Yorktown Day Celebration – Event Changes Due to Shutdown

Don’t miss the annual celebration in Yorktown, marking the last major military action of the American Revolution!

Where: The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Yorktown Battlefield and Historic Yorktown, VA

When: Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 9am-5pm

Description:  UPDATE: In the wake of the federal government shutdown, the annual Yorktown Day Parade on Main Street and Patriotic Exercises, traditionally held at the Yorktown Victory Monument, administered by Colonial National Historical Park Yorktown Battlefield, have been cancelled.

The Yorktown Day Association will hold a private ceremony on October 19 honoring Yorktown Day at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Wreath-laying ceremonies honoring American and French soldiers, as well as British and Loyalist soldiers, will be held on October 18-19 at various locations in Historic Yorktown.

• The free, accessible Yorktown Trolley will be running during this modified event. On the Docket:
  • 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    Book signings with several authors at the Gallery at York Hall.
  • 1 – 3 p.m.
    The Custom House is open to the public.

The History:  On October 19, 1781, following a nine-day bombardment, British forces in Yorktown under General Charles Cornwallis requested a cease-fire and then surrendered more than 8,000 soldiers and sailors to the combined American and French armies commanded by General George Washington. This was the last major military action of the American Revolution, effectively securing independence for the American colonies following a six-and-a-half-year military struggle. 

For more information and updates on events: CLICK HERE