2016 -July 4th events in Williamsburg VA
LIGHT UP YOUR INDEPENDENCE DAY AT AMERICA’S BIRTHPLACE
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.
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m., and a whole day of special programming precedes them.
Colonial Williamsburg invites the community and guests from far and wide to a Fourth of July celebration befitting the nation’s 240th birthday, culminating in a free evening fireworks display over the Revolutionary City.
Highlights of the celebration include the daylong Colonial Faire offering games and activities for patriots ages 14-and-under, a live afternoon auction of rare and one-of-a kind items on the Market Square Stage, and the Williamsburg Lodge Family Fourth of July Celebration – a family evening of food and entertainment that includes reserved fireworks viewing on the Palace Green.
“This year our nation celebrates a momentous birthday, its 240th,” said Colonial Williamsburg President and CEO Mitchell B. Reiss. “The success of the experiment that began on these very streets is one of history’s most remarkable stories. We tell that story every day, and this Fourth of July we invite our neighbors and the nation for a day of fun and fireworks to mark this milestone anniversary.”
Festivities begin July 3 with the program “To Be Free and Independent” at 4:45 p.m. on the Capitol Green, presenting Virginians’ declaration of independence from the crown on May 15, 1776. The year’s Summer Breeze Concert Series kicks off at 7 p.m. in Merchants Square with a special Sunday-night concert featuring the United States Air Force Band. At 8:30 p.m. the Fifes & Drums lead the Williamsburg Military Tattoo up Duke of Gloucester Street from the Palace Green to the Capitol. All three events are free and open to the public.
Special Fourth of July programming begins at 10 a.m. on Market Square with the Salute to the States, a military muster honoring the original 13. At 11 a.m., co-author Thomas Jefferson reads the Declaration of Independence on the Courthouse steps accompanied by the Fifes & Drums and a cannon salute. Both morning programs are free and open to the public.
Screenings of the 1972 musical comedy “1776” begin at 10:15 a.m. and at 1:30 and 4:45 p.m. at the Kimball Theatre in Merchants Square. The film version of the classic Broadway musical stars William Daniels, Howard Da Silva and Ken Howard and is rated PG. Tickets are $5.
From 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at various Historic Area locations, the Colonial Faire features activities including military drills, a tomahawk toss, races, crafts and games such as quoits. Participation in the Colonial Faire requires Colonial Williamsburg admission or an $8 program ticket available for purchase at the Faire.
One-of-a-kind craft items, as well as select Colonial Williamsburg products, are available for purchase at the auction from 1-3 p.m. They include a weather vane and mahogany cradle crafted by Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Trades and the very engraved bell used to announce the auction.
At 4 p.m., “I Hear America Singing” features the Runaway String Band performing old-time tunes from the mountains of Appalachia to the sidewalks of New York in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg’s Hennage Auditorium. A special $4 ticket is required.
A VIP Independence Day evening kicks off at 4 p.m. with the Williamsburg Lodge Family Fourth of July Celebration. Children’s games and activities take place on the Virginia Lawn until 7 p.m., and for guests 21 and over, a cash bar is available in the Virginia Room until 7:30 pm. “An American Original Buffet Dinner” is served from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with entertainment provided by the Jangling Reinharts. The Fifes & Drums escort guests to a reserved area of Palace Green at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $ 85.95, $50.95 for youths ages 3-10, with free admission for children ages 2 and under.
On the Palace Green, “A Medley of Patriotic Entertainments” begins at 8:15 p.m., followed at 8:50 p.m. by performances by the Fifes & Drums there and on Market Square, both prime fireworks viewing locations. The demonstration, presented by Fireworks by Grucci of Bellport, New York, begins at 9:15 p.m., followed by a torch-lit Fifes & Drums march from the Palace Green up Duke of Gloucester Street to Botetourt Street.
Free parking is available at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. Regular Colonial Williamsburg shuttle bus service runs every half hour between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. from the Visitor Center to regular stops. From 8 to 9 p.m. only express service is available between the Visitor Center and the Governor’s Palace stops. All service is suspended beginning at 9 p.m. and resumes with regular stops at 11 p.m. The pedestrian bridge from the Visitor Center to the Historic Area will close from 9 p.m. until after the display.
