York County to commemorate 20th anniversary of Riverwalk Landing with live music, family-friendly activities

YORKTOWN – York County will commemorate the 20th anniversary of Riverwalk Landing this week with a series of free, special events.

Historic Yorktown’s waterfront once looked dramatically different than it does today. In the late 1980s, buildings in the area faced continual threats from erosion and flooding. Many were shuttered and in disrepair. 

Riverwalk Landing was the result of a $24 million initiative which was launched in 2004. The project was complete in May 2005, providing a new community space for citizens and visitors from around the world. 

In addition to offering a shopping and dining hub, the development quickly became the central location for many community events, including the Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Rhythms on the Riverwalk and Yorktown Market Days.

Since its initial opening two decades ago, several new features were added to further enhance the site’s ambiance.

Four statues portraying Revolutionary War heroes – including George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Lieutenant General Rochambeau and Admiral de Grasse – now greet visitors near the center of the shopping and dining area.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation’s LOVE letters are also a permanent fixture at the site.

Thousands of visitors from around the world have posed with the letters and statues, according to the county.

To recognize the revitalization of the Yorktown waterfront, the county will host a five-day celebration from Thursday, May 22 through Monday, May 26.

Festivities will include a free concert by Brasswind, discounts from local shops and restaurants, lawn games, a magician, raffles and a roving musician. Many waterfront businesses will be open for extended hours.

Riverwalk Restaurant and Water Street Grill will host an outdoor concert on May 23 featuring Trevor Daniel & the Reef and a Customer Appreciation Party on May 26.

“This anniversary is personally significant to me. It’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve come,” said York County Tourism Coordinator Kristi Olsen-Hayes. “From year-round programming and events to tall ship visits and incredible partnerships with local businesses, the growth and evolution of Riverwalk Landing has been a joy to witness.”

A full schedule of 20th anniversary programming is available at visityorktown.org.