In 2026, Virginia, the birthplace of America, home to the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607 and the place where American democracy was founded, will take center stage as the United States commemorates 250 years since its founding. Across historic towns, battlefields, harbours, churches, and colonial homes, the Commonwealth of Virginia invites visitors from around the world to walk in the very footprints of America’s founding fathers and rediscover the values that continue to shape the nation today.
Throughout 2026, Virginia is hosting an array of events to honour America’s founding and its journey to independence. Virginia’s 250th anniversary program offers more than a moment in time; it’s a living, breathing journey through the heart of the American story, providing unforgettable moments of reflection, learning, and inspiration. These commemoration events stand where democracy was born, and visitors will consider what liberty, sacrifice, and nationhood mean in today’s world. Nowhere else but in Virginia will visitors find the depth of history and discovery of how America came to be.
Here are just a few reasons why the birthplace of America deserves a top spot on travel bucket lists in the coming months:
Ongoing Activities and Special Events
America: Made in Virginia
Virginia’s Historic Triangle—Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown—will anchor the 250th commemorations. Each town tells a defining chapter: from Jamestown’s 1607 founding to Williamsburg’s revolutionary debates, and Yorktown’s decisive victory in 1781. Visitors can explore walkable corridors of living history, emotional landmarks, and the evolution of democratic ideals that began in taverns, churches, and colonial halls. https://www.virginia.org/group-tours/va250/
Step Back in Time with America’s Founding Fathers
Named after England’s virgin Queen, Virginia is referred to as the Old Dominion (being the first, largest, and most prosperous of the British colonies in America); The Mother of States (for its role in forming multiple other states across the country); and Mother of Presidents (as more presidents and founding fathers come from Virginia than any other U.S. state). Virginia is where you can visit the estates of America’s original founding fathers, to further understand the mindset that birthed a nation. All have ongoing events and special programming for America’s 250 throughout 2025 and 2026. https://www.virginia.org/plan-your-trip/about-virginia/famous-virginians/presidents/
Diplomacy Over the Dinner Table – Colonial Style
Inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s legendary dinners, renowned for their cuisine and conversation, The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has launched a new series for America’s 250, Culinary Diplomacy at Monticello. Presented in partnership with The Culinary Diplomacy Project, this dynamic new series will feature prominent chefs, culinary experts, and historians exploring the intersection of food, history, and culture, sharing how food has been—and continues to be—a bridge for cultural understanding and communication. Culinary Diplomacy at Monticello and continues throughout 2026 with quarterly events. https://www.monticello.org/exhibits-events/calendar-of-events/culinary-diplomacy/
Special Edition Tattoo 250 & The British Invasion (April 2026)
In April 2026, visitors can experience Virginia’s International Tattoo in Norfolk, a mighty patriotic spectacle that welcomes more than 1,000 performers from around the world including fife and drum corps, bagpipers, military bands, precision drill teams, and performing ensembles ranging from step dancers to motorcycle stunt drivers. https://ustoursamerica.com/special-edition-tattoo-250/
Sail250 Virginia (June 2026)
For ten days in June 2026, 10,000 officers, cadets, and crews of more than 60 ships from 20 nations will lead a maritime celebration of liberty on the Chesapeake Bay and at Affiliate Harbors including Alexandria, Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Hampton, Onancock, Portsmouth and Richmond. For this milestone occasion, a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships, in an epic peacetime gathering, will sail into the Port of Virginia as part of Sail250® America. In the tradition of the past five iconic OpSail events held in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads/Chesapeake Bay region since 1976, the fleet will once again bring extraordinary experiences and opportunities to every community, both on and offshore. https://sail250virginia.com/
Celebrate Independence Day at Colonial Williamsburg – The Original Revolutionary City (July 4th, 2026)
In 2026, Colonial Williamsburg will be celebrating both the 250th anniversary of American Independence and its own centennial. A major Independence Day celebration is planned featuring public readings of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances, and a grand fireworks display. Admission to the Historic Area will be free on July 4th, 2026, in celebration of the nation’s birth. https://va250.org/fourth-of-july/
Specialty Tours
Faith & Freedom Tour (Multiple dates, 2026)
Explore the spiritual underpinnings of the Revolution on this four-day tour through Bruton Parish Church, St. Peter’s Parish, and the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, one of America’s oldest Black congregations. The journey culminates at Yorktown Battlefield with a stirring live performance of Cry Witch, blending historical fact with emotional resonance. https://colonialconnections.com/adult-tours-colonial-williamsburg/faith-freedom-adult-tour/
Revolutionary Women Tour (Spring–Autumn 2026)
This new itinerary celebrates the women behind the Revolution—those who ran households, organized resistance, delivered intelligence, and shaped early political thought. The tour includes stops at Monticello and Colonial Williamsburg, with storytelling focused on the quiet force of female contributions often overlooked in the traditional narrative. https://www.virginia.org/group-tours/va250/
Special Exhibits
Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation (Through January 2027)
A dynamic 5,000‑square‑foot exhibition celebrating Virginia’s pivotal 250‑year role in America’s founding premiered this spring at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond. The exhibit will move to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in July 2026 and continue into early 2027. Visitors experience five immersive galleries—from colonial protest to revolutionary action—featuring powerful artifacts like Patrick Henry’s legendary paper‑cutter, Virginia’s Declaration of Rights, Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation, and a rare early copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War (June 2025 – June 2027)
The National Museum of the United States Army hosts an immersive 5,000‑square‑foot showcase honoring America’s fight for independence. Featuring nearly 300 rare artifacts—from George Washington’s pistols and the original First Rhode Island Regiment flag to a complete Loyalist uniform as well as rare Revolutionary War artifacts from the original colonies, England, France, and Canada—brought to life through the stories of the Soldiers who became America’s first veterans.
BONUS: Explore the American Revolution at Home Now to Help Plan Your Trip Later!
“Revolution Revisited,” is a multi-season podcast, which offers a fresh examination of the origins and impacts of the American Revolution. It isn’t just a recounting of dates—it is a fascinating look at the people, ideas, and events that changed the world. Go behind the scenes with leading historians, authors, and other experts and learn about key artifacts currently on display at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture that connect the ideals of the past with our world today. Or check out the Virginia Explorer: Virginia & The American Revolution Virtual Tour to journey around the Commonwealth to sites that played key roles in the American Revolution. With 360-degree views and interactive features, this tour highlights places like Colonial Williamsburg, Richmond’s Historic St. John’s Church, and the Crossing of the Dan, and uncovers powerful stories of Virginia’s contributions to independence and the forging of a new nation.
For further information on Virginia 250 events and activities, visit: VA250.org
For further information on Virginia, visit: www.virginia.org
