COLONIAL BEACH, Va. — Whether you get there by car or by boat, a fun summer day trip is waiting just across the Potomac this weekend, with pirates, mermaids, treasure hunts, classic cars and waterfront activities taking over Colonial Beach.
The 11th Annual Colonial Beach Water Fest returns Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16, filling the boardwalk with pirate and mermaid characters, treasure hunts, parades, games, vendors and other family-friendly activities.
Admission is free.
Families can spend the day searching for treasure, meeting costumed characters, browsing food and craft vendors and taking part in activities for all ages.
Weekend highlights include treasure hunts, Dig for Treasure activities, daily parades, an interactive drum circle, inflatable axe throwing, a treasure chest raffle, Spin the Captain’s Wheel and a mural where visitors can draw their favorite pirate or mermaid.
And dressing the part is encouraged. Families can break out their pirate hats, mermaid-inspired outfits and other costumes before heading to the boardwalk.
On Saturday, Aug. 15, vendors and family games will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Treasure Hunt and Dig for Treasure will be offered from noon to 4 p.m. at the Chamber Tent.
The Pirate and Mermaid Parade begins at noon, with participants meeting at the Pirate Tent, followed by a community drum circle at 1 p.m.
The fun continues Sunday, Aug. 16, with vendors and family games from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and another Treasure Hunt and Dig for Treasure from noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday’s Hawaiian Parade begins at noon, followed by the community drum circle at 1 p.m. The Treasure Chest Raffle drawing will be held at 3 p.m., and winners do not need to be present.
Classic Cars Join The Weekend Fun
Water Fest will not be the only attraction bringing people to Colonial Beach this weekend.
The 46th Annual Rod Run to the Beach will also be held Saturday and Sunday at Colonial Beach Town Hill, adding classic cars, live music and another longtime tradition to the weekend.
Saturday’s cruise-in begins at 8 a.m., with registration also opening at 8 a.m. and a cruise around the point scheduled for noon. Live music from the Tyler Nichols Band is also planned Saturday.
The Rod Run continues from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, with judging beginning at noon. Awards include Best in Show, Top 30, Top 3 Rat Rod, Top 20 Late Model and Founder’s Choice.
Spectator admission is free, with limited free spectator parking available. A 50/50 raffle will be held both days.
That means visitors making the trip across the bridge can catch pirates and mermaids along the boardwalk, check out rows of cars at Town Hill and spend the rest of the day exploring Colonial Beach — all during the same weekend.
Learn more about all the events at colonialbeach.org
Event: 11th Annual Colonial Beach Water Fest
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Colonial Beach Boardwalk, Colonial Beach, Virginia
Admission: Free
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