News Summary
Over the weekend, Williamsburg Live captivated audiences at The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg with a diverse lineup featuring popular artists, despite high summer temperatures. The festival showcased its strong community support from June 20-22, promising a blend of music and local culture that attracts visitors. Shuttle services and safety measures ensured a comfortable experience for attendees, while food trucks offered a taste of local cuisine. This year’s festival was a resounding success, concluding with a memorable performance by The Beach Boys.
Williamsburg – Williamsburg Live, part of the Virginia Arts Festival programming, entertained crowds over the weekend at The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg with performances featuring popular artists such as The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, Celeste Kellogg, The Band Perry, and The Beach Boys. Despite soaring summer temperatures, concert-goers enthusiastically attended the outdoor events, reflecting the festival’s strong community support and engagement.
Williamsburg Live ran from June 20 to June 22, 2025, kicking off the annual summer concert series. The festival is slated to return in June 2026, offering a blend of music and local culture that attracts visitors from across the region. Virginia Arts Festival Executive Director Robert W. Cross noted the picturesque historic setting and local attractions significantly enhance the festival experience.
To facilitate easy access to the event, shuttle bus services were provided by Oleta and Colonial Williamsburg. Oleta shuttles operated between 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 8-11 p.m., while Colonial Williamsburg buses ran a schedule from Friday through Sunday. Attendees who opted to drive had access to parking at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center, which charged a fee of $10.
Festival organizers emphasized guest safety and comfort with specific regulations in place. Attendees were prohibited from bringing glass, coolers, picnic baskets, or outside food and beverages, although one factory-sealed bottle of water was allowed. An array of food trucks offered diverse dining options, featuring cuisines from Amma’s Curry in a Hurry to Old City BBQ, ensuring that concert-goers had access to local flavors.
Age verification measures were implemented for alcohol purchases, requiring valid identification for entry. Attendees younger than 13 had to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and all individuals attending the concert were required to have a ticket. Additionally, the policy stipulated that no babies in arms were permitted inside the concert tent, designed to create a more comfortable experience for all attendees.
Designated smoking areas were made available at the venue, and seating on the lawn was first-come, first-served, with specific height regulations for chairs to ensure unobstructed views for all guests. Comprehensive security measures included bag and personal item searches to maintain a safe environment.
The event proceeded rain or shine, although delays were possible in cases of severe weather. The Virginia Arts Festival kept attendees informed of weather-related updates through loudspeakers and social media channels. The weekend’s musical lineup provided something for everyone, with each artist bringing their unique flair and energy to the stage.
The Friday performance of The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA drew crowds with its nostalgic appeal, while Saturday featured lively sets from The Band Perry and Celeste Kellogg, offering a mix of country and pop tunes. The festival culminated in a vibrant Sunday performance from The Beach Boys, led by original member Mike Love, who thrilled fans with classic hits spanning decades.
Tickets for Williamsburg Live were accessible both online and through phone sales or at the festival’s box office. For those looking to plan ahead, the festival’s official webpage provided updated information and listing of restrictions to ensure an enjoyable experience for all festival-goers.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Photo Gallery – Williamsburg Live Rocks the Lawn
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg
- Daily Press: For The Beach Boys, Williamsburg Live is Worth a Return
- Google Search: Virginia Arts Festival
- Military News: Virginia Arts Festival’s Annual Williamsburg Live
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Concert
- WYDaily: The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA Opens Williamsburg Live Tonight
- Google News: Williamsburg Live
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
