Fourth of July 2025: Your guide to Historic Triangle-area fireworks and patriotic celebrations

From mesmerizing fireworks shows to a patriotic parade and Revolutionary-themed programs, there will be no shortage of ways to commemorate the Fourth of July around the Historic Triangle this year.

While Independence Day is always eventful in Virginia – which was recently ranked the most patriotic state in the nation – this year’s celebrations will be particularly significant. 

July 4, 2025, marks the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and signifies the one-year countdown to America’s 250th anniversary.

In light of the historic occasion, Colonial Williamsburg is adding new programming to its lineup this year. Additionally, an all-new VA250 event, featuring special guest speakers, history programs, children’s activities, local food and fireworks, will be held at Fort Monroe.

Below is our annual guide to local fireworks and Independence Day celebrations.

WILLIAMSBURG

Colonial Williamsburg

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation invites the public to become immersed in the sights, sounds and spirit of 1776 this Independence Day.

To extend its reach, the Foundation is offering free admission to the Historic Area and Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on July 4, 2025.

Thousands of people are expected to gather for the festivities this year, which will include dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic musical performances, artillery demonstrations and a grand fireworks finale above the Governor’s Palace.

“This year’s July 4 celebration will echo with both history and anticipation,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “Williamsburg stood at the epicenter of the American story 250 years ago, and we’re proud to play a leading role once again as we approach the semiquincentennial.”

Complimentary tickets for the July 4 events at Colonial Williamsburg can be claimed here.

SCHEDULE

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

Capitol Circle

Hear the powerful words of liberty echo once more as Thomas Jefferson delivers the Declaration of Independence from the Capitol balcony.

10:30 a.m.: Salute to the States

Market Square North

March to the beat of history with the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums and Virginia State Garrison Regiment in a salute to the original 13 states.

12 p.m.: Noon Reading of the Declaration

Courthouse Steps

Join members of Williamsburg’s diverse 18th-century community in reading of the Declaration of Independence—just as many Americans might have heard it for the first time.

2 p.m.: Here Every Presence is Warlike

Market Square North

Begin your training as a recruit in a new regiment raised for the defense of Virginia in the summer of 1775.

3 p.m.: A Patriotic Celebration

Hennage Auditorium in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

Cool off indoors while you listen to vocal and instrumental chamber music of the 18th century that tells the story of American independence.

8 p.m.: Lights of Freedom

Palace Green

Enjoy a celebration of the words and music of the American Revolution featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence, American marching music from the Revolution and a special appearance by the Virginia Chorale. Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic as the sun sets on a day of patriotism and pageantry.

9:30 p.m.: Fireworks

Governor’s Palace
The night ends with a bang—a 20-minute fireworks display that lights up the sky above the Governor’s Palace. Prime viewing areas include Palace Green and Market Square.

A full list of Colonial Williamsburg’s scheduled July 4 programming is available at colonialwilliamsburg.org.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW

Parking & Transportation: Free and paid parking options are available around the Historic Area, downtown Williamsburg, and at the Visitor Center. Complimentary bus service will run on WATA Route 15: Colonial. Details at gowata.org.

Food and beverage: From casual snacks to reservation-only dining experiences, enjoy a variety of food options throughout the Historic Area and Merchants Square. Full dining information is available at colonialwilliamsburg.org/july-4/#dining and merchantssquare.org/dine.

Weather: Fireworks are weather-dependent. For updates, follow Colonial Williamsburg on social media or text CWEVENT to 226787 to receive real-time notifications.

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Williamsburg will offer special programs for July 4, including:

Free military admission

Active-duty service members, military veterans and their families are invited to receive three complimentary tickets. Guests must register by June 30 and will have until July 6 to use the tickets. Registration is available here. 

Fireworks

Busch Gardens visitors are invited to enjoy a fireworks show set to a summer soundtrack each night, July 3 – 5. 

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YORKTOWN

Historic Yorktown

Yorktown invites the public to celebrate the 249th signing of the Declaration of Independence, beginning the one-year countdown to America’s 250th commemoration.

The all-day-long lineup of events includes a parade, family games and activities, live music and a fireworks display over the York River.

