Special Events
About
James City County Parks & Recreation offers a variety of large and small-scale special events that provide unique year-round experiences for residents and tourists. Below is a list of annual events – for more specific information about dates of current offerings, please refer to the Special Events section of the Destination Recreation Activity Brochure.
Family Fun Night - TBA
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Join us for a night of family FUN and entertainment. Enjoy gym games, create various craft projects, splash in the pool, dance to some tunes, play racquetball or old-fashioned board games! Preregistration recommended. If preregistering, please register everyone who is attending! Children must be accompanied by an adult! $5 for ages 13+; FREE for 12 and younger.
Summer Camps Fair - April 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
James City County Parks & Recreation and Williamsburg Families partner annually on this event! The fair features camps for pre-K through high school. Day camps as well as sleep away camps! Register for camps in person or just gather information. First 200 attendees receive Swag Bags full of great gifts and items! FREE! Info: Kristy Manor at kristy.wf@gmail.com or Olivia Bada at Olivia.wf@gmail.com.
*Weather permitting.
Fido Fest - March 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185
Don’t miss the PAW-ty! Grab your leash and get to the park with your furry friend for a great time! Family and dog-friendly activities, games, contests, fabulous food ($) and more awaits you! Merchandise ($) and community vendors will also be present. Co-sponsor: Heritage Humane Society. Parking: $5 per car.
*Weather permitting
*Outdoor events are weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
New Town Tunes - May 31, June 7, 14 & 21
5:30-8 p.m.
Sullivan Square (behind Legacy Hall) in New Town, 4301 New Town Avenue
Come out and enjoy this Wednesday evening concert series right in the heart of New Town. Bring your lawn chair, blanket and cooler. Food and beverages available for purchase. Co-hosted by New Town and CultureFix. Gates open at 5 p.m. Music begins at 5:30 p.m. FREE! Info: https://newtownwilliamsburg.com/events-news/
*Weather permitting.
Family Fun Fest - Returns in spring 2024
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Enjoy live animals, hands-on activities, inflatables, family entertainment and much more! Grab some lunch provided by our local food vendors and visit all the local craft and business vendors too!
Tails on the Trail - June 3, 9-11 a.m.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail, 3751 John Tyler Highway
Are you up for a summer-long trail adventure with your dog? Join James City County Parks & Recreation and the Heritage Humane Society for this kick-off event! This self-guided adventure will start you off at one of the 8 trails for your exploration through the summer. Did you know the first Saturday in June is also National Trails Day? Get active with your pet! Free! For more information, visit heritagehumanesociety.org.
Capital Color Ride - June 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
You’ve heard of The Color Run™, but how about a color ride? Enjoy this family-friendly biking event along a 15-mile stretch of the Virginia Capital Trail. Venture from Chickahominy Riverfront Park to the James City County Marina and back, while encountering color stops, snacks, water and more at the rest stops. Registration fee ($13 by May 12; $18 after May 12) includes a free shirt and refreshments, while supplies last. Info/register: runsignup.com/capitolcolorride.
Movies Under the Stars FREE! -
June 16, 8:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Enjoy some of the great box office titles out under the stars! Typically held 2-3 times each summer at 8:30 p.m.
Student Art Show FREE! - June 16-July 14
Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland Street (exhibit open during library hours)
Anne Kushnick's oil painting, pastel and acrylic students will display their talents in this annual exhibit. View many unique pieces with some available for purchase. Free! Information: 757-259-5353.
Project FiveFortySeven FREE! - June 21
Various Locations (5:47 a.m. - sunset)
It’s the longest day of the year, make time to play! Join Parks & Recreation for the annual Longest Day of Play program. Enjoy FREE recreational activities from sunrise to sunset. Look for details beginning May 5. Be sure to see which programs require registration and which are drop-in. FREE!
*Weather permitting
*Outdoor events are weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Movies Under the Stars FREE -
July 28, 8:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Enjoy some of the great box office titles out under the stars! Typically held 2-3 times each summer at 8:30 p.m.
*Weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Drool in the Pool - Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Hwy.
This popular dog swim day is eagerly anticipated each year! Pool passes for your dog are available at the gate; $10/dog. Music, refreshments, and goodies featured! All proceeds benefit the animals of the Heritage Humane Society. For details, visit heritagehumanesociety.org
Harvest Fest - Sept. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Hwy.
Come out for this FUN Fall event for the whole family! Hear great music, play family-friendly games, do arts and crafts, and see the live animals! You can also make the biggest, the best, and maybe the only scarecrow in your neighborhood at Scarecrow Row. The $20 fee includes all supplies - hay, clothes, paints, brushes and your space on the event field. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase at the event! No admission fee; however, parking is $5/car. Scarecrow Row: $20/scarecrow.
*Weather permitting
Boo Bash at the Beach - Oct. 14, 1-4 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Rd.
Enjoy a day at the beach with a Halloween twist! Costumes welcome. Trick-or-treating onsite for ages 12 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Also enjoy onsite activities, music, games, and more! Pumpkin carving and decorating ($5/pumpkin) available first-come, first-served while supplies last. $5/family.
Live Well Expo - Nov. 2, 9-11:30 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.
Pamper your mind, body and spirit while taking advantage of FREE preventative health screenings during this annual event! Explore a variety of health and leisure services for ages 55+.
Santa Calling - Dec. 5, 5:45-8 p.m.
Available in English and Spanish
James City County Parks & Recreation offers “phone calls from Santa” on Tuesday, Dec. 5, for children ages 9 and younger living in James City County and Williamsburg. Arrangements have been made with the North Pole for Santa and/or Mrs. Claus to personally call each child who completes a registration form by Tuesday, Nov. 28. Santa will attempt to call children between 5:45-8 p.m.; however, specific call times cannot be guaranteed due to Santa’s holiday schedule. Please be available and keep phone lines open during this time. Registration is available at the Recreation Centers, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Satellite Services in Toano, Freedom Park Interpretive Center and online. FREE!
Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 9, 9-11 a.m.
Legacy Hall in New Town, 4301 New Town Avenue
You and your family are invited to attend Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and a morning of “holly-day” cheer with Santa. Photo opportunities available. Registration required by Dec.1 or until full. Please register everyone who is attending (adults and children) to ensure their seat – fee includes special gift for each attendee. $13/person for age 3+; FREE for 2 and younger.
Concessionaires
You are invited to be a community or merchandise concessionaire at our annual events. Events currently accepting applications are listed below.
Please note, community and merchandise concessionaires are accepted on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to be added to the concessionaire list and receive emails about upcoming events accepting applications, contact kelley.herbert@jamescitycountyva.gov.
Community Concessionaire
A community concessionaire is defined as an organization or business wanting to provide information to the general public. This designation does not allow sales of any kind.
Merchandise Concessionaire
A merchandise concessionaire is defined as an organization or business wanting to sell products, to include, but not limited to: jewelry, clothing, custom artwork or crafts, oils, packaged goods, etc.
Food Truck & Table Top Concessionaires
Food trucks or table top concessionaires are also accepted at most events. If interested, please contact Special Events Coordinator, Laurie Williams, at laurie.williams@jamescitycountyva.gov, prior to submitting an application.
Upcoming Events
- New Town Tunes - Sept. 13, 20, 27 & Oct. 4, 5:30-8 p.m.
- Drool in the Pool - Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Harvest Festival - Sept. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Boo Bash at the Beach - Oct. 14, 1-4 p.m.
- Santa Calling - Dec. 5, 5:45-8 p.m.
- Breakfast with Santa - Dec. 9, 9-11 a.m.