How to celebrate Independence Day in the Williamsburg area

Kim O'Brien Root, The Virginian-Pilot
·4 min read

This year’s Fourth of July holiday recognizes the 247th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — just three years away from the country’s semiquincentennial. From parades to fireworks, here’s how the Historic Triangle plans to celebrate.

Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg will celebrate July Fourth with fireworks as well as music and other festivities. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with Thomas Jefferson reading the Declaration of Independence from the Capitol West balcony.

In honor of the day, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering free admission to the Historic Area and the Art Museums from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For complimentary tickets, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/tickets/july4.

The day’s events include a Salute to the States with the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums and a musket volley in Market Square at 10:30 a.m.

Lights of Freedom, a celebration of the words and music of the American Revolution, will begin on the Palace Green at 8 p.m. Guests are invited to bring chairs, blankets and food to enjoy the concert.

A fireworks display above the Governor’s Palace will begin 9:30 p.m. and can be seen from the Palace Green, Market Square and the eastern side of the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

For a full list of events, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/july4.

Yorktown

Yorktown’s 44th Independence Day Celebration takes place on Historic Main Street and along the waterfront at Riverwalk Landing on July 4.

The day kicks off at 8 a.m. with the Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk (virtual and in person), followed by a parade at 9 a.m. Activities and music will be featured throughout the day, including a hot dog eating contest at 1 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing.

The day will cap off with a bell ringing ceremony at 7 p.m., a jazz band concert at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. over the York River.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Liberty Celebration at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will feature interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations, tours and a patriotic sing-along. There will also be a recreated Continental Army encampment along with a Revolution-era farm.

Liberty Celebration events are included with museum admission (free for residents of Williamsburg, James City County and York County). For more information, visit www.jyfmuseums.org/liberty-celebration.

The Yorktown Trolley will offer free shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a complete list of events and more information, including about parking, visit www.visityorktown.org/Fourth. Race registration is available at runsignup.com/Race/VA/Yorktown/YorktownIndependenceDay8KRunWalk.

Colonial Parkway

Colonial National Historical Park is partnering with York County to provide activities throughout the day, including self-guided tours of the Nelson House in the afternoon. Entrance fees normally required to visit Yorktown Battlefield, Jamestown Island and the recreational stops along the Colonial Parkway will be waived on July 4.

Other events

  • July 2: The Daughters of the American Revolution will hold story times from 2-4 p.m. about the founding of the nation at Williamsburg Regional Library and James City County Library.

  • July 3: Williamsburg, William & Mary and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will host the third annual Community Appreciation Day on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, beginning at 5 p.m. The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band will perform at 7:30 p.m.

  • July 4: Freedom flow, an all-levels yoga class, will be held at 11 a.m. at Aleworks Brewing Co., 189B Ewell Road. Wear red, white and blue. $10/person.

  • July 4: The Classic Cruisers Car Club will host a free car show from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Coastal Church, 101 Village Ave., Yorktown. Music, food. All money raised will go directly to the Gathering of Mountain Eagles, which provides opportunities for wounded or injured American military service members and family members. Visit www.ccccva.com.

  • July 1-8: Military Appreciation Week at Busch Gardens, with military bands, nightly fireworks, up-close view of military vehicles and specialty shopping.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com