SCHEDULE

8 a.m.: Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk
Yorktown High School

9 a.m.: Patriotic Parade
Water & Main Streets

11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Family Games & Kids’ activities 
Riverwalk Landing

1 p.m.: Hot Dog Eating Contest 
Riverwalk Landing Stage

2 p.m.: Acoustical Guitarist Phil Poteat 
Riverwalk Landing Stage

2 – 6 p.m.: Balloon Artist
Riverwalk Landing

4 p.m.: Evening Event Parking Begins
Corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street

7 p.m.: The Fifes and Drums of York Town Performance
The Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony
Location: Riverwalk Landing Stage

8 p.m. Super Jazz Band Concert featuring Conni Ironmonger
Location: Riverwalk Landing Stage

9:15 p.m.: Spectacular Fireworks Display
Location: Over York River – visible from Yorktown Waterfront & Victory Monument

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW

Beginning at 4 p.m., visitors who arrive to attend the evening activities must park on the Yorktown Battlefield at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street, which can be accessed via Cook Road. 

The Battlefield will close to the public at 8:30 p.m. or once the battlefield reaches capacity, according to York County officials. This includes visitors attempting to access the town via Goosley Road, Old Williamsburg Road and Mathews Street (by way of George Washington Memorial Highway). 

Parking in Historic Yorktown will not be permitted for anyone except residents of Yorktown Village, area business owners and those who have an official pass.

For additional information, including the Yorktown Trolley schedule, road closures, parking guidance and a list of permissible items for this event, see the Independence Day Guide at visityorktown.org.

Event updates will be available on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram at visityorktown. 

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will host a Liberty Celebration featuring variety of patriotic interpretive programming and artillery demonstrations on July 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors will learn about the challenges that faced the nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence and those for whom the new nation’s rights of liberty did not yet apply. 

For a full schedule of the day’s events, visit jyfmuseums.org.

Residents of Williamsburg, James City County and York County receive free admission with proof of residency.

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NEWPORT NEWS

Victory Landing Park

The City of Newport News is gearing up to host its annual Stars in the Sky Celebration at Victory Landing Park on July 4 from 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

The event will include a night of music and patriotic fun for the whole family, including free light-up giveaways (while supplies last), face painting, interactive patriotic performers and a strolling musician.

Food and beverage vendors will be on site selling meals, sweet treats and refreshing drinks.

SCHEDULE

6 p.m.: DJ Nakylla 

Visitors will enjoy a mix of tunes spun by local DJ Nakylla, who specializes in all genres of music.

7 – 7:45 p.m., 8:15 – 9 p.m.: Kustom Made Band

This year’s concert will be presented by Kustom Made, a show and dance band with a state-of-the-art light and sound system.

9 – 9:15 p.m.: Fireworks over the James River

A spectacular fireworks display will be viewable throughout Victory Landing Park beginning at 9 p.m.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW

For more information, including parking guidance and an event map, go to nnparksandrec.org.

Virginia War Museum

The Virginia War Museum is offering free admission to all on July 4 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visitors will learn about the important role of the military throughout America’s history.

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FORT MONROE

America. Made in Virginia: Fourth at the Fort

The American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), the Fort Monroe Authority, Fort Monroe National Monument and Hampton250 Committee are partnering to host a program designed to encourage discovery of the revolutionary spirit that led to the birth of a new nation.

The event will feature family-friendly activities, live music and a fireworks display.

 “From its founding ideas to our leading figures, more of what made America happen, happened right here in Virginia, said Cheryl Wilson, executive director of VA250. “This is an exciting opportunity to reflect on Virginia’s role in our nation’s beginnings.”

SCHEDULE

8:45 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Morning Events

Witness an Eagle Staff Posting by Virginia’s Tribal Nations, a Naturalization Ceremony and a flag ceremony with the James Monroe Foundation.

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Community Activities

Featuring “Pathways of Freedom” in Continental Park, including sensory-friendly programming with walking tours, museum experiences and interactive art and expression stations.

3 – 7 p.m.: Out of Many, One Festival

Including activities, demonstrations and interactive entertainment from throughout the Commonwealth. There will be engaging exhibits highlighting the history of Virginia and food representing the best of Virginia’s culinary scene, including craft beers and treats to celebrate the 4th.

7:30 p.m. Free to Dream Grand Ceremony

Enjoy a star-spangled concert and fireworks display featuring The U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band, Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, a patriotic singalong and student readers of the Declaration of Independence.

9:15 p.m.: Grand Finale Fireworks

A spectacular display of fireworks and drones will light up the sky. 

Several keynote speakers will also be featured at this event, including Geoff Bennet, grand ceremony host and co-anchor of PBS News Hour; Carly Fiorina, VA250 National Honorary Chair and Bryan Austin, who portrays James Madison at Colonial Williamsburg.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW

For additional event details, visit va250.org/fourthatthefort.