Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Here’s your comprehensive guide to the Fourth of July in Greater Williamsburg

Making plans for your Fourth of July? Let WYDaily help you out.

From food to fireworks to music, the Historic Triangle is brimming with activity on the nation’s birthday.

Whatever you’re looking to do in Greater Williamsburg this Fourth of July, you can find it below.

Where are the Fourth of July fireworks? We’ve got you covered

It’s not Independence Day without bright bursts of light and loud booms. Communities throughout Greater Williamsburg and beyond are gearing up for their own specialized celebrations.

For easy preparation, here’s a list of local events lighting up the sky on July 4.

Fireworks behind the Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg (WYDaily/Courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)
Fireworks behind the Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg (WYDaily/Courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

What’s closed on July 4? Check this list before you run errands

Many official facilities, offices and services in the Historic Triangle will close Wednesday for Independence Day. Here is a comprehensive list detailing the specifics.

The Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse. (Sarah Fearing/WYDaily)

Beat the I-64 holiday and construction traffic with this list of lane closures

Those on Interstate 64 this week should expect a series of nightly lane closures — and possibly some delays work continues on the widening project.

VDOT is suspending most interstate and highway work throughout the state from noon Tuesday (July 3) to noon Thursday (July 5), the agency said in a news release.

Check out the complete list of this week’s lane and ramp closures on I-64.

VDOT has announced their weekly lane closures for the I-64 widening project. (Courtesy of VDOT)
VDOT has announced their weekly lane closures for the I-64 widening project. (Courtesy of VDOT)

Films, fifes and drums and more: American Revolution Museum hosts Liberty Celebration

Those who really want to get into the patriotic spirit can celebrate July Fourth where  America’s independence was won.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, 200 Water St, is hosting the Liberty Celebration on July 4 this year, the museum said in a news release.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., museum visitors can listen to music and observe interpretive programs, military drills and artillery demonstrations, train for the Virginia militia and learn about the challenges faced by the nation’s founders.

Read on for a full lineup of the day’s activities.

Special events and demonstrations are planned for Independence Day in Yorktown. (WYDaily/Courtesy National Park Service)
Special events and demonstrations are planned for Independence Day in Yorktown. (WYDaily/Courtesy National Park Service)

Fourth of July in the heart of the Revolutionary City

Celebrate independence this Fourth of July in the Revolutionary City with a series of events from Colonial Williamsburg.

The Independence Day events begin at 8 a.m. with a breakfast celebration from Shields Tavern in the Pavilion area with Thomas Jefferson.

The Historic Area site will open to ticketed guests at 9 a.m. with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by young Thomas Jefferson at 9:30.

Throughout the day guests can create their own artwork, take in musical performances at the Hennage Auditorium, eat at a buffet at the Williamsburg Lodge, and dine at Chowning’s Tavern or the King’s Arms Tavern.

The Summer Breeze Concert Series continues with  the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band from 4 to 6 p.m. and Brasswind from 7 to 9.

The annual fireworks display will be accompanied by a soundtrack of 18th-century and popular Americana songs. Seating on the Governor’s Palace Green is $25 per chair.

Here’s a roundup of all of the day’s events in Colonial Williamsburg.

Colonial Williamsburg has a series of events planned to celebrate the Fourth of July. (Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg)
Colonial Williamsburg has a series of events planned to celebrate the Fourth of July. (Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg)

Great Wolf Lodge offers petting zoo and more for July Fourth celebration

Families can check out a petting zoo, kid-friendly DJ, Independence Day-themed crafts, games and “aqua-wolfercise” classes.

The events will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Great Wolf Lodge’s outdoor pool deck.

The Great Wolf Lodge will host special Fourth of July events on Wednesday. (WYDaily/Courtesy of Google Maps)
The Great Wolf Lodge will host special Fourth of July events on Wednesday. (WYDaily/Courtesy of Google Maps)

Grilling, swimming and fireworks: Keep summer safe with these tips from fire officials

Those spending their July 4 at the beach or at a barbecue will want to read these vital safety tips from National Fire Protection Association and the York County Department of Fire & Life Safety.

Signs posted on Yorktown Beach warn against swimming in the York River. (Bryan DeVasher/WYDaily)
Signs posted on Yorktown Beach warn against swimming in the York River. (Bryan DeVasher/WYDaily)

Keep your pet safe during the fireworks this Fourth of July

Fireworks aren’t necessarily fun for the whole family. In fact, they can be terrifying for four-legged family members.

Heritage Humane Society officials are advising pet owners to prepare ahead for fireworks and loud noises on the Fourth of July.

Pet owners should be aware that their pets don’t know where the loud noises are coming from and could be scared.

The Heritage Humane Society has provided a list of suggestions to help keep a pet safe.

When fireworks shows happen this Fourth of July, help your pet stay calm during the loud noises by preparing beforehand. (WYDaily/Courtesy of Heritage Humane Society)
When fireworks shows happen this Fourth of July, help your pet stay calm during the loud noises by preparing beforehand. (WYDaily/Courtesy of Heritage Humane Society)

Related Articles

MORE FROM AUTHOR