July 4th events in Williamsburg VA 2014
There’s no better place to celebrate independence than the town where so much history was made.(Williamsburg VA) Bring your family and spend the holiday with us this July 4th.
As darkness falls, high flying aerial fireworks visible from much of the Historic Area in Williamsburg celebrate our nation’s birthday. The best places to see these spectacular fireworks are from Market Square, Palace Green, or the Public Hospital grounds. Parking is available at the Visitor Center but, due to heavy traffic, shuttle bus service to the Historic Area is not available from 8:45 until 10:45. Shuttle bus service is available with or without tickets on the 4th of July.
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m., and a whole day of special programming precedes them.
Light up Your Independence Day at America’s Birthplace
Join us in Williamsburg for a vibrant and patriotic Fourth of July celebration. With a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, a leisurely picnic in the Palace Garden, a performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and a dazzling display of fireworks—you’ll want to come early and stay late into the evening.
Independence Day in “The Revolutionary City”
Begin your Independence Day celebration with our special morning militia muster in “The Revolutionary City” and a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. Spend your afternoon touring the city before the evening Independence Day Celebration, including a lively picnic in the Palace Garden and performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Our stunning fireworks display—and your participation with glow sticks—finishes out the night.
July 4th, 2014 Event Schedule, Colonial Williamsburg VA
Colonial Williamsburg’s programs begin with “Salute to the States” at 10 a.m. on July 4 on Market Square behind the Courthouse. A special militia muster in commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of our nation salutes the 13 original colonies. The Fifes and Drums perform, flags of each state are displayed, and music and cannons celebrate the event.
The Declaration of Independence is our nation’s founding document and announces a vision of a new society in which “all men are created equal.” A special interpretation at noon at the Capitol gives voice to “the People’s” document.
During “Music for the Fireworks” at 8 p.m. behind the Courthouse on Market Square, Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums perform a concert of patriotic music. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. and can be enjoyed on Palace Green or from Market Square.
Parking is available at the Visitor Center. Due to heavy traffic, shuttle bus service to the Historic Area is not available between 8:45 and 10:45 p.m. Shuttle bus service is available with or without Colonial Williamsburg admission tickets.
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and park at the Visitor Center and take Colonial Williamsburg’s buses to the Historic Area. No ticket is required to enjoy this program.
Event Schedule
10 a.m.
Salute to the States behind the Courthouse. Commemorate the anniversary of the birth of our nation with this special militia muster that salutes the 13 original states. The Fifes and Drums play, flags of each state are displayed, and muskets and cannon celebrate the significance of this historic day. Come, cheer, and be part of this celebration
noon
A Declaration of Independence at the Courthouse. Gather with the citizens of Williamsburg–on July 25, 1776–to hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Only a few weeks ago, Virginia’s representatives adopted their own Declaration of Rights and a Constitution for the new state.
4–7:30 p.m.
Independence Day Celebration: Food,
Fanfare & Fireworks
Casual come-and-go evening at the Williamsburg Lodge
Reservations required
5:30–7 p.m.
Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Perform on Market Square. Celebrate the holiday with the distinctive sounds of the Fifes and Drums in this exciting, patriotic performance.
5–9 p.m.
Historic Tavern dining available
Reservations required
8–9:30 p.m.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs in front of the Governor’s Palace
Colonial Williamsburg again welcomes the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, led by Jo Ann Falletta, to our Independence Day Celebration on Palace Green. Recognized as one of the nation’s leading regional symphony orchestras, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra has enriched the cultural life of the Hampton Roads community for more than eight decades
9:20 p.m.
Fireworks begin
Gather on Market Square or Palace Green to celebrate our nation’s birthday with an exciting fireworks display. Afterward, enjoy the pageantry of a torchlit Fifes and Drums march from Palace Green, down Duke of Gloucester Street, ending on Botetourt Street.
Parking and Transportation
Take advantage of free parking at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center, where you can purchase admission tickets and use the FREE shuttle bus service. Please note that the pedestrian bridge to the Revolutionary City will be closed to traffic from 9:15 to 10 p.m.
Parking and Transportation
Take advantage of free parking at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center, where you can purchase admission tickets and use our shuttle bus service. Please note that the pedestrian bridge to the Revolutionary City will be closed to traffic from 9:15 to 10 p.m.
Shuttle Schedule
9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Every half hour from the Visitor Center to all regular stops
8–9 p.m.
Express service ONLY from the Visitor Center to the Palace stop
9–11 p.m.
NO SERVICE*
11 p.m.
Regular service to all stops