July Fourth Festivities in the Historic Triangle

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown with events and activities that let you celebrate in a whole new way. Go back in time to commemorate the birth of our nation, or simply enjoy a celebratory environment with endless options for fun!

Colonial Williamsburg

Celebrate our nation’s birth on historic Duke of Gloucester Street! The day is packed with patriotic festivities, including public readings of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances, and a dazzling fireworks display to conclude the evening. Click here to see the complete schedule of events and claim your free July 4 single-day ticket.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
9:30 a.m – 9:50 a.m.
What better way to kick off America’s birthday than with a reading of the Declaration of Independence presented by Thomas Jefferson? Colonial Williamsburg is lauded for its historical interpreters—that is, actors/historians who bring history to life for us. Go back in time to July 25, 1776 and gather with the citizens of Williamsburg at the Capitol West Balcony, and we promise, you’ll see America in a whole new light.

Salute to the States
10:30 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Nothing is more patriotic than the pomp and pageantry of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. This event takes place at Market Square North (behind Courthouse), where the Virginia Military Garrison will present musket volley salutes to the original thirteen states of the Union.

Lights of Freedom
8:00-9:30 p.m.

Before the thrilling Fourth of July fireworks display, The American Music Concert Series will finish the day with a patriotic celebration of the words and music of the American Revolution. The day ends in a grand display of fireworks at 9:30 p.m on the Palace Green.

 
TIP! The best fireworks viewing locations are on the Palace Green, Market Square, and the East Lawn of the Art Museums. If you have your dog with you, be sure to bring them home before the fireworks start if they don’t react well to loud noises!

See all of the events here.

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens commemorates Independence Day with spectacular fireworks shows July 3 – 5, which is during Military Appreciation Week. After a day of fun at the park with your friends and family, the fun is just beginning! Starting at 9:30 p.m., you can watch the night sky light up with colorful pyrotechnic displays. 

The fireworks will feature bursts of red, white and blue and will be synchronized with a soundtrack of contemporary patriotic music. No matter where you’re standing in the park, you’ll be able to see these massive displays! If you want to be sure you have the best views, however, you can reserve a picnic or river cruise for the perfect experience. Watching the bursts of light reflect off the Rhine River is a wonderful way to enjoy the shows!

Yorktown/Jamestown

Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown are sister museums that cover Virginia history and culture from the early 1600s through the American Revolution. 

On July 4, the Liberty Celebration offers a special lineup to mark this patriotic occasion. Enjoy interpretive programs and artillery demonstrations, learn about the challenges that our nation’s founders faced. Click to see the full schedule of events, and buy your tickets here!