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Events for July 4, 2026

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Independence-Day-Race

Yorktown Independence Day 8K Run/Walk/Ruck and 5K Run/Walk

York High School 9300 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown

Kick off the Fourth of July where history was made. Participants are invited to run, walk, or ruck through the historic Yorktown Battlefield in this 8K/5K event along the very roads where America’s independence was won. The chip-timed 8K begins at 8 AM., followed by the 5K Fun Run at 8:30 AM. Runners and walkers will gather near York High School and be led to the start by Fife and Drummers, with race-day packet pick-up available from 7 - 8:30 AM.
All registrants receive a custom race T-shirt (guaranteed by June 24), with 8K finishers also eligible for medals, age group awards, and a Ruck division. 5K participants will receive a finisher coin while supplies last. After crossing the finish line, participants can enjoy refreshments and a festive post-race celebration.
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📅Saturday, July 4
🕞7 AM - 10:30 AM
📍Yorktown Battlefield

chowning-cider-stand july 4th

Chowning’s Cider Stand & Garden Bar

Chowning's Garden Bar & Cider Stand 109 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

Chowning's Cider Stand & Garden Bar 8:00 AM–9:00 PM Stop by Chowning’s Garden Bar and Cider Stand from 8:00 AM–9:00 PM for colonial-inspired refreshments, classic bites, and a charming outdoor...

coffee-donuts-sheild-tavern

July 4th Coffee and Doughnuts at Shields Tavern

Shields Tavern 422 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

July 4th Coffee and Doughnuts at Shields Tavern Side Yard of Shields Tavern8:30AM–11:00AM Begin your Fourth of July with a taste of tradition at Shields Tavern. Before gathering to hear...

Yorktown-July-4-Parade

Yorktown’s 4th of July Parade

Historic Main Street Yorktown 301 Main Street, Yorktown

Fourth of July Parade Saturday, July 4 at 9 am Water & Main StreetsCheck the FAQ for Yorktown's July 4th events for updated information Let freedom ring in Yorktown’s annual...

fee-free-day-National-Parks

Fee Free Day at National Parks

Fee Free Day at National Parks
Colonial National Historical Park - Yorktown Battlefield 1000 Colonial Pkwy, Yorktown

Come experience the national parks! On specific days in 2026, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Before visiting a park,...

liberty celebration at american revolution museum

‘Liberty Celebration’

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown 200 Water Street, Route 1020, Yorktown

Step into history this Fourth of July and mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a day of hands-on programs and living-history experiences. From artillery demonstrations to interpretive presentations, visitors can explore the complex realities of the nation’s founding—while also reflecting on those who were not yet granted the freedoms being celebrated.
Residents of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg–including William & Mary students–receive free admission with proof of residency. Parking is free as well.
—
📅Saturday, July 4
🕞9 AM - 5 PM
📍The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

give me liberty

Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown 200 Water Street, Route 1020, Yorktown

Discover the stories that helped shape a nation when Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation opens July 1, 2026, at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, this powerful exhibition explores Virginia’s pivotal role in the American Revolution through remarkable artifacts and inspiring stories of both iconic and everyday people.
Included with museum admission, this new exhibition invites visitors to connect with the people, places, and ideas that forged a new nation—and continue to shape America today. 🇺🇸
—
📅July 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027
🕞9 AM - 5 PM
📍American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

July-4th-Yorktown-

Independence Day Celebration

Historic Main Street Yorktown 301 Main Street, Yorktown

Celebrate America’s birthday where independence was won 🇺🇸
Yorktown’s Fourth of July Celebration is a full day of patriotic fun—starting with a festive parade down Main Street, followed by family-friendly activities, waterfront views, and local shopping.
As night falls, enjoy a bell-ringing ceremony, a patriotic concert by Good Shot Judy, and a spectacular fireworks finale over the York River at 9:15 p.m.
Bring a blanket, wave your flag, and celebrate freedom—Yorktown style! 🎆
—
📅July 4, 2026
🕞9 AM - 9:30 PM
📍Historic Main Street and Water Street

declaration of independance

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Capitol Building Colonial Williamsburg E Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg

