James City County to celebrate America’s 250th with concerts, history programs and a patriotic drone show

JAMES CITY COUNTY – The community is invited to join James City County in celebrating the 250th anniversary of America at Jamestown Beach Event Park this weekend.

Revolutionary Rhythms, slated for April 17 – 19, will feature nationally known musical acts, historical interpretations, food, crafters and family-friendly activities.

Tourism & Recreation Centers Administrator Carla Brittle said the three-day festival – organized by the county’s VA250 committee – commemorates the critical role the county played in the founding of the nation.

“James City County established its [VA250] committee in January of 2024 with a Board of Supervisors resolution and instructions to plan a big celebration,” Brittle told The Triangle.

The event kicks off on Friday with a concert headlined by Plain White T’s, a Grammy-nominated pop-rock band best known for their hit songs “Hey There Delilah” and “1, 2, 3, 4.” 

Tickets for the show are $10 for James City County residents and $20 for nonresidents. VIP reserved seating, which includes a cash bar and a commemorative 250th item, is available for $50.

The festivities will continue on Saturday with the free Family Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be amusements, face painting, balloon and caricature artists, photobooth areas and crafts for kids and adults.

Legendary funk, soul and R&B group Kool & The Gang, renowned for classic feel-good hits like “Celebration” and “Ladies Night,” will take the stage on Saturday evening.

Kool & The Gang tickets are $20 for James City County residents, $40 for nonresidents and $100 for VIP reserved seating. Pit passes with exclusive front row access can be purchased for $125.

The night will conclude with the Stars & Stripes Drone Show, sponsored by Visit Williamsburg, at 9:15 p.m.

“The patriotic 3-D picture show set to music will highlight our history through the present day in a display far more unique than fireworks,” Brittle said.

Food trucks and beverages will be available during the events on Friday and Saturday.

Rounding out the weekend, the VA250 Mobile Museum will be onsite at Jamestown Beach Event Park on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is free and open to the public.

James City County formed its VA250 committee in 2020 after the General Assembly created the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission. 

The statewide commission encouraged every Commonwealth locality to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and U.S. independence. 

According to Brittle, the upcoming festival “draws on the strengths” of the county’s dedicated Parks & Recreation employees. The department’s staff has extensive event-planning experience and invested countless hours into Revolutionary Rhythms, she added.

“We are so excited to commemorate and celebrate the 250th with our citizens,” Brittle said.

For more information about the festival, visit jamescitycountyva.gov or follow the Parks & Recreation Facebook page. Tickets to the concerts are available on Eventbrite.