Home - An Occasion for the Arts

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year for an amazing gala and festival weekend!

An Occasion for the Arts 2023
& An Evening for the Arts 2023

An Occasion For The Arts provides Williamsburg with an arts extravaganza. It is the area’s premier art and music festival. Come hear your favorite local musicians, check out the Youth Art Show which features students from around the area and see fabulous original art. Something for everyone!

Location

How do I get there again?

If you’re driving . . .

Find An Occasion for the Arts in Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square at 134. N. Henry St. From I-64, take Exit 238 toward Colonial/Williamsburg. Turn left onto Capitol Landing Road (signs for VA-143 E/Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown). Turn left onto VA-132 S. Stay straight on VA-132 S for Merchants Square.

If you are going to the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center at 101 Visitor Center Drive, follow the route above and after turning left onto Capitol Landing Road, turn right onto VA-132 S. Follow for 1.2 miles. Turn left onto US-60 E/Bypass Road and right onto Visitors Center Road. Turn left onto Visitors Center Drive.

If you’re biking . . .

Take the Capital Trail to Merchants Square or bike along the scenic Colonial Parkway. You will find racks to lock your bike that are convenient to the festival.

If you’re riding the rails . . .

Take Amtrak’s Northeast Regional to the Williamsburg, VA Station (WBG) and hail a taxi to Colonial Williamsburg. It’s a five-minute ride.

If you’re taking public transit . . .

Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) is proud to officially endorse Transit as the best app for trip planning in real-time information. Using Transit, you can easily plan your trip with up-to-the-minute accuracy and view departure times for nearby routes.

Transit: iOS

Transit: Android

Parking & Mobility

Where should I park?

Parking is free at the Williamsburg Visitor Center.

The CW buses are now a part of WATA and this route is free to all visitors, whether they have a CW ticket or not and will drop off in Merchants Square. Note that other WATA bus stops do not have a free shuttle to Merchants Square.

For other areas around Colonial Williamsburg:

Download the Passport Parking app in advance. With the app, you can pay, extend and manage your parking session with just a few taps. Park your car where you see Passport Parking app signs (lot P-6 and the parking lot behind the bookstore), pay from your phone, and you’re ready for AOFTA.

Passport: iOS

Passport: Android

The Prince George Parking Garage at 230 N. Henry St., has 362 spaces as well as two charging stations for electric vehicles. Two universal charging stations are on the first level and two Tesla charging stations are on the second level. Credit and debit cards only. No cash accepted.

Create an account using the Parking Portal

What are the options for ADA mobility?

Scooter Rental Info

CW Accessibility

Timing & Cost

How early should I arrive?

Festival hours on Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Does it cost anything to attend AOFTA?

AOFTA is a free, volunteer-run festival.

Tickets purchased in advanced are required for An Evening for the Arts from 5-9 p.m., on Oct. 6.

Purchase An Evening for the Arts Tickets Here

Sharing Photos

When I see something I like in an artist’s booth, can I send a photo of it to my friend?

Please ask the exhibiting artists before taking any photographs or videos of their work.

Snap all the photos you want in front of the LOVEworks sign on Duke of Gloucester Street. Use the tagline #AOFTA2023 and share the love!

What to Bring & Facilities

Can I refill my water bottle?

Patrons can refill water bottles at Baskin Robbins and illy Caffè. Water station refill is also outside of the Colonial Williamsburg restrooms.

If possible, please bring your own bag for your personal items and to carry your purchases.

Recycling bins at An Occasion for the Arts are provided and managed by Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square. Colonial Williamsburg encourages recycling in the Historic Area by providing well-marked recycling receptacles.

Do I have to go into a business to use a restroom?

Rest assured that Merchants Square has its own restrooms. Signage will direct you to the closest one.

Dogs

Can I bring my dog?

AOFTA is an outdoor festival and leashed pets that are under control of the owner are welcome. No pets are allowed in the ticketed areas of Colonial Williamsburg. For animal emergencies, visit Coastal Animal Care Referral Emergency, which is open 24 hours during AOFTA. Call 757-703-0199 prior to arrival.

Alcohol, Smoking & Firearms

What’s the policy on alcohol?

Purchase and consume all alcoholic beverages in the designed area near the main stage where signs are posted for food, beer and wine.

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking is not recommended near any of the tented areas due to safety reasons. Please smoke in designated areas only.

Are firearms permitted?

Firearms and weapons are prohibited at AOFTA.