4th of July Fireworks at Colonial Williamsburg 2026 plus List of Events

There are events scheduled all day long! You can leave your chairs and blankets on the lawn of the Governor’s Palace – where the Pre-Show and fireworks will be or on the Courthouse Green – where the Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together will be held. and then enjoy a full day of free programs!

This year in celebration of our 250 Anniversary, there will be a HUGE celebration on the Courthouse Green that will be broadcast on PBS across the nation – Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together. It will include special guests, including singer-songwriter Judy Collins, renowned filmmaker Ken Burns, Michael Feinstein, Ryan Speedo Green, Kelli O’Hara, Richard Thomas, Adrienne Warren, the Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, and the Virginia Chorale.

The evening will also feature a poetry reading from The Honorable John Charles Thomas, alongside Colonial Williamsburg’s own Nation Builders and the Fifes & Drums. The grand finale will feature a dazzling drone show (9:25 pm) set to a patriotic score recorded by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band, culminating in the largest display of fireworks in The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s history (9:35 p.m)

BEST FIREWORKS VIEWING LOCATIONS: Palace Green & Colonial Williamsburg Golf Course (there will be two simultaneous shows at each location)

What are all the events happening in Colonial Williamsburg on July 4th? keep scrolling for the entire list!

📜 July 4 Programming Schedule & Activities

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Capitol West Balcony – 9:30 – 9:50 am

Reading of the Declaration of Independence – Gather with the citizens of Williamsburg on July 25, 1776 to hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson. At the Capitol West Balcony.  No Event Ticket Required. More Info

Visit with James Lafayette

🕞 10 – 10:45 am
📍Kimball Theater
Use your FREE Admission Ticket

Step into the past with James Lafayette, enslaved revolutionary spy. Learn more about his contribution to the founding of our nation as you engage with him and experience his world. Learn more

Salute to the States

🕞10:30 AM – 10:55 AM
📍Military Encampment

Set to the pomp and pageantry of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, the Virginia State Garrison Regiment will present cannon salutes honoring the original thirteen states of the Union. For more information, see here.

Visit with James Madison

🕞11 – 11:30 am
📍Governor’s Palace Stage
Use your FREE Admission Ticket

Step into the past with James Madison, a scholar and a statesman. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced. More info

July 4th Lunch Buffet (kids will love)

🕞11 am – 6 pm
📍Shields Tavern Pavilion

Step inside Shields Tavern this July 4 for a hearty buffet lunch served from 11:00AM to 6:00PM. Beat the heat, gather with family and friends and enjoy a satisfying meal to keep you fueled for an afternoon of celebration and the evening fireworks.

The buffet features colonial-inspired favorites and classic Fourth of July fare, including Mr. Shields’ proprietary fried chicken, barbecue, hot dogs, fresh salads, macaroni and cheese, french fries and cookies for dessert. More Info

Virginia Declaration of Rights

🕞11 – 11:45 am
📍Hennage Auditorium in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

This landmark document established a framework for protecting individual liberties and limited government power, setting a precedent for future declarations of rights. More info

Military Demonstration: Freedom and the Fog of War

🕞11:30 – 11:50 am
📍Military Encampment

A special demonstration of the weapons, tactics, and discipline of Virginia soldiers. Riflemen of the 7th Virginia Regiment, along with other Continentals, and accompanied by Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, will exercise and train in the shadow of the Powder Magazine, showcasing the heroes who marched from Williamsburg to win American Independence. More info

Visit with Thomas Jefferson

🕞11:30 AM – 12 PM
📍Charlton Stage
The story of America is one of both hope and struggle. Step into the past with Thomas Jefferson, the rebellious philosopher, and explore the hopes, choices, and challenges that shaped his journey through stories and conversation. Admission to Colonial Williamsburg is required. For more information, see here.

Williamsburg Declares

🕞12 – 12:15 pm
📍In front of Raleigh Tavern

Explore how Williamsburg played a vital role in the run up to the writing of Declaration of Independence. More Info

Visit with Marquis de Lafayette

🕞12 – 12:45 pm
📍Kimball Theatre
Step into the past with the Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of two worlds. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices and challenges he faced. More info

SOLD OUT – Traditions July 4 | Build Your Own Picnic

🕞12:30–8 PM
📍Traditions | Williamsburg Lodge
🧺 Enjoy a hassle-free, Build-Your-Own Picnic on July 4th! But you need to make reservations
🍔 BBQ chicken/pork, burgers, hot dogs & mac & cheese 🧁 Patriotic cupcakes & ice cream 🥤 Drinks included! Make your reservation…More Info

Hands-on: 250 Button Making

🕞1 PM – 3 PM
📍Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg
Drop by the Goode Education Studio at the Art Museums and make a piece of art to wear for the 250th birthday of the United States of America. More Info

Visit with George Washington

🕞1 PM – 1:30 PM
📍Charlton Stage
Step into the past with George Washington, father of the country. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced. For more information, see here.