Guests are invited to the Capitol building to hear Thomas Jefferson read the Declaration of Independence exactly 250 years after it was written. Experience this powerful moment of history where the ideals of a new nation first took shape.
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📅Saturday, July 4
🕞9:30 AM - 9:50 AM
📍Capitol Circle

american quilt

The Great American Birthday Quilt Exhibition

The Great American Birthday Quilt Exhibition
Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center 101 Visitor Center Dr, Williasmburg

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday through a one-of-a-kind community work of art at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. Following its grand reveal in Merchants Square, the Great American Birthday Quilt will be on display throughout 2026 at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. 🇺🇸🧵Created by Visit Williamsburg in partnership with the Muscarelle Museum of Art, this meaningful quilt brings together squares submitted by people across the country—each one helping tell a shared American story in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday. Come experience this remarkable tribute up close and discover the stories stitched into every square.
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📅April 11 - Oct. 9
🕞9:30 AM - 5 PM
📍Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center

centennial

Centennial!

Centennial!
Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg 301 S Nassau Street, Williamsburg

Celebrate 100 years of Colonial Williamsburg with a guided tour.
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📅June 1 - Sep. 6
🕞10 AM - 10:40 AM
📍Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

James-Armistead-Lafayette-colonial-williamsburg

Visit with James Lafayette

Visit with James Lafayette
Kimball Theatre 428 W Duke of Gloucester St,, Williamsburg

Step into a powerful story of courage and resilience. 🇺🇸
Meet James Lafayette, an enslaved Revolutionary War spy, and discover the vital role he played in the founding of our nation. Engage with history, hear his story, and experience the world through his eyes.
—
📅April 2, 4, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18 & July 3-4
🕞Times vary by date
📍Location varies by date

CW-salute-to-the-states

Salute to the States

Military Encampment 103 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

Experience the sights and sounds of history as the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums join the Virginia State Garrison Regiment for a stirring series of cannon salutes honoring the original thirteen states of the Union.
—
📅Saturday, July 4
🕞10:30 AM - 10:55 AM
📍Military Encampment

First-Virginia-Declaration-of-Rights

Virginia Declaration of Rights

First Virginia Declaration of Rights
Kimball Theatre 428 W Duke of Gloucester St,, Williamsburg

First Virginia Declaration of Rights Hennage Auditorium This year marks the epic 250th anniversary of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, adopted way back on June 12, 1776. 📝✨ Primarily penned...

james madison

Visit with James Madison

Visit with James Madison
Governors Palace Stage 300 Palace Green St, Williamsburg

The story of America is one of both hope and struggle. Step into the past with James Madison–scholar, statesman, and architect of the Constitution–and explore the decisions and challenges that shaped his journey through stories and conversation.
Discover the people, ideas, and debates that helped define a new nation at Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg admission required.
—
📅Saturday, July 4
🕞11 AM - 11:30 AM
📍Governor’s Palace Stage

shield patio

July 4th Lunch Buffet at Sheilds Tavern

Shields Tavern 422 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

July 4 at Shields Tavern Buffet Lunch Menu – Served 11 AM–6 PM Step inside Shields Tavern this July 4 for a hearty buffet lunch served from 11:00AM to 6:00PM. Beat the...

military demonstration

Military Demonstration: Freedom and the Fog of War

Military Encampment 103 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

Watch history come to life with a special military demonstration featuring the riflemen of the 7th Virginia Regiment, fellow Continental troops, and the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. Experience the weapons, tactics, and discipline of Virginia’s soldiers as they drill and train in the shadow of the Powder Magazine—the same spirit of service that marched from Williamsburg in the fight for American independence. 🇺🇸
Step into Revolutionary Williamsburg and experience the sights and sounds of an 18th-century military drill. 🇺🇸
Riflemen of the 7th Virginia Regiment, joined by fellow Continental troops and accompanied by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, will demonstrate the weapons, tactics, and discipline of Virginia’s soldiers in the shadow of the Powder Magazine.
Discover the stories of the soldiers who marched from Williamsburg in the fight for American independence.
—
📅Saturday, July 4
🕞11:30 AM - 11:50 AM
📍Military Encampment

reenhow-lumber-house-concessions july 4

July 4 at Greenhow Lumber House

July 4 at Greenhow Lumber House
Lumber House Ticket Office 108 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

