August 13, 2025

     The waterfront will be alive with the sound of music on Saturday, August 30, when the Virginia Symphony Orchestra returns to Historic Yorktown. The 27th annual outdoor concert begins at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin. Visitors are encouraged to pack a cooler, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and arrive early for this spectacular night of music under the stars. The award-winning Fifes and Drums of York Town will take the stage at 6 p.m. for a patriotic performance, and blue ribbons will be awarded to the most creative picnic arrangements prior to the event. In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved to September 3.

     This year's performance theme is "Stars & Stripes & Symphonies," inviting audience members to explore the enchanting connection between music and storytelling. The concert honors the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Experience the powerful sounds of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony—a piece that became a symbol of Allied victory—alongside stirring works that celebrate resilience, unity, and freedom, including Sibelius’ Finlandia and Richard Rodgers’ Victory at Sea. The program also features patriotic favorites by composers like John Williams, William Grant Still, and more in this fun and moving tribute to the American spirit.

     This free concert is presented by the Celebrate Yorktown Committee of the Yorktown Foundation with generous support from York County, the York County Arts Commission, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, as well as community organizations, businesses, and individuals. The volunteer-run Celebrate Yorktown Committee works diligently to raise the money needed to cover the cost of this special evening.

     Because this performance draws such a large crowd, visitors are encouraged to arrive early and keep in mind the following important traffic reminders:

• Parking is available in the two-level parking terrace on Water Street, with handicapped parking located on the lower level. 
• Additional parking can be found at York Hall, the County Administration Building, York County Courts & Office Complex, and other designated lots throughout town. For this evening only, guests may also park at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown beginning at 5 p.m.  
• To ease the flow of traffic, no loading of any equipment, chairs, coolers, etc., into vehicles will be permitted during or at the conclusion of the concert at the corners of Water and Ballard Streets and Water and Buckner Streets. 
• The Yorktown Trolley will not be available during and after the concert. Trolley service ends at 5:30 p.m.

 
Additional Event Info:

• Website:  www.visityorktown.org
• York County Event Weather Hotline: 757-890-3520
• Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @visityorktown #visityorktown

 
Additional photos are available at https://bit.ly/4d3XS3m.