Celebrate July 4th in Yorktown: Parade, Live Music, Fireworks & More!

EVENT IS FULL: 4^th of July in Yorktown Schedule of Events 2026

·       8 a.m.           The Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk 

This event is a great way to kick off the day than near the very spot where Gen. Cornwallis raised the white flag over 200 years ago! This 2026 race honors the legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette. Start your Fourth of July weekend by joining the live or virtual Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk.

Packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m. and the 8K Run/Walk starts at 8 a.m. Race participants will park and gather near the York High School tennis courts, then be led to the start line by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. The live race runs on Historic Battlefield Tour Roads, accessed from the school grounds. For more information and to sign up, click here! See additional race info.

Patriotic Parade
Water, Ballard and Main Streets | 9 a.m.

One of the most exciting events of the day is the annual parade! People line the streets in Historic Yorktown as groups of musicians, politicians, civic groups, and performers pass by, waving to the crowds and handing out flags. Listen to patriotic tunes from DJ Ben Herrick, as well as The Fifes & Drums of York Town. If you’re wondering where to set up your chairs and blankets – the route starts at the Yorktown Beach Picnic Area on Water Street (by the fishing pier) and makes its way down Water Street, up Ballard Street, and then takes a left onto Main Street, ending near the Victory Monument.

The big question is always where to park. Your best bet is to stick to the outskirts of town and walk down to the fun. While the parade doesn’t start until 9 am, traffic will get congested quickly, so we recommend arriving early to secure your parking spot. Visit here for all the info on road closures and parking to make it go smoothly!

Liberty Celebration
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | 9 am – 5 pm

On the Fourth of July holiday, salute the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence during Liberty Celebration at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations and learn about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence, as well as those for whom the new nation’s rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply. Indoors and out, enjoy these liberty experiences from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m…More info here

Family Fun
Riverwalk Landing | 6 – 9 p.m.

Enjoy a balloon artist and kids’ crafts like jewelry making and coloring.

Historic Yorktown’s restaurants will be open plus there will be to-go options at the Patriotic Food Pavilion (set up in the green space across from Riverwalk Landing) beginning at 11 a.m. until the fireworks are over. Food trucks and vendors include Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, Dong’s Food Truck, Kona Ice, Pop’s Kettle Corn, Casa de Proa, Burger Mania, Quenched Your Thirst, Corvo Coffee, and Smoke BBQ.

SOLD OUT – Star-Spangled Cookout
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | 6 – 8:30 PM.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country with traditional cookout fare of hot dogs, hamburgers and all the fixings! There will also be music, puppet shows, crafts and competitions with prizes to continue the celebration. Join the gunners to end the event with a bang as you salute America’s birthday with an artillery firing before everyone walks down the hill into historic Yorktown for the fireworks. Tickets are $45 for adults, $25 for youth and free for ages 2 and under (Museum members enjoy a 20% discount). More info and tickets

Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony
Riverwalk Landing Stage | 7 p.m.            

Every Independence Day, after the reading of the Declaration of Independence, the York County Historical Museum holds a symbolic program that’s been a community tradition for decades. The event begins with an acknowledgment of all 13 colonies and the original signers from the Second Continental Congress who together formed the United States of America. The Fifes and Drums of York Town kick off the event at the Riverwalk Landing Stage, and each year, a different child from the audience is given the special honor of ringing the bell.

Good Shot Judy
Riverwalk Landing Stage | 7:30 p.m.  

Come make history together, as we sing, laugh, dance and celebrate our country’s 250th Birthday, and create memories that we’ll never forget. Let Freedom Swing! Following this Good Shot Judy concert you will enjoy the big fireworks finale!

Fireworks Over the York River
Historic Yorktown | 9:15 p.m

Spectacular Fireworks Display -Fireworks should be able to be seen from anywhere at the waterfront or up on Main Street at the Victory Monument! The show starts at 9:15 p.m. and lasts about 20 minutes. Some of the fireworks will shoot up to 800 feet into the sky. To put that in perspective, the Washington Monument in D.C. is 555 feet tall!

For more information visit VisitYorktown’s July 4th guide

Parking Important Parking Information for July Fourth can be found HERE Starting at 4:00 p.m., visitors attending evening activities must park on the Yorktown Battlefield at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street, accessible via Cook Road. The Battlefield will close to the public at 8:30 p.m. or once it reaches capacity. This includes visitors attempting to access the town via Goosley Road, Old Williamsburg Road, and Mathews Street (by way of George Washington Memorial Highway). If you are not a Yorktown Village resident, business owner, or have an official pass, you will not be permitted to park in Historic Yorktown. Please note that the Colonial Parkway leading into Yorktown is closed for maintenance. Visit HERE for more on parking and shuttles

Hop Aboard the Yorktown Trolley! Approximately 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Yorktown Trolley will run from approximately 10 a.m. (following the parade) until 5 p.m. with a modified route. It is free, air-conditioned, ADA accessible, and includes several convenient stops:

• York County Courts & Office Complex
• Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
• Riverwalk Landing
• Watermen’s Museum
• American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
• Intersection of Main and Ballard Streets (York Hall)

🚨 Important Notice: The Yorktown Trolley will stop running at 5 p.m. Please be aware that the walk from the Battlefield to the waterfront is approximately one mile and includes hills and uneven terrain. Wear comfortable shoes! Also, avoid packing too much stuff that you’ll have to carry.

Handicapped Parking and Special Assistance Transportation will be provided from Yorktown Middle School from 4-7 p.m. for those with disabilities and special needs, as well as one designated escort (friend, family member, caregiver, etc.). You must be on-site and checked in by 7 p.m. to catch the transport to the waterfront. 

Visit HERE for more on parking and shuttles

FYI – While visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers, alcoholic beverages are prohibited. There will be several Yorktown restaurants open for business, and several to-go options at the Patriotic Food Pavilion, which will be open from 4 to 9:15 p.m. The food trucks and vendors will be set up at Riverwalk Landing and include local favorites.

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