Swing by the Greenhow Lumber House Yard this July 4 for quick, delicious bites all day long—start your morning with fresh coffee and muffins, then enjoy classic favorites like bratwurst, corndogs, french fries, and watermelon.

social-terrace-july-4th

Social Terrace Independence Celebration

Social Terrace at Williamsburg Inn 136 Francis Street East, Williamsburg

Social Terrace Independence Celebration The Williamsburg Inn July 4 from 12 pm to 11 pm 🎆 Want a front-row seat to the Fourth of July fireworks? ✨ Celebrate Independence Day...

Sweet Tea & Barley

SOLD OUT – Build Your Own July 4 Picnic

Traditions in the Williamsburg Lodge 310 S England Street, Williamsburg

SOLD OUT - Traditions July 4 | Build Your Own Picnic July 4 | 12:30 pm– 8:00 pmTraditions at The Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection SOLD OUT - Make the Fourth...

george-washington-at-colonial-williamsburg

Visit with George Washington

Visit with General George Washington
Charlton Stage E Duke of Gloucester St, williamsburg

Step into the past with George Washington, the father of the country. 🇺🇸 Through engaging stories and thoughtful questions, guests will explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced while leading a new nation.
—
📅April 3-4, 7, 10, 14, 18, 21, 25 & July 2, 4
🕞Times vary by date
📍Location varies by date

stable tour colonial williamsburg

Stables Behind-The-Scenes Tour

Stables Behind-The-Scenes Tour
Corner of Botetourt and Nicholson Streets Corner of Botetourt and Nicholson Streets, Williamsburg

Stables Behind-The-Scenes Tour Treat the animal lover in your life to this one-hour walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg’s modern stables and Rare Breeds Program. During this behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll see...

under arms: training the grand army

Under Arms: Training the Grand Army

Military Encampment 103 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

Step into the ranks and experience the challenges of America’s fight for independence. 🇺🇸 Recruits of all ages are invited to join the 7th Virginia Regiment and the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums for an interactive military drill inspired by the lives of Revolutionary soldiers preparing for war.
Whether participating or observing, guests will witness the final inspection of the recruits by Patrick Henry in this engaging living-history experience.
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📅Saturday, July 4
🕞2 PM - 2:20 PM
📍Military Encampment

State-of-Society

State of Society

State of Society
Hennage Auditorium in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg 301 S Nassau Street, Williamsburg

State of Society See ScheduleHennage Auditorium It is Virginia, 1776. Join Patrick Henry as he fights to save the revolution from its most dire threat, and blaze a path to...

State-of-Society

State of Society

State of Society
Hennage Auditorium in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg 301 S Nassau Street, Williamsburg

State of Society See ScheduleHennage Auditorium It is Virginia, 1776. Join Patrick Henry as he fights to save the revolution from its most dire threat, and blaze a path to...

palace-green-concessions july 4th

Palace Green Concessions

Colonial Williamsburg Palace Green 202 Palace Green Street, Williamsburg

Palace Green Concessions 2pm - 10 pmbetween the St. George Tucker House and Livingston Kitchen, just off Palace Green Celebrate July 4 with quick bites and refreshing beverages available along...

berrets-live-music-williamsburg

Live Music at Berret’s

Live Music at Berret’s
Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill 199 S Boundary St, Williamsburg

Live Music at Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill 3 - 6 pm Enjoy live, outdoor music, daily from 3 pm - 6 pm.  Please note all outdoor dining is...

trial for independence

1776: The Trial for Independence

1776: The Trial for Independence
Outside of Charlton Coffee House 429 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

