Virginia Thanksgiving Festival at Berkeley Plantation

In 1619, after a stormy voyage across the Atlantic, the Good Ship Margaret landed at Berkeley Hundred with thirty-six men aboard. In accordance with the instructions given in the charter by the Virginia Company, these settlers observed the first official English Thanksgiving in the New World. Join us at Berkeley Plantation on November 1, 2026, as we commemorate this historic moment at the annual Virginia Thanksgiving Festival.

Admission is $25 per car and includes a full day of family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. with a parade led by the Williamsburg Pipes and Drums. Throughout the day, families can enjoy colonial-era games, crafts, a petting zoo, and hands-on demonstrations. Entertainer Jonathan Austin delights audiences with juggling and magic, while the Chickahominy Tribal Dancers, Colonial Singers of Williamsburg, and the Itinerant Band bring history to life through performance. Special features include a Thanksgiving shadow box presentation and in honor of the 250th anniversary, a rendition of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.

At 3:00 p.m., the day culminates with a reenactment of the 1619 landing, moderated by Bill Bevins, followed by a traditional Native American friendship dance with audience participation.

Food, house tours, and a variety of arts, crafts, and jewelry will be available for purchase throughout the day.