4th of July Williamsburg VA – 2024 In-Depth Guide
Virginia may be for lovers, but come the fourth of July, Williamsburg is transformed into a hub of patriotic passion.
Follow along as we dive into every last way to celebrate the 4th of July in Williamsburg VA.
From a dazzling fireworks display to rousing revolutionary reenactments with Thomas Jefferson, Williamsburg explodes with star-spangled surprises. So hightail it to the most historic area of the United States for live music, readings of the Declaration of Independence, and more.
Enjoy luminous pyrotechnics at Busch Gardens, or sing along to a patriotic concert series. Whether you are dying for roller coaster thrills or angling to inject your Independence Day weekend with a salute to the States, July in Williamsburg is the place to be!
Read on to discover the top Independence Day activities and attractions in Williamsburg.
Williamsburg Attractions
Fife drums, historic forts, and George Washington, oh my! Besides being a hotbed of colonial history, Williamsburg delivers world-class theme park thrills. So before settling in for a night of awe-inspiring fireworks and sparklers, make the most of your time in this charming city.
Refresh with a winding water slide, experience the inversions of the roller coaster Pantheon, or stroll down the Duke of Gloucester Street.
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Cuddly Clydesdale horses, charming European villages, and oodles of high-flying fun make Busch Gardens Williamsburg a perennial favorite. Speed through the Black Forest of Verbolten, pal around with Big Bird at Sesame Street, or marvel at the vibrant rainbow lorikeets.
Grab that swimsuit as you’re in for a day of aquatic amusement at Virginia’s largest water park. Water Country USA features 30 state-of-the-art water rides, including the new Aquazoid Amped. Immerse yourself in a marine world of special effects, pulse-pounding music, and an almost thousand-foot plunge.
Step back in time when you hightail it to the Revolutionary City for a day of theatrical experiences. Wander through historic taverns, gardens, and mansions as you watch blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers at work. Colonial Williamsburg is an oasis of adventure that lets patriots, both young and old, follow our forefathers’ footsteps.
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Pay your respects to America’s past before you celebrate her birth. America’s Historic Triangle Pass is a must-do for any history nut. This inclusive ticket provides unlimited admission for seven consecutive days to Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Battlefield, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
Williamsburg 4th of July Events
Independence Day in Yorktown
It’s only appropriate that the Revolutionary War’s most infamous battle serves up a stirring itinerary of free and family-friendly 4th of July events. Independence Day in Yorktown is a full-day affair featuring parades, games, live music, and more. Forget about fighting for parking when you take advantage of the air-conditioned Yorktown trolley.
Festivities will run from 9:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. so plan your trolley journey accordingly.
Kick things off with some light cardio when you run or walk the Independence Day 8K. Next, sit tight for a bell-ringing ceremony, music, and more.
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Kids of all ages will have their fill of corn hole, hula hoops, and hot dog eating at the Riverwalk. Not feeling a wiener? There will be plenty of Yorktown’s favorite eateries open for business at the Patriotic Pavillion.
Come 9:15 pm revelers will be treated to a vivid fireworks show featuring epic explosions shooting up to 800 feet into the sky over the York River. Best viewing can be found by the waterfront or up on Main Street at the Victory Monument.
Colonial Williamsburg 4th of July
Boots, britches, and Independence Day buffets! Colonial Williamsburg 4th of July 2024 celebrations pull out all the costumed stops. Walk in the steps of our forefathers and commemorate our Nation’s birth on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street. This living museum is packed full of patriotic activities, public readings, and themed events.
Hang out with Thomas Jefferson, hum along to 18th-century melodies on the Play House Stage, or observe salutes to the original thirteen states of the Union.
Lights of Freedom
Before the 4th of July fireworks, warm up your star-spangled spirit with plenty of music and history at the Palace Green.
Gather round for a somber reading of the Declaration of Independence. Or make the most out of your musical prowess by attending a patriotic sing-along. Continue to show off your Yankee Doodle spirit by clapping along to American marching music of the Revolution.
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All that merrymaking and flag-waving working up your appetite? Refuel with an American picnic and colonial specialties at the Shield Tavern Independence Buffet. Feast on mouthwatering libations such as Virginia Peanut soup, deviled egg potato salad, southern fried chicken, smoked, baked beans, and more.
With full hearts and bellies, keep your eyes trained on the night sky as the fireworks finale will commence at 9:30 p.m.
4th of July Celebration with Live Music of Good Shot Judy and Fireworks at Colonial Williamsburg
Jonesing for some jazz to put you in a patriotic mood? Prior to the evening’s fireworks extravaganza flaunt your jitterbug and cut a rug, when you get down with Good Shot Judy. Savor some sweet musical entertainment when you stop by the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg for a full day of family fun.
From 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. mini patriots of all shapes and sizes can enjoy music, free ice cream sandwiches, and more on the lawn of this historic area. Put on your best red, white, and blue face, and bring along a lawn chair for hours of kid-approved partying and summer snacks.*
*Please note that this musical lineup is based on last year’s event and this year’s entertainment is TBD.
Busch Gardens Fireworks
After an action-packed day of turns on Apollo’s Chariot and up-close animal encounters, don’t move a muscle. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is about to set the sky on fire with a special Summer Nights performance. Every night from June 16th to August 13th, park-goers can watch these riveting rainbow-colored displays. Specific details for this year’s 4th of July celebration have yet to be confirmed.
High-speed hybrid water coasters, hot dog eating contests, and Revolutionary War heritage are the very heart of Williamsburg, VA. Every July, the Colonial Capital welcomes visitors and locals alike to our Nation’s bustling birthday party.
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Get festive with the annual ringing of the Liberty Bell, or explore historic Jamestowne. Revel in the Lights of Freedom, fill up on strawberry and blueberry trifle, or capture the magic of a Yorktown fireworks extravaganza.
However you wish to honor Uncle Sam, Williamsburg delivers ample amounts of American fun.
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