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By Christin Nielsen May 15, 2026 |
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A major production commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary is slated to take place at Colonial Williamsburg this weekend.
"The Flame of the Revolution" focuses on Williamsburg's role in the Fifth Virginia Convention, where the issue of declaring American independence was hotly debated in 1776.
The live theatrical performance takes the audience on a journey through key historical moments that led to support for the revolution. It is co-written and co-produced by Kurt Smith, the interpreter who portrays Thomas Jefferson.
"We will be telling the story of how Virginia's vote for independence in May 1776 instigated the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia two months later," Smith said.
The production will be held on two nights only: May 15 and 16, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The timing was carefully orchestrated, according to Smith. Virginia voted in favor of independence on May 15, 1776, meaning the performance will be held on the exact 250th anniversary of that monumental decision.
"That famous vote took place right here in Williamsburg," Smith said. "On those two nights, the audience will get to stand on the spot where independence was born 250 years ago."
Hailed by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation as a "once-in-a-lifetime" multimedia event, the live action drama will blend performances with digital projections to illuminate the history surrounding the nation's founding.
"The Flame of the Revolution" is free and open to the public.
The experience is designed to be fully immersive, so chairs will not be provided. Attendees should plan to stand for the duration of the program.
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase next to Shield's Tavern prior to the start of the event.
For additional details, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org.
See below for our curated guide to events happening around the Historic Triangle, May 15 - 17. |
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EVENTS THIS WEEKEND |
Each week, we scour event calendars from across the region and send readers a list of local events and activities worthy of their time. For additional details, click on the bolded, hyperlinked event titles. |
Saturday, May 16 |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
Herbs & More! | King of Glory Church | The Colonial Triangle of Virginia Unit, part of The Herb Society of America, will host its Herbs & More! Sale on May 16. Guests will find a variety of herbs and marketplace treasures for sale. Free admission. 9 am - 2 pm.
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WonderFest | Chickahominy Riverfront Park | James City County presents a new, family-friendly adventure featuring hands-on activities, performances and surprises. Weather permitting. Parking is $10/car (cash or card). 11 am - 3 pm.
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King of Glory Carnival | King of Glory Church | Families are invited to attend a spring carnival featuring games, bounce houses, a dunk tank, music and more. Carnival food will be available for purchase. Free admission. 11 am - 2 pm.
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Outlander Day | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | Hear the sounds of pipes and drums, visit the Continental Army encampment and examine the clothing styles of "Jacobian rebels." Discover how women served in WWII, like Claire in Outlander. Included with museum admission. 10 am - 5 pm.
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OUTDOOR RECREATION |
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KIDS & FAMILIES |
WRL Bookmobile FunFest: Star Wars Mania | Abram Frink, Jr. Community Center | Attendees will dive into hands-on activities, including crafting a lightsaber, creating Yoda ears, decoding iconic Star Wars quotes and designing folded flyers. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite Star Wars character. Free. 10 am - 1 pm.
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MARKETS |
- Williamsburg Farmers Market | Downtown Williamsburg | Shop from over 40 vendors offering produce, prepared foods and baked goods, flowers, artisan chocolate, local honey, handmade soaps and more. Live music is performed weekly. Free admission. 8 am - noon.
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- Yorktown Market Days | Riverwalk Landing | Spring into the season by shopping for a wide variety of produce, pastries, artwork, specialty items and handcrafted goods. Hannah J and Corey Pavlosky will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. Free & open to the public. 8 am - noon.
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- Toano Open Air Market | 7891 Richmond Road | Find fresh produce, baked goods, artisan-crafted products and more at Toano's outdoor farmers market. Free admission. 9 am - noon.
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- Hilton Village Farmers Market | 10260 Warwick Blvd | Historic Hilton Village's weekly market on Main is held every Saturday, year-round. Free admission. 9 am - noon.
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MUSIC |
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Pop 2000 Tour | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Flashback to the early 2000s with a concert featuring Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, Ryan Cabrera & LFO. Included with park admission. VIP tickets are also available here. 7 pm.
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Choral Concert: Osbourn Park Madrigal Singers | Bruton Parish Church | Enjoy a choral concert by the Osbourn Park Madrigal Singers from Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, Virginia, directed by Dominick Izzo. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm.
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Sunday, May 17 |
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Boots, Brews & BBQ, rescheduled from earlier this month, will be held at Riverwalk Landing on May 17. (Photo courtesy of Visit Yorktown) |
SPECIAL EVENT |
- Boots, Brews & BBQ Festival | Riverwalk Landing | Head to the Yorktown waterfront for a day of barbecue, brews and live country music. Performers include Runnin' Shine and The Nashville Nights Band. Click here for tickets.
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KIDS |
- Mindful Minis: Summer Yoga | James City County Recreation Center | Kids are invited to move and stretch during this summer-themed yoga program. For ages 6 - 8. Free. 1 - 1:45 pm.
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Multi-Day |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
The Flame of the Revolution: 5th VA Convention | Capitol Circle | Colonial Williamsburg | May 15 & 16 | 8:30 - 9:30 pm | On May 15, 1776, all eyes were on Williamsburg at the Fifth Virginia Convention. The nation held its breath in anticipation as the issue of declaring Independence was debated. Join Colonial Williamsburg interpreters in this live theatrical performance as they journey from the 17th century through key historical moments to the fateful vote that solidified support for revolution. See a trailer for the event here. Free & open to the public.
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Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival | Thursdays through Sundays until June 21 | Explore over 150 international flavors, including new menus, at eighteen themed food and beverage stations. This event will also feature live entertainment and award-winning shows. Included with park admission.
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THEATRE |
The Musical Swings | 401 N. Boundary Street | Runs through May 17 | The Musical Swings is a temporary public art installation on the lawn of the Williamsburg Community Building. Each swing is identified by a color-coded seat and triggers a note from a classical instrument, like the piano, harp and guitar. Presented by the City of Williamsburg and Williamsburg Public Art Council. Free & open to the public.
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EXHIBIT |
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