Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with these events in Henrico

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Henrico County is hosting a slate of events this spring and summer to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

The series of events looks to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and U.S. independence in Virginia through its VA250 programming. From a historical demonstration on tea and a water bottle scavenger hunt to a grand two-day Fourth of July celebration, there's something for everyone looking to join in the fun while learning history.

Keep scrolling to see details of events happening this spring and summer!

???? March ????

Historians on Tap: Unruly Women

• Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at The Veil Brewing Co. - Forest Hill

Local historians Adrienne Robertson Ogle, Kate Egner and Joe Rizzo will highlight the stories of women who challenged norms, defied authority and carved out space for themselves in history. The event is for participants aged 16 or above. For more information, contact riz002@henrico.gov.

Spilling the Tea on Colonial Tea

• Saturday, March 28, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Belmont Rec Center

The age-friendly event will explore questions like why the British and their colonies became tea drinkers, how colonial tea service differed from Victorian and more. There will be a demonstration of how tea was prepared and guests can taste some of the teas from the historical era. For more information, visit den63@henrico.gov.

???? April ????

Family Sleuths: Revolutionary Spies

• Wednesday, April 1, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Deep Run Rec Center

Calling young history enthusiasts aged 8 through 12! Participate in the event to solve secret messages, follow clues, try to traverse the property without getting lost or captured and see if you have what it takes to be a spy. For more information, contact leh@henrico.gov.

Lives, Fortunes & Sacred Honor: American Revolution Stories

• Sunday, April 19, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Belmot Rec Center

Attendees aged 10 and above are invited to join this event, where the director of education, Jim Triesler, with the Virginia War Memorial, will share stories of ordinary people who took extraordinary measures to bring about our nation. For more information, contact den63@henrico.gov.

???? May ????

Friend or Foe 5K

• Saturday, May 2, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Osborne Park and Boat Landing

The run will begin at the historic Osborne Park and travel through a Revolutionary War landscape, meeting Lafayette and Benedict Arnold reenactors along the way. There will also be a virtual run option for those who can't make it in person. For more information, visit Friend or Foe 5K.

Walkerton Tavern’s Bicentennial Bash

• Sunday, May 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Walkerton Tavern

Guests can celebrate Walkerton Tavern's 200th anniversary with historical interpreters, activities, games and more. For more information, visit Walkerton Tavern's Bicentennial Bash or contact den63@henrico.gov.

London Pleasants: From Enslaved to Redcoat

• Saturday, May 23, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Henrico Recreation and Parks

Attendees aged 10 and above can learn about London Pleasants, his time as a Black Loyalist, his fate after the American Revolution and his life from enslavement to self-emancipation in Henrico. For more information, contact sch107@henrico.gov.

An Audience with Lord Dunmore

• Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Belmont Rec Center

Attendees aged 10 and above can learn how the colony of Virginia became more restless under the British government's policies through the portrayal of the last royal governor, John Murray, Earl of Dunmore. Costumed interpreter Bill Rose will step into the role and discuss Virginia's rising "Liberty Fever." For more information, visit sch107@henrico.gov.

⭐ July ⭐

A Henrico Fourth: Two-Day Celebration

• Friday, July 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Dorey Park
• Saturday, July 4, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Crump Park

Join Henrico County for a two-day celebration featuring fireworks, laser light show, hot air balloon display and concessions. For more information, visit A Henrico Fourth: Dorey Park and A Henrico Fourth: Crump Park.