2009 Special Events

July | August | September
October | November | December

• May 25 - throughout 2009

  75th Anniversary Tour of the Capitol

  Tour the Capitol and learn about the techniques used to research, reconstruct and furnish this important building. Interpreters guide guests through the reconstructed colonial Capitol and reveal the changes made throughout the last 75 years.

  Learn more in the Events Calendar

  
  
• May 25 - throughout 2009

  75th Anniversary Tour of the Governor's Palace

  Governors Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson once lived in the original Governor's Palace. Join us as we celebrate 75 years at the Governor's Palace with special tours to discover the reconstruction history of this building.

  Learn more in the Events Calendar

  
  
• July 4, 2009

  Independence Day

  The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Virginian Thomas Jefferson, was adopted July 4th, 1776. Celebrate the nation's birthday with Fifes and Drums, militia parades, and Colonial Williamsburg's famous Historic Area fireworks 10:00 a.m. - Salute to the States with flags, muskets and cannon on Market Square 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. - Fifes and Drums patriotic concert on Market Square 9:15 p.m. - Fireworks viewed from Palace Green and Market Square .

  Learn more in the Events Calendar

  
  
• July 4, 2009

  Governor's Palace Picnic

  Come celebrate our nation's birth in the very place where America's story began. Join us on Saturday, July 4th , for an all-American picnic and festive holiday entertainment. Dine on a variety of chilled picnic favorites and Colonial Williamsburg specialties from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on the Governor's Palace grounds.

  Learn more

  
  
• July 5-6, 2009

  Jefferson & Adams: A Stage Play

  The compelling story of two celebrated founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, returns to the Kimball Theatre for encore performances of Howard Ginsberg's "Jefferson and Adams." Renowned character historian Bill Barker portrays Thomas Jefferson, Abigail Schumann is Abigail Adams, and Sam Goodyear is John Adams.

  Learn more in the event calendar

  This play is also available on dvd. Learn more

  
  
• July 11-12, 2009

  16th Annual Golden Horseshoe Invitational

  The Golden Horseshoe Invitational is a 36-hole, four-ball stroke play event at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. There will be a Mid-Amateur Championship and a Senior Championship (both players age 55 and over on July 10, 2009). The field will be limited to 56 teams. For information, call (757) 220-7696 or toll-free 1-800-HISTORY.

  Learn more about The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.

  
  
• July 18-19, 2009

  Jones Cup Father and Son Golf Tournament

  The Jones Cup, named for the famed golf course designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. and his son Rees, is a two-man team tournament at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. To be eligible for competition, teams must be father and son, stepfather and stepson, father-in-law and son-in-law, or grandfather and grandson. For information, call (757) 220-7696 or toll-free 1-800-HISTORY.

  Learn more about The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.

  
  
• July 18-19, 2009

  30th Anniversary of African American Programs Celebration Weekend

  Sample a variety of African American history programs commemorating 30 years of telling the African American story in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. Guests will enjoy a variety of demonstrations, dramatic presentations and hands-on activities. Experience how African Americans in Revolutionary Virginia shaped a community as they fought for equality as citizens. For information, call toll-free 1-800-HISTORY.

  Learn more about African American programming.

  
  
• September 20-22, 2009

  "A very large curious & compleat Assortment" Textiles for Interiors, 1730-1830

  This symposium at the Williamsburg Woodlands Conference Center gathers the leading American and English scholars in the field to review the design and composition of textile furnishings available between 1730 and 1830, including upholstery, bed and window treatments, and floor coverings. For more information, contact the conference registrar at (757) 220-7255 or toll-free at (800) 603-0948, online at www.history.org/conted, e-mail dchapman@cwf.org, fax (757) 565-8921 or write to: Office of Conferences, Forums and Workshops, P.O. Box 1776, Williamsburg, Va. 23187-1776.

  Register online.

  
  
• October 10-11, 2009

  Prelude to Victory

  Meet part of a vast army on its way to lay siege to Yorktown in what proves to be the decisive battle of the American Revolution. Join other townspeople and offer encouragement as the army displays its proficiency in firing demonstrations. General Washington and his officers address the battalion concerning the upcoming siege.

  Learn more in the Events Calendar

  
  
• October 24-25, 2009

  Whose American Dream? Race, Politics and the Founding Fathers

  Prominent speakers discuss citizenship, race and politics, and examine important issues that impact citizens' lives today.

  Learn more about African American programming.

  
  
• November 2-3, 2009

  16th Annual Couples Golf Tournament

  The public is invited to play on Colonial Williamsburg's award-winning Golden Horseshoe golf courses during this popular annual golf tournament. Two-person teams will consist of one man and one woman playing a best ball and captain's choice format. Couples will play the Gold Course on Monday, Nov. 2 and the Green Course on Tuesday, Nov. 3. For information, call (757) 220-7696.

  Learn more about The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.

  
  
• November 8-10, 2009

  Foodways in the 18th Century: Bringing Virginia's Bounty to the Royal Governor's Table

  Learn about the very best of dining in early Virginia by joining us for Colonial Williamsburg's first "Dining in the Eighteenth Century" conference, featuring the culinary arts and dining customs of the colony's most prestigious households. For more information, contact the conference registrar at (757) 220-7255 or toll-free at (800) 603-0948, online at www.history.org/conted, e-mail dchapman@cwf.org, fax (757) 565-8921 or write to: Office of Conferences, Forums and Workshops, P.O. Box 1776, Williamsburg, Va. 23187-1776.

  Register online.

  
  
• November 11, 2009

  Veterans Day

  Colonial Williamsburg honors America's Veterans with a procession down Duke of Gloucester Street. The parade culminates in a public ceremony, with militia and cannon crew firing volleys in recognition of those who serve. Hear Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums, and speakers from past and present.

  Learn more in the Events Calendar

  
  
• November 14-15, 2009

  Brothers In Arms

  Colonial Williamsburg hosts its 14th annual Brothers in Arms program, exploring the complex lives and choices of free and enslaved Revolutionary-Era blacks. Programs highlight contributions, sacrifices and decisions made by 18th-century blacks. Witness the revolution through their unique perspectives.

  Learn more in the Events Calendar

  
  
• November 14-15, 2009

  Fall Military Invitational Golf Tournament

  The Golden Horseshoe Fall Military Invitational Golf Tournament features two-person, amateur teams vying in a 36-hole competition format. To be eligible for competition, one player must be active duty, retired or reserve military or a National Guard member. First round is four-ball (two person, best ball) and the second round is captain's choice. For information, call (757) 220-7696.

  Learn more about The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.

  
  
• November 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010

  Colonial Williamsburg's Holiday Season

  Nothing quite compares to spending the Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. Special programs, dining, entertainment, hotel packages, events for children, and more are waiting to enchant guests who come to enjoy a magical season they'll not soon forget.

  Learn more about Christmas in Williamsburg.

  
  
• December 6, 2009

  Grand Illumination

  In the 18th century, illuminations were sometimes held to commemorate the birth of the reigning sovereign. Today, Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination celebrates the winter holidays. Musical performances on multiple stages and fireworks launched from three locations usher in the season with a bang.

  Learn more in the Events Calendar

  
  
• December 24, 2009

  Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

  Colonial Williamsburg and the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg co-sponsor the lighting of an evergreen at 5:30 p.m. on Market Square. Following the tree lighting, the Historic Area glows in the light of candles lit by community and guests. Request a 2009 Holiday Planner for a detailed listing of holiday season events by calling toll-free 1-800-HISTORY.

  Learn more in the Events Calendar