Visit with George Mason

🕞2 – 2:45 pm
📍Kimball Theatre
Use your FREE Admission Ticket
Step into the past with George Mason, father of American rights. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced. More info

Visit with Martha Washington

🕞1 – 1:30 pm
📍Governor’s Palace Stage
Step into the past with Martha Washington, our Nation’s first First Lady. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges she faced. More Info

Pursuing Happiness

🕞2 PM – 3 PM
📍Hennage Auditorium
Extra July 4 week performances: July 2, 3 from 7 – 8 pm and July 4 from 2 – 3pm.

On the eve of presenting his draft of the Declaration of Independence to committee, Thomas Jefferson is visited by three influential voices from his world. Through a series of imagined conversations between Jefferson, John Locke, and King George III, guests will explore the ideas and inspirations behind the Declaration of Independence and gain a fresh perspective on the document celebrated each Fourth of July. Colonial Williamsburg admission required. For more information, see here.

Under Arms: Training the Grand Army

🕞2 PM – 2:20 PM
📍Military Encampment

Discover the challenges and hardships of America’s fight for independence through this interactive military program. Recruits of all ages are invited to join the 7th Virginia Regiment, alongside the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, for a hands-on military drill that offers a glimpse into the lives of soldiers preparing for war. Both active participants and observers are welcome, with final inspection of the recruits conducted by Patrick Henry.. More info

Visit with George Mason

🕞2 PM – 2:45 PM
📍Charlton Stage, Kimball Theatre (July 4 only)

Step into the past with George Mason, champion of American rights. Through stories and conversation, guests will explore the hopes, decisions, and challenges that shaped his journey. Colonial Williamsburg admission is required make sure to get your free ticket for July 4. For more information, see here.

Visit with Patrick Henry

🕞3 PM – 3:30 PM
📍Governor’s Palace Stage

Step back in time with Patrick Henry, the fiery voice of the Revolution. Through stories and conversation, guests will explore the hopes, decisions, and challenges that shaped his journey. Colonial Williamsburg admission is required make sure to get your free ticket for July 4. For more information, see here.

Beat the Retreat: Marching to a New Nation

🕞4 PM – 4:25 PM
📍Military Encampment

Guests of all ages are invited to take part in this interactive program and march alongside Virginia’s revolutionary soldiers on the path toward a new nation. Participants will witness the troops being inspected by General George Washington, take the oath of allegiance, and stand on the same ground where the heroes of ’76 declared themselves free Americans. The march will begin at the Powder Magazine and continue to the Capitol.. More Info

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1776: The Trial for Independence

🕞4:30 PM – 4:50 PM
📍In front of Charlton’s Coffeehouse

A fair trial is one of the most valued rights of British citizens. Witness Independence itself stand trial as Virginia casts the deciding vote that will shape the future of the nation.
For more information, see More info

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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 the American story. The event will feature live music by Sam Rucker and his jazz ensemble, reflections on Virginia’s contributions to the nation, and remarks from distinguished guests as thousands gather in advance of the live national PBS broadcast, America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together. More Info

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America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together

Market Square North (behind Courthouse) – 8 – 10 pm
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, in partnership with VA250, will host a star-filled tribute to America’s 250th anniversary in the heart of the city where the idea of a new nation began.

The Historic Area will welcome an extraordinary lineup of special guests, including singer-songwriter Judy Collins, renowned filmmaker Ken Burns, Michael Feinstein, Ryan Speedo Green, Kelli O’Hara, Richard Thomas, Adrienne Warren, the Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, and the Virginia Chorale. The evening will also feature a poetry reading from The Honorable John Charles Thomas, alongside Colonial Williamsburg’s own Nation Builders and the Fifes & Drums.

The grand finale will feature a dazzling drone show (9:25 pm) set to a patriotic score recorded by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band, culminating in the largest display of fireworks in The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s history (9:35 p.m). Whether you’re in person or viewing the broadcast, be a part of this celebration by joining fellow Virginians from across the state.

Broadcasting live from the heart of Williamsburg, VA across all station-branded PBS platforms including PBS.org and the PBS app. More Info

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4th of July Fireworks

9:25 pm – DRONE SHOW | FIREWORKS – The grand finale will feature a dazzling drone show (9:25 pm) set to a patriotic score recorded by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band, culminating in the largest display of fireworks (9:35 pm) in The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s history More Info

Sensory Guide to each event can be downloaded here
Map & Guide
Parking

PARKING: The best place to park is the Visitor Center parking lot, however, capacity is limited.  Additional Williamsburg parking will be free parking available at William & Mary’s Zable Stadium, located at 100 Stadium Dr. off Richmond Rd, and at William & Mary’s Kaplan Arena, located at 751 Ukrop Way. It is approximately a 15-minute walk to Palace Green from these locations. Paid lots in Colonial Williamsburg have event parking rates (Colonial Williamsburg does not receive Federal funds – this event has free admission and free & paid parking). Here is a link to updated parking information

Free overflow parking will be available at the Williamsburg Community Chapel located at 3899 John Tyler Highway in Williamsburg. Complimentary shuttles will take guests to and from Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area from Noon to 11:00 pm. Travel time will be approximately 17 minutes each way.

This year make sure to get your FREE Admission ticket online to Colonial Williamsburg for July 4th