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 instruction given in the charter by the Virginia Company, these settlers observed the first official Thanksgiving in the New World. Join us at Berkeley Plantation on November 1, 2026, as we celebrate this historic event with the Virginia Thanksgiving Festival.

Admission is $25 per car and includes activities and entertainment for the entire family.

At 11:00am the festivities begin with a parade led by the Williamsburg Pipes and Drums. Families take part in colonial games, dancing, crafts, petting zoo and demonstrations. Jonathon Austin will entertain families with his popular juggling and magic show. The Chickahominy Tribal Dancers perform as will as the Colonial Singers of Williamsburg and other local musicians. The re-enactment of the landing, moderated by Bill Bevins begins at 3:00pm, followed by the traditional Native American friendship dance which concludes the day.