia International Tattoo, which will feature an awe-inspiring cast of more than 800 civilian and military performers from seven nations. In 1997, the Virginia Arts Festival presented Norfolk with what has now become a staple to Norfolk’s performing arts scene: The Virginia International Tattoo. The Tattoo blends tradition and entertainment in the form of bagpipers, military bands, fife and drum corps and drill teams that make up the hundreds of performers who come to Virginia once a year for the festival.
In 2026, the Tattoo will take place April 16-19 and will again be a spectacle as this Special Edition Tattoo 250 will have an American Revolution theme. Come visit as the Tattoo will explore Britain’s Colonial Settlements in Jamestown and Williamsburg, learn about Pre-Revolutionary America and our discontent with British Rule.
Fourth of July
Another set of special events sure to evoke patriotic sentiments is VA250’s Fourth of July celebrations, including fireworks on July 3, 2025 at Rivers Edge Park in Roanoke; on July 4, 2025 at Fort Monroe in Hampton; and on July 4, 2026 in Colonial Williamsburg. Is there a better way to mark this country’s birthday than with dazzling light shows? This series of Independence Day events will be spectacular, as evidenced by the success of the July 4, 2024 event at the Virginia State Capitol. There, VA250® brought the Commonwealth’s capital city to life with distinguished speakers and a mesmerizing drone show. Expect something similar if you choose to take part in Virginia’s Fourth of July celebrations in 2025 and 2026.
American Revolution Museum
Virginia’s upcoming celebrations offer visitors a chance to dive deeper into our national history through other compelling activities—and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown stands out as a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
Located near the site of the decisive Battle of Yorktown, this immersive museum provides a comprehensive look at the American Revolution’s transformative journey. Indoor galleries feature a wealth of period artifacts, interactive exhibits, and dramatic films, including the 180-degree surround-screen experience, “The Siege of Yorktown.” Guests can trace the progression from colonial unrest to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution through exhibits that highlight the diverse personal stories of ordinary citizens and soldiers. The museum’s outdoor living-history areas bring history to life with re-created settings like a Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm. Visitors can participate in hands-on demonstrations, from musket drills to 18th-century farming chores, providing a dynamic and educational experience for all ages.
For groups planning special events, the museum offers unique venue options, from 18th-century-themed indoor spaces to expansive outdoor settings. Whether hosting a small gathering or an event for over 1,000 attendees, the museum provides a memorable backdrop steeped in history.
Other museums and historical attractions
Aberdeen Gardens Museum in Hampton is another classics top: It celebrates the history and heritage of the historic Aberdeen Gardens, built for and by African Americans in 1935. The museum is group friendly as groups of 15-20cantour the interior of the house while others explore the six historic markers surrounding the property.
The Williamsburg Bray School is the oldest extant building dedicated to the education of Black children in the United States, located in Williamsburg. Established in 1760 by the Associates of Dr. Bray, an Anglican charity based in England, the school’s faith-based curriculum justified slavery and encouraged those that who were enslaved to accept their destinies. In November of 2024,250 years after its closing, the school saw a ceremony that commemorates its legacy as the oldest extant building in the United States dedicated to the education of black children.
Another group-friendly destination is the Historic Emanuel AME Church in Portsmouth, the oldest African American church in the area and a moving site to visit.
As the nation reflects on its 250 years of independence, Virginia stands ready to lead the celebrations with a rich blend of historical reverence and vibrant festivities. Mark your calendar for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences that honor the past and embrace the future. Immerse yourself in Virginia’s unique role in the nation’s story. Join the Commonwealth in celebrating the ideals, sacrifices, and triumphs that have defined America since 1776.
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