A fair trial was considered one of the most cherished rights of the British world—but what happens when Independence itself is put on trial? ⚖️
Guests are invited to step into the courtroom as witnesses to this pivotal moment, where Virginia holds the power with a single vote to decide the fate of a nation.
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📅Daily (March - May) & July 2 - 5
🕞3:30 PM - 3:50 PM (March - May), 1 PM - 1:20 PM (July 2-3 & 5), 4:30 PM - 4:50 PM (July 4)
📍Outside of Charlton’s Coffeehouse

lodge-concessions

Williamsburg Lodge Concessions for July 4

Williamsburg Lodge 310 S England Street, Williamsburg

Williamsburg Lodge Concessions 4 pm - 9:30 pm Celebrate July 4 with quick snacks and refreshing beverages available along South England Street at the Williamsburg Lodge. Stop by between 4:00...

preshow-july-4-colonial-williamsburg

July 4 Pre-Show on Palace Green

Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg 300 Palace Green Street, Williamsburg

July 4 Pre-Show on Palace Green 🕞5:30 PM - 7:15 PM📍Lawn of the Governor's Palace Join us for a special pre-broadcast program on Palace Green celebrating Virginia's central role in...

star-spangled-cookout

Sold Out – Star-Spangled Cookout

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown 200 Water Street, Route 1020, Yorktown

SOLD OUT - Star-Spangled Cookout American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Saturday, July 4th6 - 8:30 p.m. Join the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for an evening (6 - 8:30 p.m.)...

good-shot-judy-july-4

Good Shot Judy – July 4th Yorktown

Riverwalk Landing 331 Water Street, Yorktown

Good Shot Judy - Let freedom swing! July 4th from 7:30 to 9:15 p.mYorktown Waterfront Good Shot Judy will be performing from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 4,...

america 250

America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together

Market Square North 101 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

Celebrate in the heart of the city where the idea of a new nation began at a special two-hour live event and telecast, presented in partnership with VA250. The evening features an exciting lineup of performances, including music from singer-songwriter Judy Collins, a poetry reading by The Honorable John Charles Thomas, and selections from the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band, along with more special presentations.
The celebration culminates in a spectacular finale with a dazzling drone show followed by the Lights of Freedom fireworks extravaganza beginning at 9:35 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to travel light by leaving large bags at home or at their hotel. Please note that bag checks may be conducted at Colonial Williamsburg venues at any time, and additional security measures may be in place. Large bags, including backpacks, duffel bags, and luggage, are not permitted and may be subject to inspection before entry.
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📅Saturday, July 4
🕞8 PM - 10 PM
📍Market Square North

WCUSA-Aquazoid-Amped

AquaGlow at Water Country USA

Aqua Glow at Water Country USA
Water Country USA 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg

AquaGlow, is a limited-capacity nighttime event at Water Country USA! This family-friendly experience transforms the park into a glowing after-dark escape filled with energy and excitement. Dance the night away in electrified...

WCUSA-Aquazoid-Amped

AquaGlow at Water Country USA

Aqua Glow at Water Country USA
Water Country USA 176 Water Country Pkwy, Williamsburg

AquaGlow, is a limited-capacity nighttime event at Water Country USA! This family-friendly experience transforms the park into a glowing after-dark escape filled with energy and excitement. Dance the night away in electrified...

Kinetix

Kinetix A New Generation

Kinetix A New Generation
Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg

Kinetix A New Generation Get ready to move as the pulse-pounding Kinetix: A New Generation turns up the energy to eleven! Starring powerhouse vocalists and a world-class roster of specialty...

Busch Gardens Fireworks

Fireworks at Busch Gardens

Fireworks at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg

Turn your eyes toward the sky as Busch Gardens Williamsburg lights up the night with dazzling fireworks. Set to a sizzling summer soundtrack, you won’t want to miss this colorful...

fireworks-yorktown

July 4th Fireworks – Yorktown

Yorktown Waterfront 425 Water Street, Yorktown

July 4th Fireworks - Yorktown 2026 Beginning at 9:15 p.m. on July 4th, fireworks will light up the sky over the York River in an annual community tradition. The best...

palace-fireworks-july-4-2018

July 4th Fireworks – Colonial Williamsburg

Market Square CW 102 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg

July 4th Fireworks Colonial WilliamsburgFireworks, Drone Show and United States Air Force Heritage of America BandDrone Show Starts at 9:25 pmFireworks Start at 9:35 pmMarket Square behind the CourthouseFOR UPDATES...

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