Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks start at 9:30 pm. Here is your list hour by hour of events going on in Colonial Williamsburg (including fireworks) on July 4th!

Where is the best place to see July 4th fireworks in Colonial Williamsburg? BEST FIREWORKS VIEWING LOCATIONS: Palace Green, Market Square, and the East Lawn of the Art Museum

This year make sure to get your FREE Admission ticket online to Colonial Williamsburg on July 4th – In celebration of our nation’s birth, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering free admission to the Historic Area and the Art Museums on July 4 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. GET YOUR FREE TICKET

What are all the events happening in Colonial Williamsburg on July 4th? There is a lot of programming for locals and visitors to attend during the Birthday of our Nation plus a beautiful display of fireworks. The day will start as it has in past years with the Reading of the Declaration of Independence…
keep scrolling for the entire list!

July 4th Full Schedule of Events Colonial Williamsburg:

Coffee and Doughnuts for the Declaration!

8:30 am to 11 am
Just outside Sheild’s Tavern

Start your Fourth of July morning with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed Royal Cup Coffee and warm, house-made doughnuts, available for purchase just outside Shields Tavern. Located on Duke of Gloucester Street in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, this festive setup will coincide with the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Come early, grab a treat, and enjoy one of the most iconic moments of the day in true colonial spirit. More Info

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 General George Washington

Governors Palace Stage – 10 – 10:30 am
Use your FREE Admission Ticket

Step into the past with George Washington, father of the country. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced. More Info

Salute to the States

10:30 – 10:55 am – Market Square North (behind Courthouse)

Salute to the States – Set to the pomp & pageantry of the CW Fifes & Drums, The Virginia Military Garrison presents musket volley salutes in commemoration of the 247th anniversary of the birth of our nation and salute to the original thirteen states of the Union. Market Square North (behind Courthouse). No Event Ticket Required. More Info

Noon Reading of the Declaration of Independence

12 – 12:20 pm – Courthouse Steps

Join residents of the 18th-century Williamsburg community as they read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Courthouse and surrounding area.  More Info

Nation Builders Discuss 1775

12:30 – 2 pm – Charlton Stage

In 1775, Williamsburg experienced many events that forever altered the community, the nation, and the world. Join our Nation Builders as they discuss the impacts of those events that led to a revolution of the mind when loyalty transformed into rebellion. More Info

Stables Behind-the-Scenes

1 pm – Corner of Botetourt and Nicholson Streets

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 some of our animals, discuss their care, and may see a carriage get hitched.  (extra fee $8 per person + your free July 4th admission ticket) learn more

Liberty & Resistance

1:30 – 4:30 pm – Raleigh Tavern

Join the people of Williamsburg at the Historic Raleigh Tavern, the largest and most popular tavern in Williamsburg, as they navigate a treacherous time in Virginia’s history. In the summer of 1775, questions of loyalty, resistance, responsibility, safety, and liberty are on everyone’s minds. This was a time of significant change that impacted the lives of everyone in the city, regardless of social status. During this guided experience, you will meet with people from the 18th Century and explore different perspectives of Williamsburg’s society, from burgesses to enslaved community members. More Info

Here Every Presence is Warlike

2 – 2:30 pm – Market Square North (behind Courthouse)

In the summer of 1775, Virginia forged a new path toward independence. Two regiments are to be raised for the defense of Virginia, and hardy, resolute, and invincible patriots are needed to join the cause. Recruits are to report to Market Square Green, where officers of Virginia’s new army, accompanied by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, will begin their training. Open to recruits of all ages, both active participants and observers. Weather Permitting. More Info

Firelock Demonstration

Military Encampment at 1 pm & 3 pm

Firelock ownership was a legal requirement and civic duty in colonial Virginia. A member of the Williamsburg Independent Company will demonstrate the loading and firing of a firelock in the 18th century. Experience the sounds and smells of Virginia on the brink of Revolution More info

Shields Tavern July 4th Picnic Baskets – 2 – 6 PM

Enjoy a festive July 4th Family Picnic Basket from Shields Tavern Pavilion, available 2 PM – 6 PM. Relax in the shade at your reserved picnic table and indulge in holiday favorites like Mr. Shields’ Ice Box Fried Chicken, cornbread, potato salad, and fresh watermelon & strawberries, all topped off with patriotic cookies and refreshing lemonade. $25 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Prepaid reservations are required. Order Here

A Patriotic Celebration

3 – 4 pm Hennage Auditorium

Many events led up to our nation’s independence, and music told the story as it was happening. Hear a story told by members of the Governor’s Musick, using voice, flute, violin, viola da gamba, and harpsichord. Listen to vocal and instrumental chamber music of the 18th century and celebrate Independence Day with music that saw our transition from English colonies to American states. More Info

Visit with Patrick Henry

3:30 – 4 pm Charlton Stage

Step into the past with Patrick Henry, the Revolution’s son of thunder. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced. More Info

Pursuing Happiness

5 – 5:45 pm – Kimball Theatre

On the evening before Thomas Jefferson turns his draft of the Declaration of Independence over to a committee, he is visited by three inspiring voices. Witness a series of imagined conversations between Thomas Jefferson, John Locke, and King George III to discover the ghosts behind Jefferson’s drafts of the Declaration of Independence and gain a new perspective on the document we celebrate on the Fourth of July. More Info

Traditions Fourth of July Dinner

4 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Traditions Fourth of July Dinner – Savor a spectacular dinner buffet to celebrate Independence Day at the Williamsburg Lodge. View menu. Reservations required.

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Social Terrace Independence Day Bash

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Social Terrace Independence Day Bash – Come relax at the Social Terrace the expansive patio with bar, live music and food. Adult price includes two complimentary beverage tickets, music by Jocelyn Oldham and the boys, games on the lawn, There is even a special July 4th Menu – this is the perfect way to spend your July 4th evening and finish the night with the fireworks! Reservations required.

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Lights of Freedom

8:00-9:30 p.m. Palace Green

LIGHTS OF FREEDOM – Palace Green. As the prelude to the thrilling Fourth of July Fireworks display, our holiday programming concludes with a celebration of the words and music of the American Revolution. Highlights include a reading of the Declaration of Independence, American marching music of the Revolution, and a patriotic sing-along culminating in a grand fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

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4th of July Fireworks

9:30 p.m. – FIREWORKS – Fireworks display above the Governor’s Palace; the heart-pounding, 20-minute fireworks display begins at 9:30 PM. and can be seen from Palace Green, Market Square and the eastern side of the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. More Info

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For more Colonial Williamsburg Events visit them online or visit Colonial Williamsburg and to see more events in the Williamsburg & Yorktown area on July 4th visit here.

Where to Eat in Colonial Williamsburg on July 4, 2025