Hampton’s role in America’s story is being celebrated all year long, and there’s no single way to experience it. From Revolutionary-era history to festive summer celebrations, Hampton is marking America’s 250th with a lineup worth planning around. Whether you’re coming for a single event or building a full getaway, the Hampton VA250 calendar offers something for every kind of visitor.

Looking for something fun to do together? Hampton VA250 includes events that make it easy to turn your visit into a memorable outing, with activities and celebrations that welcome all ages.

Blackbeard Festival, Sail Virginia 2026 Affiliate Harbor Event 
Downtown Hampton Waterfront | June 13 & 14, 2026

Hampton’s waterfront comes alive with dozens of pirate re-enactors who transform today’s Hampton into the busy seaport of yesterday. The festival offers a variety of children’s activities, live entertainment, fireworks, period vendors, and more!

Celebrate Juneteenth & Hampton VA250 Sail
in Fort Monroe | June 19, 2026

Festivities of the day will take place along the waterfront of historic Fort Monroe and will include historical exhibits, cultural performances and educational workshops along with African drumming, dance, gospel choirs and reenactments of historical events.

Outstanding ship-watching opportunities will occur from 9 am to noon as tall ships, many in full sail, make their way to Norfolk for Sail250® Virginia! 

Stars Over Hampton: July 4th Celebration
Downtown Hampton Waterfront | July 4, 2026

An all-day 4th of July event featuring the largest family-friendly fireworks show to date! Come celebrate America Made In Virginia.

Step into the stories that shaped the nation through Hampton’s historic sites and commemorative experiences. Explore events that connect you to the people, places, and moments that helped define America’s earliest chapters.

Emerging History of American Contrabands
Fort Monroe | May 22-23

Re-exploring the history of the 1861 Contraband Decision with new research, descendant knowledge, & public history.

African Landing Day
at Fort Monroe
August 22, 2026

Honoring the first Africans brought here in 1619 while highlighting their legacy of culture, identity, resistance and triumph.

Step into the stories that shaped the nation through Hampton’s historic sites and commemorative experiences. Explore events that connect you to the people, places, and moments that helped define America’s earliest chapters.

Mosaic Festival
in Downtown Hampton
May 2, 2026

An exciting celebration of world cultures, interwoven through live performances, traditional music, and demonstrations.

Freedom Dinner
at Hampton Roads Convention Center
May 29, 2026

Five-course colonial-inspired dinner with wine parings, live entertainment, & historical interpreters. 

Learn about the Battle of Hampton at Fort Monroe's Casemate Museum. Time your visit with a screening of The American Revolution at the nearby Oozlefinch Beers & Blending.

Explore the personal stories individual Patriots, Loyalists, and civilians as they navigated life and work during the American Revolution in this interactive, commemorative exhibit.

Visit between April 21 - Aug. 31 to view the Picturing Freedom:  Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raid exhibit at the oldest African American museum in the U.S.