Richmond Launches SailFest and IllumiNATION Events to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is preparing to mark America’s 250th anniversary with two major events designed to bring history to life right here in Richmond!

SailFest and IllumiNATION will celebrate American history this June along the James River and at the museum. These special events will combine tall ships, live entertainment, public art and immersive storytelling as part of the America 250 commemoration along the East Coast.

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Here's what you need to know about Virginia Museum of History and Culture's special June events:

1.The City of Richmond and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s SailFEST

Thanks to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and their partnership with The City of Richmond, several ornate, historical ships will sail into Richmond and dock at Intermediate Terminal and Dock Street Park.

Richmond SailFest is a free, family-friendly, weekend-long festival celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. It features historic tall ships and military ships, ship tours, live music, living history interpreters, and fireworks on the James River. The evening of Saturday, June 13, will end with an epic display of fireworks over the James River!

You can also enjoy art & history exhibitions like VMHC Traveling Exhibitions: Give Me Liberty and We The People, VMFA on the Road Artmobile, Live printing from Studio Two Three, Living history displays, Riding the Fall Line exhibit.

Things To Know:

• The festival site is 100% outdoors and covers approx. 0.5 miles of ground. Please be prepared for the weather and walking. 

• Due to the nature of historic tall ships, strollers are not permitted. There will be a place to park strollers prior to accessing the ships. 

• Due to the nature of historic tall ships, they are not accessible to wheelchairs.

Dates: June 12-14

Times: 11am-3pm

Where: Intermediate Terminal on the James (near Rockett’s Landing, Dock Street Park & Intermediate Terminal)

GPS location: 3101 Wharf St, Richmond, VA 23223

Cost: Free; no registration required

*Check here for more information!

2.Virginia Museum of History and Culture's IllumiNATION

At the end of June, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture will also unveil VMHC IllumiNATION, a breathtaking video art projection that brings the American story to life!

Over the course of 4 days, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture will turn into a festive block-party with popular local bands and pyrotechnics, art displays, cultural demonstrations, community group exhibitors, and crafts and games for the whole family.

There’s also special family-friendly programming, including: bounce house, petting zoo, and art-themed partner tables w/ activities!

Dates: Thursday, June 25-Sunday, June 28

Times: 6pm-9:30pm nightly

Where: Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220

Cost: Free; no registration required

*Check here for more information!

Looking for all the free things to do around Richmond, Virginia? Check out my guide to FREE things to do in RVA with kids: Free Things to do with Kids in Richmond this Summer!

For more things to do with kids around Richmond, follow me on @thewestendmom on Instagram!