Williamsburg Launches First-Ever Pancake Festival and Pancake Trail This Fall

WILLIAMSBURG, VA (August 26, 2025) — Williamsburg is flipping out with excitement this fall as it hosts its first Pancake Festival presented by Visit Williamsburg and CultureFix from September 26 to 27, 2025. Celebrating the city’s well-earned title as the Pancake Capital of the World, with more pancake house restaurant options than any other town, this two-day event promises a weekend packed with delicious food, lively entertainment, and family-friendly fun that brings the community and visitors together.

“We’ve embraced our identity as the Pancake Capital of the World, and now we’re serving up a festival that reflects the warmth, creativity, and community spirit Williamsburg is known for,” said Edward Harris, CEO of Visit Williamsburg. “Our hope is that this becomes an annual tradition that not only brings residents together but also draws visitors from near and far to experience all the charm our destination has to offer.”

The festivities kick off on National Pancake Day, Friday, September 26, with an evening of pancakes, cozy swag, and live entertainment at the Hellenic Center. This ticketed event, where guests are encouraged to wear their favorite PJs, runs from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. It features a mouthwatering menu of breakfast favorites, a performance by the upbeat Tidewater Drive Band, and a “Pancake Lab” sponsored by Capitol Pancake House, a kids' zone where little ones can get creative, decorating their own pancakes with delicious and imaginative toppings, and face painting at both events.

On Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., the celebration moves outdoors to Duke of Gloucester Street in Merchant’s Square during the Farmers Market, with family-friendly activities including the Sausage Sprint, a dachshund dog race presented by Zoom Room, a pancake-themed children's book reading, and the exciting World Pancake Eating Championship, where professional eaters like Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry compete in a pancake showdown, with pancakes sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg. In addition to the festival, Visit Williamsburg and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce are launching the Pancake Trail, an interactive way for locals and visitors to explore Williamsburg’s breakfast scene.

Throughout September, participants can download the trail on their phones and check in at participating pancake restaurants such as Shorty’s Diner in Yorktown, Astronomical Pancake House, and Southern Pancake Waffle House to earn points for a keepsake T-shirt and a ticket to the Friday festival.

Ticket prices for the Pancake Festival on Friday, September 26, range from $20 for adults to $15 for teenagers. Children and college kids are free admission, as are those who participate in the Pancake Trail. For tickets, vendor inquiries, or more information about the Pancake Festival and register for the Pancake Trail Pass, please visit www.visitwilliamsburg.com.