Virginia Gazette News |

How to celebrate July Fourth in the Historic Triangle

From a hot dog eating contest to patriotic music and, of course, fireworks, there are lots of ways to celebrate July Fourth in the Historic Triangle.

Colonial Williamsburg

Virginia’s colonial capital is full of events, starting at 9:30 a.m. with a Thomas Jefferson interpreter giving a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Capitol in Colonial Williamsburg.

“July Fourth is an opportunity to celebrate all this nation has accomplished in our continuing and unfinished pursuit to create a more perfect union,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “There’s no better place to take stock of our collective achievements and opportunities than here in Williamsburg, in the very same streets and buildings in which our national identity was first shaped.”

Other events include:

10:30 a.m.: The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums and the Virginia State Garrison Regiment will pay homage to the original 13 states of the Union. Salute to the States takes place in Market Square North, behind the courthouse.

Noon: Costumed interpreters representing 18th century Williamsburg will gather on the courthouse steps to hear the Declaration of Independence read as if they first experienced it.

2 p.m.: Building Washington’s Army is a new event this year and will include members of the Virginia State Garrison Regiment leading a military drill behind the courthouse. Participation is encouraged.

8 p.m.: The annual Lights of Freedom concert kicks off on Palace Green to celebrate the music of the American Revolution. Guests are invited to bring chairs, blankets and food.

9:30 p.m.: Fireworks will be displayed above the Governor’s Palace and can be seen from Palace Green and Market Square. The show lasts about 20 minutes.

Admission to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and Art Museums on July 4 is free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a full list of the day’s programming, including trade demonstrations, building tours and performances, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/events-calendar. Visitors can pre-register to claim complimentary tickets at colonialwilliamsburg.org/tickets/july4.

There are also a number of special dining events on Thursday, including an Independence Day bash on the Williamsburg Inn’s Social Terrance, an afternoon tea at the inn, a buffet on the lawn of the McKenzie Apothecary and dinner at the Williamsburg Lodge. For more information and to make reservations, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/explore/special-event/july-4/#dining.

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William & Mary

The university will ring the bell of its historic Wren Building 13 times at 5 p.m. The building will also be illuminated in red, white and blue.

President John F. Kennedy officially established “National Bell Ringing Day” on July 4 in 1963. Virginians across the state are being asked to take part, and the historic bell at the Virginia State Capitol Bell Tower in Richmond will also be rung 13 times as part of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission’s celebration. The commission is working to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence leading up to and throughout 2026.

“VA250 aims to create a truly unforgettable Fourth of July celebration that resonates throughout the Commonwealth,” VA250 Executive Director Cheryl Wilson said in a news release. “Imagine the joyous sounds of bells echoing everywhere, reminding us of the shared history and values that bind us together.”

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Yorktown

Yorktown’s celebration of the Fourth begins with an 8K/5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. on the Historic Battlefield Tour Road. Start and finish take place in the lot next to York High School’s tennis courts. Then at 9 a.m., the annual parade will take place at Water and Main streets in Yorktown Village. Other events include:

1 p.m.: Family activities will take place at Riverwalk Landing, including outdoor games and a hot dog eating contest.

2 p.m.: Live music with guitarist Phil Poteat on the Riverwalk Landing Stage.

4 p.m.: Parking opens at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street for the evening events. Food trucks and vendors will be set up from 3-9:15 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing.

7 p.m.: Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform along with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a bell ringing ceremony at Riverwalk Landing Stage, followed by a jazz band concert featuring Conni Ironmonger.

9:15 p.m.: Fireworks will be displayed over the York River and will be visible from the waterfront and Victory Monument.

For more details, including parking information and a map, visit visityorktown.org/236/Fourth-of-July.

Also on Thursday, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will have a variety of events from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including interpretive programs and artillery demonstrations. The “Great American 4th of July Sing-along” led by the Cigar Box String Band will include songs from American history at 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Life-size re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm show visitors what daily life was like for 18th century soldiers and citizens caught up in the American Revolution.

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

For more information, visit jyfmuseums.org/libertycelebration.

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Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens will hold nightly fireworks displays at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday with a display set to contemporary patriotic music. The fireworks are visible throughout the park (and sometimes just outside the park, too.)

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com