WILLIAMSBURG — Colonial Williamsburg announced it is offering free single-day admission tickets to its Historic Area and Art Museums on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors will have the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day alongside Thomas Jefferson, Martha Washington, Gowan Pamphlet and other members of the nation’s founding generation with fireworks, as well as enjoy musical performances and special programming, according to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation .
“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.”
Event Highlights
9:30 a.m. – Declaration of Independence Reading
Gather in Capitol Circle to hear Thomas Jefferson give a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Capitol.
10:30 a.m. – Salute to the States
Head to Market Square North (behind the Courthouse) to join the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums and the Virginia State Garrison Regiment to salute the original thirteen states of the Union.
Noon – Noon Reading of Declaration
Gather on the steps of the Courthouse with costumed interpreters representing 18th-century Williamsburg’s diverse community to hear the Declaration of Independence read as they would have first experienced it.
2:30 p.m. – Building Washington’s Army
New this year, participate in a military drill behind the Courthouse with members of the Virginia State Garrison Regiment, culminating in an inspection by Colonel Washington.
8 p.m. – Lights of Freedom
Gather on Palace Green for a celebration of the words and music of the American Revolution. Guests are invited to bring chairs, blankets and food to enjoy the concert
9:30 p.m. – Fireworks
The evening concludes with a fireworks display above the Governor’s Palace sponsored by the City of Williamsburg. Fireworks last approximately 20 minutes and can be seen from Palace Green and Market Square.
Attendees should visit the CW Planner at colonialwilliamsburg.org/events-calendar for a full list of the day’s events, including historic trade demonstrations, building tours, performances, ongoing exhibitions and additional special programming.
Important Information
- Transportation and Parking: A variety of free and paid parking options are available around the perimeter of the Historic Area, in downtown Williamsburg and at the Visitor Center. Complimentary bus service is provided by Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) on Route 15: Colonial. Visit gowata.org for up-to-date information about route times and stops.
- Food and beverage: A variety of dining opportunities, ranging from grab-and-go drinks and snacks to reservation-only buffets are available throughout the Historic Area and in nearby Merchants Square. Visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/explore/special-event/july-4/#dining for more information.
- Weather: Colonial Williamsburg does not offer a rain date for the July 4 fireworks. In the case of unfavorable weather conditions, communication on the status of the fireworks will be posted on the foundation’s social media channels. To opt in for weather-related July 4 information via text message, text CWEVENT to 226787.
Visitors can pre-register to claim complimentary tickets at colonialwilliamsburg.org/tickets/july4. A full list of July Fourth FAQs, including additional information on parking, food and beverage, restroom locations and more, can be found at colonialwilliamsburg.org/explore/special-event/july-4#faq.
