Celebrating Independence Day in Williamsburg

Celebrating Independence Day in Williamsburg this week is going to be great, and we are fired up! Colonial Williamsburg has a lineup of events from morning ‘til past sundown, and you don’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate America’s birthday!

Besides having the freedom to explore this amazing historic area with its stories of 18th-century life in America*, you can enjoy the July Fourth festivities all day long. Here is the schedule of events for this day of celebration and reflection.

*Admission tickets for historic buildings, trades, museums, and select programming available at The Lumber House Ticketing Office on Duke of Gloucester Street, all CW ticketing locations, or online.

9:30 a.m. Thomas Jefferson will begin the day with members of the CW Fifes & Drums at the Capitol West Balcony.

10:15 a.m. A special assembly of troops will gather on Market Square in commemoration of the 245th anniversary of the birth of our nation and salute to the original 13 states. 

11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a concert of celebration at the Play House Stage (admission ticket required)! This is a 20-minute audio festival of 18th-century songs and tunes.

11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. Thomas Jefferson will reflect on the events of the day at the Charlton Stage. Admission ticket required.

12:00 noon Residents of 18th-century Williamsburg will read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Colonial Courthouse with members of the CW Fifes & Drums. 

12:30 p.m. Bid on select items from CW stores on Market Square, as well as one-of-a-kind items that can’t be found anywhere else, including the bell used to announce the auction.

2:45 p.m. Another “Visit a Nation Builder” performance by Patrick Henry, who will reflect on the events of the day at the Charlton Stage. Admission ticket required.

3:00 p.m. A celebration of American popular music at the Hennage Auditorium. Admission ticket required.

4:00 p.m. Museum theatre exploration “Created Equal” shares African American perspectives on the Declaration of Independence and more at the Charlton Stage. Admission ticket required.

4:00 p.m. Live music and family-friendly entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening on the lawn of the Art Museums of CW, with ice cream and refreshments available for purchase.

8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. This will be the final night of “Honor & Reflection,” a contemplative multimedia installation at the sight of the ongoing excavation of the historic First Baptist Church’s first permanent location on South Nassau Street.

9:20 p.m. And finally, FIREWORKS! Celebrate The Lights of Freedom, a heart-pounding, 20-minute finale to Colonial Williamsburg’s Independence Day festivities. 

TIP! The best spots for viewing fireworks in Colonial Williamsburg are: 

✔ Palace Green

✔ Market Square

✔ East Lawn of the Art Museums

For a list of FAQs, visit Colonial Williamsburg online.

We hope you enjoy celebrating Independence Day in Williamsburg! Let us know what you think in the comments below.