YORKTOWN — Yorktown is inviting the public to its 44th Independence Day Celebration on Tuesday, July 4.
This free family-friendly event includes activities on Historic Main Street and along the waterfront at Riverwalk Landing.
Visitors can take advantage of special programming at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (free for York County, James City County, and City of Williamsburg residents) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fourth of July Schedule of Events
8 a.m. — The Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk (virtual & in-person)
9 a.m. — Patriotic Parade Located on Water & Main Streets
1 p.m. — Family Activities: Outdoor games, kids’ activities and hot dog eating contest at Riverwalk Landing
2 p.m. — Festival Music: Acoustical Guitarist Phil Poteat performs at the Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage
3 p.m. — Patriotic Food Pavilion Opens
4 p.m. — Evening Event Parking Opens: Yorktown Battlefield (Cook Road & Ballard Street)
7 p.m. — Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony
-
- Fifes and Drums of York Town Perform
- Reading of the Declaration of Independence
- Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage
8 p.m. — Super Jazz Band Concert featuring Conni Ironmonger at Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage
9:15 p.m. — Spectacular Fireworks Display: Over York River — visible from Yorktown Waterfront & Victory Monument
Important Parking Information
All-day street traffic blockades 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 — Pedestrian traffic only. Church, Nelson, Smith, and Bacon Streets will be restricted to residents only.
Beginning at 4 p.m., unless you are a Yorktown Village resident, Historic Yorktown Village business owner, or have an official pass — you will not be able to enter Historic Yorktown by car. Visitors attending the evening activities must park on the Yorktown Battlefield at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street, which can be accessed by Cook Road or the Colonial Parkway. The Battlefield will remain open to the public until it reaches capacity.
Morning parade closures include Water Street (from Read Street to Mathews Street) from 8:45 to 10 a.m., and Ballard Street (from Water Street to Alexander Hamilton Boulevard) from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Traffic coming into town off George Washington Memorial Highway via Alexander Hamilton Boulevard from 8:45 to 10 a.m. will be directed away from the parade route. The town will re-open to vehicular traffic following the parade.
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:
- York County Courts & Office Complex
- Intersection of Main and Ballard Streets (York Hall)
- Riverwalk Landing
- Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
- Watermen’s Museum
- American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Visit Yorktown.org for more information.
