Busch Gardens knows how to celebrate summer in style. IllumiNights is their nightly extravaganza that features live performances, music, special effects, and a park-wide fireworks spectacular. IllumiNights runs July 1 – August 19, so that means 50 nights of fireworks in a row!

Each country in the park will put on special shows nightly at 5, 6, 8, and 9 p.m. The fireworks show will cap off the evening beginning at 9:30 p.m.

IllumiNights is just one of the many special events held at Busch Gardens Williamsburg throughout the year. Other great summer festivals include Glory at the Gardens and Busch Gardens Live concert series.

With over 20 thrilling rides and family-friendly shows, Busch Gardens is one of the top attractions in Williamsburg. Buy single tickets online or bundle with lodging and purchase a vacation package. And don’t forget to check out Verbolten, the newest coaster at the park!

Image: Colonial Williamsburg

Searching for a unique way to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day?  Williamsburg, Virginia is just the place.  Home to the birthplace of America, the 4th of July is even more poignant when spent in an area that was home to so many of the significant moments that led to the American Revolution, and our nation’s independence. 



Several celebrations are planned for the 4th of July at Colonial Williamsburg.  Visitors will be able to walk where Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, once walked, as well as hear the Declaration read aloud on the courthouse steps. In the evening, there will be a special performance from Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums, performing a concert of patriot music on a stage behind the Courthouse on Market Square, from 8:15pm-9:15pm. Then, at approximately 9:15pm, the Fireworks Finale will take place. The high flying aerial fireworks will be visible from much of the historic area. The best places to see these spectacular fireworks are from Market Square, Palace Green, or the Public Hospital grounds.  The fireworks presentation and Independence Day programs are included with the purchase of Colonial Williamsburg tickets.  You can purchase adult tickets now for less than $38. 

The Governor's Palace

An all-American picnic is also part of the 4th of July Williamsburg festivities.  It is also one of the most popular events.  The Governor’s Palace Picnic is planned from 7:30-9:30pm on Wednesday, July 4. The picnic features festive holiday entertainment including performances by musicians, dancers, storytellers and balladeers, plus plenty of games for the kids. Guests will dine on southern fried chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, red velvet cupcakes and other Colonial Williamsburg specialties.  Plus, picnic-goers receive a free commemorative picnic blanket and are able to march with the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums to a premium, reserved viewing area for the fireworks finale. This does cost extra and is not included with regular Colonial Williamsburg admission. Pricing is $55 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under.

Ready to celebrate the 4th of July in the place where it all began?  Reserve your Williamsburg VA hotel today and ensure you receive the best rates, guaranteed. 

Explore our nation’s past at Colonial Williamsburg. Explore the homes and buildings where men like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Patrick Henry inspired the fight for independence. Scores of original buildings, hundreds of homes, shops, and public buildings are reconstructed over 301 acres - most on their original foundations. Rare animal breeds, trades, and gardens add layers of authenticity to the recreated town.

Colonial Williamsburg tickets give you the chance to immerse yourself in the 18th century. Learn about the American Revolution, take part in a witch trial or march with the Fifes and Drums.

Get an inside look at what a day at Colonial Williamsburg is all about:

Shields Tavern serves southern comfort foods inspired by "colonial receipts."

One of the living history actors portrays a British Commander. 

Fifes and drums march through the street of Colonial Williamsburg.

Colonial homes are a signature of the area.

The Capitol was witness to the vote for America's move to independence.

Dine at one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th century themed restaurants.

The Governors Palace. 

Picture taking opportunities are abundant.

Character actors are part of the living history available.

18th century music and marching signals the start of Revolutionary City. 

Shooting and marching display on the Governors Palace lawn.

Strolling the streets of Colonial Williamsburg is like a step back in time.

Some of the biggest names in pop music are coming to Busch Gardens Williamsburg! Throughout the Summer, the park will host the Busch Gardens LIVE Summer Concert Series.  That means, with the purchase of Busch Gardens tickets you’ll get access to exciting rides and attractions, entertaining shows, European-themed adventures and get to see some of your favorite performers LIVE in concert! 

This year’s performers include:

• May 13: Cobra Starship
• June 3: Hot Chelle Rae
• June 17: Kellie Pickler
• Aug 26: Victoria Justice

Don’t forget – Busch Gardens opens the all-new Verbolten roller coaster May 18! 

June 1-3:  Yorktown Maritime Weekend

Yorktown is an affiliate port with OpSail 2012 Virginia™ and will be hosting tons of events throughout the weekend. Navy and military war ships will be docked at the Port of Virginia and there will be special commemoration events.

June 1-30:  "Seed to Stalk" Theme Month

Visitors to Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center can get hands-on experience and learn the many practical uses of herbs, vegetables, and field crops during the month of June.

June 3:  Royal Artillery at Yorktown Battlefield

Watch a volunteer unit as they depict the British Royal Artillery at the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. A replica British cannon will be fired.

June 7 – August 2:  Shagging on the Riverwalk Concert Series

Head to the Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown on Thursdays for free concerts. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and take part in the live dancing demonstrations.

June 9:  A Taste of the Vines of South America

Williamsburg Lodge will continue their Wine, Wit & Wisdom™ program with Executive Chef Rhys H. Lewis and Restaurant Manager Stacy Keegan during this tasting of wines from Chile and Argentina. Cost is $35, call 800-447-8679 for reservations.

June 9:  Get Outdoors Day

Enjoy free admission to Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield during Get Outdoors Day.

June 10:  Lamb’s Artillery at Yorktown Battlefield

Witness firings from a replica 18-pounder siege gun, similar to what was used during the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. A volunteer unit will depict the 2^nd Continental Artillery Regiment commanded by Colonel John Lamb.

Come to the Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown on Thursdays during the summer for free concerts. There will be a great line-up of music from beach favorites to oldies to Motown. The Colonial Shag Club will be there giving demonstrations and lessons, so don’t forget your dancing shoes.

Concert Schedule:

• June 7:  Mark Roberts and Breeze
• June 14:  The Main Event Band
• June 21:  The Holiday Band
• July 12:  Band of Oz
• July 19:  Slapwater
• July 26:  TFC Band
• August 2:  Atlantic Groove Band

Concerts are scheduled from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Riverwalk Landing is a beautiful waterfront destination for shopping and dining. Enjoy a variety of fine retail stores and restaurants along with a beach and two piers. A mile-long pedestrian walkway links the Yorktown Battlefield with the Yorktown Victory Center. Enjoy great views of the York River as you stroll along.

Ready to amp up your weekend?  The Busch Gardens Williamsburg Ramp Jam begins this weekend and brings a team of extreme BMX riders, inline skaters and skateboarders to the park as part of the ASA Action Sports World Tour.  The X-Games' traveling half pipe will be featured, with athletes performing stunt and tricks throughout the event.  Ramp Jam is included with the purchase of Busch Gardens tickets.

Ramp Jam at Busch Gardens is scheduled for the weekends of April 21-22, and April 28-29.

Featured athletes include:

April 21-22

• Jamie Bestwick
• Simon Tabron
• Jimmy Walker
• John Parker
• Anthony Furlong
• Trevor Meyer
• Adam Taylor
• Lincoln Ueda

April 28-29

• Bucky Lasek
• Simon Tabron
• Jimmy Walker
• John Parker
• Lincoln Ueda
• Anthony Furlong
• Trevor Meyer
• Sergie Ventura

All events take place in Festhaus Park in the Germany section of the Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Fans can meet the athletes between performances or stay after the show for autograph sessions.