4th of July guide: Historic Triangle area fireworks shows and events

From dazzling fireworks displays and live music to a parade and special patriotic programs, there will be plenty of ways to celebrate the 4th of July in and around the Historic Triangle.

Here is a guide to fireworks displays and Independence Day events in the area for 2024.

Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg: Free Admission, Patriotic Programs & Fireworks

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering free single-day tickets to the Historic Area and Art Museums on July 4 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A variety of special programs will be held throughout Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area on July 4, with the holiday culminating in a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

These events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Here’s the lineup.

9:30 a.m. | Declaration of Independence Reading

• Thomas Jefferson will begin the day of pageantry, celebration and reflection with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Capitol Circle.

10:30 a.m. | Salute to the States

• The Virginia Garrison Regiment will present canon salutes to the original thirteen states of the Union, set to the pomp and pageantry of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. This event will take place at Market Square North behind the Courthouse. 

12:00 p.m. | Noon Reading of the Declaration

• Residents of 18th-century Williamsburg will read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Courthouse and the surrounding area.

2:00 p.m. | Building Washington’s Army 

• Recruits of all ages will take part in a light military drill with embers of the Virginia State Garrison Regiment accompanied by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums corps. Both active participants and observers are welcome. This event will be held at Market Square North behind the Courthouse.

8:00 p.m. | Lights of Freedom

• As a prelude to the Fourth of July fireworks display, Colonial Williamsburg will host a celebration of the words and music of the American Revolution beginning at 8 p.m. Highlights include a reading of the Declaration of Independence, American marching music of the Revolution and a patriotic sing-along. A thrilling fireworks display will be held above the Governor’s Palace at 9:30 p.m. 

Visit Colonial Williamsburg’s website for a full list of July 4 events.

Dining Events

Colonial Williamsburg will offer several special dining events for guests on July 4.

Some of the options include an Independence Tea, a Fourth of July Feast on the McKenzie Lawn and an Independence Day Bash at the Social Terrace. Prepaid reservations may be required. 

To view the full list of Independence Day dining events at Colonial Williamsburg click here

Busch Gardens: Nightly Fireworks, July 3-5

Busch Gardens Williamsburg will commemorate Independence Day with colorful fireworks displays – set to a synchronized soundtrack of contemporary patriotic music – July 3-5 starting at 9:30 p.m.

The fireworks will be visible from various locations throughout the park.

Visit Busch Gardens’ website here for more information. 

Yorktown

Patriotic Programs & Fireworks in Historic Yorktown

Yorktown will offer a full day of family-friendly patriotic activities on July 4, with fireworks lighting up the sky over the York River at 9:15 pm.

Here’s the schedule of events.

8 a.m. | The Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk (virtual and in-person)

• Race Day registration/packet distribution begins at 7 a.m. Medals will be distributed at the 8K finish line for the first 450 registered runners.
• Location for beginning/end of Run/Walk: Lot next to York High School tennis courts

9 a.m. | Patriotic Parade 

• Coordinated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 824
• Festive music provided by DJ Ben Herrick
• Locations: Water & Main Streets

1 p.m. | Family Activities

• Outdoor games and kids’ activities – presented by Riverwalk Landing Business Association
• Hot dog eating contest – presented by Carrot Tree Kitchens
• Location: Riverwalk Landing

2 p.m. | Festival Music 

• Acoustical Guitarist Phil Poteat performs
• Location: Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage

3 p.m. | Patriotic Food Pavilion Opens

• Location: Riverwalk Landing

4 p.m. | Evening Event Parking Opens

• Location: Yorktown Battlefield (Cook Road & Ballard Street)
• Will close at capacity

7 p.m. | Fifes and Drums of York Town Perform; Reading of the Declaration of Independence; Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony    

• Location: Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage

8 p.m. | Super Jazz Band Concert featuring Conni Ironmonger

• Location: Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage

9:15 p.m. | Spectacular Fireworks Display 

• Location: Over York River – visible from Yorktown Waterfront and Victory Monument

Note: Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Dining Options

There will be several Yorktown restaurants open for business and numerous to-go options at the Patriotic Food Pavilion, which will be open from 3:00 to 9:15 p.m.

The food trucks and vendors set up at the Patriotic Food Pavilion on Riverwalk Landing include local favorites Coastal Thirst, Kona Ice, Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, Island Time Delights, Pop’s Kettle Corn and Snack Attack. 

Parking Information

According to the county, all-day street traffic blockades will include Zweybrucken Road, Comte de Grasse Street, a portion of Water Street, Ambler Street and Main Street (from Zweybrucken to Ballard). The Beach Picnic Area will also be closed to vehicular traffic and open to pedestrian traffic only. Church, Nelson, Smith, and Bacon Streets will be restricted to residents only.

The Yorktown Trolley – the only form of public transportation in Yorktown – will run from approximately 10 a.m. (following the parade) until 5 p.m. It is free, air-conditioned, handicap accessible and includes several convenient stops.

Free parking for the July 4th evening activities, including the fireworks show, will be available on the Yorktown Battlefield located at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street.

Battlefield parking opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m., or once it reaches capacity. Guests are encouraged to arrive early. The county notes that the walk from the Yorktown Battlefield parking area to the waterfront is approximately one mile and includes hills and uneven terrain. The Colonial Parkway leading into Yorktown is currently closed due to maintenance.

Those requiring handicapped parking and special assistance should report to Yorktown Middle School from 4 to 7 p.m., and must be checked in no later than 7 p.m. to take advantage of this service. Transportation is available for a person with disabilities or special needs and one companion. 

For additional information on Yorktown’s July 4 events, click here.

Liberty Celebration at American Revolution Museum

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will offer special programming throughout the day on July 4 in honor of Independence Day. Guests will enjoy artillery demonstrations and learn about the challenges that faced the nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence. 

Historical interpreters in the museum’s Continental Army encampment will describe and depict daily routines of American soldiers, including 18th-century surgical and medical practices. Cannons will blast in the artillery amphitheater in a salute to our nation’s founders throughout the day, weather-permitting.

Visitors will also learn how families were fed during the disruption of the Revolutionary War and discover the variety of activities that would have been part of daily life on the farm for middling farmers and enslaved people, including cooking, gardening, basket-weaving, and pastimes in the revolution-era farm.

The Liberty Celebration is included with standard museum admission. Residents of York County, James City County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.

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Newport News

‘4th of July Stars in the Sky’ featuring Good Shot Judy and WSO

Newport News’ Independence Day celebration at Victory Landing Park will feature food, live music, festive entertainment, giveaways and a fireworks display above the James River.

This year, Stars in the Sky will feature musical performances by Good Shot Judy and the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra (WSO). There will also be a live stage performance by artist Gerome Meminger.

The event kicks off at 6 p.m., and fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

Admission and parking are free.

For more information, click here. 

‘Spirit of America’ Planetarium Shows

Virginia Living Museum will celebrate the 4th of July by hosting planetarium shows set to a mix of patriotic music and America-inspired rock & roll songs.

Shows are scheduled for 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $8 each (free for children 2 and under).

Virginia War Museum: Free Admission

All are invited to celebrate the holiday by taking advantage of free admission at the Virginia War Museum on July 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The museum features collections of artifacts, weapons, vehicles, uniforms and posters that trace the development of the United States military from 1775 to the present day.