HISTORIC TRIANGLE — The coronavirus pandemic may have ruined the fun for last year’s 4th of July festivities.
But this year, many annual celebrations are returning for tourists and locals to enjoy.
From fireworks shows to parades, here is your roundup of 4th of July weekend festivities throughout the Historic Triangle.
Yorktown
- Yorktown’s 42nd Independence Day Celebration: The family-friendly event has activities lined up throughout the day on Sunday, July 4 along Historic Main Street and at the waterfront at Riverwalk Landing.
- York County Historical Museum’s annual Independence Day 8K Run/Walk: Virtual or in-person at Surrender Field in Yorktown. Run or walk along the scenic roads and trails of the Yorktown Battlefield. The race begins at 8 a.m., and will begin and end at Surrender Field. A race day packet, t-shirt and medal will be given to participants at the finish line. For more information or to register for the race, visit here.
- Patriotic Parade: Taking place on Water and Main streets after the race, a patriotic parade will march along Water Street, up Ballard, and then down Main Street. The parade will include Fifes & Drums of York Town performing festive music, local officials, scout groups and more.
- Family Activities: Taking place at Riverwalk Landing, 331 Water St. The Riverwalk Landing Business Association presents outdoor games and kids activities beginning at 1 p.m. Carrot Tree and Toby’s Hot Dog House will also hold a Hot Dog Eating Contest for families.
- Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony: Riverwalk Landing Stage, 331 Water St. The bell ringing ceremony will take place at the Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage at 7 p.m.
- Super Jazz Band Concert: Riverwalk Landing Stage, 331 Water St., Conni Ironmonger a concert by Super Jazz Band featuring Conni Ironmonger will begin at 8 p.m.
- Fireworks Display: Yorktown Waterfront & Victory Monument, 803 Main St., The day’s events will conclude with the return of the annual fireworks display over the York River at 9:15 p.m. The fireworks will be visible from the Yorktown Waterfront & Victory Monument. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers, but alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Liberty Celebration: American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, 200 Water St., On Sunday, July 4 at the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown, visitors can celebrate the 245th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through interpretive programs, indoor galleries, artillery demonstrations and other outdoor living history experiences. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can:
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- See a rare July 1776 broadside of the Declaration of Independence that is currently showcased in an immersive gallery exhibit.
- Watch the film “Liberty Fever” in the museum’s main theater.
- Visit outdoor re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm.
- Enjoy performances from the Fifes & Drums of York Town at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. throughout the day.
- Join in the “Great American 4th of July Sing-along” led by the Cigar Box String Band, with iconic patriotic songs at noon, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
- Add your thoughts to the “Liberty Tree,” an interactive 17-foot sculptural tree in the museum galleries.
Funded by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, “Liberty Celebration” included with museum admission: $16.00 for adults, $8.00 for youth ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under.
For more information, visit here.
Colonial Williamsburg
- Reading of the Declaration of Independence: Capitol West Balcony, Start this year’s 4th of July off by listening to a reading of the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. No event ticket is required.
- Salute to the States: Market Square, From 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with members of the CW Fife & Drums, the Virginia Military Garrison will present a special muster in commemoration of the 245th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and a salute to the original thirteen states of the Union. No event ticket is required.
- Concert of Celebration: Play House Stage, 214 Palace Green St., From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Jug Broke Theatre Company will give a lively performance of 18th-century songs and tunes. Admission ticket is required.
- Visit a Nation Builder: Charlton Stage, E. Duke of Gloucester St., from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thomas Jefferson will reflect on the events of the day at the Charlton Stage. Event ticket is required.
- Noon Reading of the Declaration of Independence: Courthouse, 101 W Duke of Gloucester St., From noon-12:20 p.m., residents of 18th-century Williamsburg will read the Declaration of Independence from the steps and surrounding area of the Colonial Courthouse. They will be joined by the CW Fife & Drums.
- Independence Day Auction: Market Square, at 12:30 p.m., visitors can bid on select items from CW stores and one-of-a-kind auction items.
- Visit a Nation Builder: Charlton Stage, at 2:45 p.m., Patrick Henry will reflect on the events of the day at the Charlton Stage. Admission ticket is required.
- I Hear America Sing: Hennage Auditorium, 301 S Nassau St., at 3 p.m., Brian Forsman and Lynn and Barry Trott will perform a celebration of American pop music for Independence Day that will feature the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and Admission ticket is required for the Art Museum.
- Created Equal: Charlton Stage. At 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy a museum theatre exploration of African American perspectives on the Declaration of Independence and the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom in America. Admission ticket is required.
- 4th of July Celebration on the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg: 301 S Nassau St., CultureFix presents a 4th of July celebration with free ice cream and live music.
- 1-3 p.m.: Troy Breslow Band
- 3-5 p.m.: Kyle Davis
- 7-9 p.m.: Good Shot Judy
- Honor & Reflection: South Nassau Street. From 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., Honor & Reflection will see the final night of a “contemplative multimedia installation at the sight of the ongoing excavation” of the historic First Baptist Church’s first permanent location on South Nassau Street.
- Lights of Freedom: Fireworks Display. The day-long festivities will conclude at 9:20 p.m. with a dazzling 20-minute fireworks display. For the best fireworks viewing locations, visit Palace Green, Market Square, and the East Lawn of the Art Museums.