April 23, 2025

All ye mateys are invited to travel back to the Golden Age of Piracy as Riverwalk Landing and the Watermen’s Museum are invaded by seafaring marauders from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27. Enjoy live blacksmith demonstrations, sing along to sea shanties, witness the live dance performance “Pirates & Mermaids of Yorktown,” take part in a townwide treasure hunt, and experience cannon demonstrations. Stop by York Hall for live Pirate Puppet Shows. Be sure to head to the Yorktown Freight Shed for the History Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. indoors and the Summer Camp Expo in the tent behind the building with a breathtaking view of the York River. 

That’s not all! Enroll your kids in Pirate School where they will learn how to walk, talk, and act like pirates. You also won’t want to miss the exciting Pirate Trial at York Hall. The fun continues at the Waterman’s Museum with a pirate encampment, kids’ crafts, and various live performances throughout the day. 

“X” Marks the Spot
Treasure Hunt for Hearties

Children can collect pirate’s booty including coins, jewels, and eye patches at various businesses and attractions in a townwide Treasure Hunt. Pick up an activity card at the Visit Yorktown booth and visit all the stops on the treasure map for your chance to win a special prize. Be sure to download the treasure map to view the participating businesses. 

Arrr Ye Hungry? 
Grub for Starving Sailors & Scallywags

Many Historic Yorktown restaurants will be open, and in the spirit of the event, Yorktown Market Days’ Pirate Invasion Market will be extended until 3 p.m. each day, featuring a variety of food truck options. Enjoy bites from Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, Casa de Proa (Sunday only), Chef Joseph’s Seafood and Grill, Coastal Thirst, Dough Haus, Island Time Delights, Kathi’s Clam Chowder, Kona Ice, and Pop’s Kettle Corn—all serving throughout the weekend.

Craving even more options? Water Street Grille, Riverwalk Restaurant, Yorktown Pub, and Coastal Thirst Beach Deli welcome guests for lunch and dinner—perfect for families looking to grab a bite before or after enjoying the festivities. Carrot Tree Kitchens and Umi Sushi will also be open on Saturday—an ideal opportunity to enjoy lunch along the Riverwalk or at the beach picnic area.

Up the hill on Historic Main Street, Mobjack Coffee Roasters & Petite Café offers sandwiches, salads, and desserts, while Little York Confectionery tempts visitors with sweet treats. 

Weigh Anchor and Furl the Ship!
Best Ways to Navigate the Event

Free parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing Parking Terrace, York Hall, York-Poquoson Courthouse, County Administration Building, and other designated public lots. The complimentary, wheelchair-accessible Yorktown Trolley runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Yo-Ho-Ho
Also Happening Around Town

Pirate Invasion Market: Take advantage of the extended hours at Yorktown’s waterfront farmers market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and a variety of vendors and artists. 

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: Learn more about our nation's story through interactive indoor galleries with period artifacts and immersive environments and films. In the outdoor living history area, you'll find a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for James City County, York County, and City of Williamsburg residents.             

Additional Event Info:

• www.visityorktown.org
• 757-890-5900
• York County Weather Event Hotline: 757-890-3520
• Facebook, Instagram & TikTok:  Visit Yorktown 
   #visityorktown #piratesinvadeyorktown

Additional photos available at http://bit.ly/3TXgIAK

Pirates Invade Yorktown is sponsored by Riverwalk Landing Business Association, York County Economic and Tourism Development, and Watermen’s Museum. Generous support provided by Libre Dance USA, Carrot Tree Kitchens, Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, and the Yorktown Arts Foundation.