Join us as we welcome the Lady Maryland to Onancock! Our Eastern Shore Kayak Flotilla will welcome the ship to the Wharf.

If you would like to participate in the Flotilla, please contact Mary Burnham at 305-240-0650 or email mary@burnhamguides.com.

Explore the beauty and history of Onancock Creek on a guided kayak tour with Burnham Guides. Paddle through scenic waterways while learning about the area’s history and natural surroundings.

Cost: $55.00 (children under 15: $30).

Kayak and paddle board rentals will be available daily from 10:00am - 4:00pm for those who would like to head out on the water and view the Lady Maryland on their own. Visit burnhamguides.com/booknow to register.

Bring the kids to the Wharf for a fun-filled Kids Zone featuring a bouncy house and hands-on activities. A free, kid-friendly spot to play, explore, and enjoy the weekend celebration!

Dining, live music, shopping and art. Galleries and shops feature extended evening hours, guest artists, music and wine tasting.

Second Friday is sponsored by the Onancock Business & Civic Association (OBCA) and participating businesses. Visit onancock.org for more information.

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a special screening of The Patriot at the Roseland Theatre during Onancock Sails Forward weekend.

Visit the Onancock Farmers Market and enjoy a lively gathering of local farmers, artisans, and food vendors. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more while experiencing one of the community’s favorite weekly traditions during the Onancock Sails Forward weekend.

Explore the beauty and history of Onancock Creek on a guided kayak tour with Burnham Guides. Paddle through scenic waterways while learning about the area’s history and natural surroundings.

Cost: $55.00 (children under 15: $30).

Kayak and paddle board rentals will be available daily from 10:00am - 4:00pm for those who would like to head out on the water and view the Lady Maryland on their own. Visit burnhamguides.com/booknow to register.

Join us for a special tour and live blacksmithing demonstration at the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Memorial Museum. Step inside this nationally recognized historic site and experience the legacy of Samuel D. Outlaw—master craftsman, community leader, and one of the Eastern Shore’s earliest African-American business owners. Guests will explore the preserved workshop, learn about Mr. Outlaw’s remarkable impact on local industry and Black economic empowerment, and watch the forge come alive just as it did nearly a century ago.

Bring the kids to the Wharf for a fun-filled Kids Zone featuring a bouncy house and hands-on activities. A free, kid-friendly spot to play, explore, and enjoy the weekend celebration!

Stop by the Artisan Fair at Onancock Town Square featuring the artists of the Historic Onancock School and others. Discover unique artwork from some of the Shore’s most talented creatives.

Want to be a vendor? Complete the application here.

Art Challenge and Show on the Lawn at Shore History
Visit & Vote on June 13  11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Shore History invited all ESVA school students Grades 6 – 12 to create artwork to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Inspired by the question: “What Does Americas 250th Mean to Me?” 

The entries were judged and scholarship prizes and ribbons were awarded at a reception in May. Their works are entered into this Art Show so they can have the opportunity to show and sell their work and receive further awards. Local artists also joined the celebration during a June Paint Out, inspired by the same question. Their artwork will be displayed alongside the student entries as part of the show.

Ker Place will be open for tours 11:00am-3:00pm with a docent leading tours of the museum. Inside, you will see a house museum with exhibits including a visionary map of what the Ker Plantation looked like in 1805, and the Wise-Cropper Room. More information here: https://www.shorehistory.org/

Ker Place is also a stop on the Virginia250 Passport journey. Pick yours up or have your passport stamped here. link for passport: https://virginiahistory.org/virginia-250-passport

Look for the America's 250 marker installed on Market Street in front of Ker Place by the Eastern Shore Chapter of DAR in April 2026 to honor of the men and women of Accomack County who fought for American Independence.

Please join us as we dedicate The Onancock White Oak, which stands witness to the deep roots of our town. Mr. Robbie Lewis, Virginia Dept. of Forestry, will offer brief remarks, Saturday 13 June at 11am.

Join the fun with our Paper Boat Races! Watch creative handmade boats take to the water in this lighthearted competition that’s fun for participants and spectators of all ages.

Click here for rules and registration!

For more information, contact Bill Burnham at 305-240-3298 or email bill@burnhamguides.com.

Enjoy a performance by Fil Rhythm at the HOS Pavilion! Food & drink trucks will be available (please no coolers). Enjoy the music and stay for the fireworks after!

Enjoy a captivating performance by soprano Anna Sterrett.

We’ll light up the sky with a dazzling fireworks display to celebrate 250 years of our nation. Join the community for this spectacular event and be part of the excitement as Onancock Sails Forward!

Bring the kids to the Wharf for a fun-filled Kids Zone featuring a bouncy house and hands-on activities. A free, kid-friendly spot to play, explore, and enjoy the weekend celebration!

Join us for a special tour and live blacksmithing demonstration at the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Memorial Museum. Step inside this nationally recognized historic site and experience the legacy of Samuel D. Outlaw—master craftsman, community leader, and one of the Eastern Shore’s earliest African-American business owners. Guests will explore the preserved workshop, learn about Mr. Outlaw’s remarkable impact on local industry and Black economic empowerment, and watch the forge come alive just as it did nearly a century ago.

Stop by the Artisan Fair at Onancock Town Square featuring the artists of the Historic Onancock School and others. Discover unique artwork from some of the Shore’s most talented creatives.

Want to be a vendor? Complete the application here.

Explore the beauty and history of Onancock Creek on a guided kayak tour with Burnham Guides. Paddle through scenic waterways while learning about the area’s history and natural surroundings.

Cost: $55.00 (children under 15: $30).

Kayak and paddle board rentals will be available daily from 10:00am - 4:00pm for those who would like to head out on the water and view the Lady Maryland on their own. Visit burnhamguides.com/booknow to register.

Enjoy a special performance by local favorites, the Anointed Word Choir at the Historic Onancock School Pavilion.

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a special screening of The Patriot at the Roseland Theatre during Onancock Sails Forward weekend.