It’s Not Fall Without: Historic Jamestown

A Weekend in Historic Jamestown

One of the reasons Williamsburg is such an amazing vacation destination is that it shares an incredible history with two other nearby cities. Williamsburg, Virginia, is part of an inimitable historic triangle with Yorktown and Jamestown. (Fun fact: This weekend marks 237 years since George Washington began the siege known as the Battle of Yorktown, the most important battle in the Revolutionary War.)

Here’s a quick sampling of activities happening this weekend in beautiful Historic Jamestown, just a 20-minute drive from King’s Creek Plantation and the perfect place to spend a day with your family on your fall vacation in Williamsburg!

James Riverfest

September 29

Jamestown Beach Event Park

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

If you’re a champion for the environment, love fresh air, or would like an opportunity to learn about the fascinating story of the James River, check out the James Riverfest at Jamestown Beach Event Park!

Williamsburg sits on a small peninsula bordered by the James River on the west and by the York River on the east, which both empty out into the Chesapeake Bay. The James Riverfest is a wonderful free event that celebrates the James River and advocates for its environmental and cultural significance to the region. The festival includes hands-on educational activities for kids, a live archaeology dig, and much more! Admission is free.

Inside James Fort: The Powhatan Indians

September 29, October 5 & 6

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

James Fort at Jamestown Settlement

Historic Jamestowne is a living, breathing history museum where visitors can virtually step back in time to see life as it was in Virginia in the 17th century. Part of the Jamestown Settlement includes James Fort, a recreated 1600s army fort with wattle-and-daub structures topped by thatched roofs, an Anglican church, a blacksmith’s forge, and more. Historical interpreters demonstrate how to repair metal objects and fire a musket—two skills that were a huge part of daily life and imperative for survival at that time.

The archaeology from inside James Fort offers evidence that local Native tribes frequently visited the settlers in the early years of colonization. Join Daniel Firehawk Abbott, a descendant of the Nanticoke people from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, to learn about the culture of the Tidewater Algonquians and how they interacted with the settlers of Jamestown. Afterwards, visit the Archaearium to see Native American artifacts recovered from James Fort in “The World of Pocahontas” exhibit.

For history lovers, this is an incredible opportunity to interact with the past and should not be missed! Admission to this event is free with paid admission to Historic Jamestowne.

American Indian Intertribal Powwow

September 29-30, October 7-8

Jamestown Settlement

From 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This is a unique chance for you and your children to learn about American Indian culture and daily life. Witness breathtaking song and dance performed by members of American Indian tribes, hear storytelling by Grace Ostrum of the Accohanock people, make and design your own American Indian rattles with the family, and browse a selection of beautiful artwork, pottery, and quillwork available for purchase. The American Indian Intertribal Powwow daytime event is included with admission. Children under 6 are free. Get your tickets for this special event here!

No matter when you pay a visit to the Historic Triangle, something amazing awaits. Whether it’s culture, education, thrills, food, or outdoor fun you seek, Williamsburg and its sister cities have it all—in every season.