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. Our stunning fireworks display—and your participation with glow sticks—finishes out the night.
JULY 4TH, 2016- EVENT SCHEDULE, COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG VA
In between all the fun, you can enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the historic taverns or one of the nearby restaurants in Merchants Square including :
Aromas Specialty Coffees, Bakery & Cafe, Baskin-Robbins Berret’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill Blackbird Bakery Blue Talon Bistro DoG Street Pub Fat Canary Hair of The Dog Bottle Shop - Seasons Restaurant & Bar Stephanos Pizza & Subs The Cheese Shop The Trellis Bar and Grill and don’t miss your chance to bid on some pretty unique Colonial Williamsburg pieces in the live auction. We’ll also have our annual performance from the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums. And of course—the fireworks! Those are just a few of the featured events (there are many!). Here’s a complete timeline of all there is to do:
Salute to the States 10 a.m.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence 11 a.m.
Colonial Faire for the kids! 11:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Lafayette in Two Worlds 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Live Auction at Market Square 1 – 3:00 p.m.
1776 Plays at the Kimball Theatre 1:30 – 4:00 (extra ticket required)
I Hear America Singing 4 – 5 p.m. (extra ticket required)
My Duty, My Voice 4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Medley of Patriotic Entertainments 8:15 – 8:45 p.m.
Fifes & Drums Performance 8:50 – 9:10 p.m.
Fireworks 9:15 – 9:35
9:15 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.
We recommend parking at the Visitor Center and utilizing the free shuttle service or the pathway to the Revolutionary City. The shuttle buses will run every half hour to all regular stops. Important note: all shuttles will stop running from 9-11 p.m. during the fireworks show. The pedestrian bridge by the Visitor Center will also close from 9 to 10:15 p.m.Other parking options include the Prince George Street parking garage. The first 30 minutes are free and each additional hour is $1 with a maximum fee of $12. Parts of Prince George Street, Nassau Street, and Scotland Street also allow unlimited free parking between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Just remember, free street parking is hard to come by and those spots fill up quickly.
You’re allowed to bring a lawn chair for the fireworks! In fact, it is highly recommended—especially for any elderly or very young members of your party. And don’t forget to pack water bottles and plenty of sunscreen. Remember, the Virginia heat can be brutal in July. Also, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. If you aren’t taking a carriage, you’ll have to rely on your feet to get you up and down DoG Street.
Busch Gardens-Williamsburg VA
Busch Gardens® celebrates our independence, July 2 – 4, 2016. This event inspires park-goers through fireworks and moving original soundscapes.
Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM
| Other holiday events in the WIlliamsburg VA Area : July 1 – 4, 2016 |
| Yorktown’s July 4th Celebration‘ July 4Come to historic Yorktown and enjoy a family friendly salute to America! Enjoy a patriotic parade, and evening bell-ringing ceremony, a patriotic, and a spectacular fireworks show on the York River.’ Celebrations in Yorktown start bright and early with the annual Independence Day Parade, culminating in a fireworks display over the York River. Kevin Ritchie, event planner for York County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, advised to arrive as early as possible for the day’s events. 8 a.m. – Yorktown Independence Day 8K Run/5K Walk begins at York High School. 9 a.m. – Parade begins on Water Street, turning left onto Ballard and down Main Street to Victory Monument. Yorktown U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Band will perform. 4 p.m. – Event parking opens at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street (battlefield). 7 p.m. – Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony begins at Riverwalk Landing stage. 8 p.m. – U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band (brass) performs at Riverwalk Landing stage. 9:15 p.m. – Fireworks begin. Fireworks: The 18-minute display will illuminate the waterfront, launched from a barge in the York River. “Anywhere along the waterfront in Yorktown’s a great viewing space,” Ritchie said. This includes the Beach Picnic area at the intersection of Water and Comte de Grasse Streets. Admission: Admission is free and open to the public. Call 890-3500 or check out visityorktown.org for more information. Parking: Daytime parking is available York Hall, Riverwalk Landing’s parking garage, the County Administration and Courthouse/Finance buildings. Evening parking begins 4 p.m. at Yorktown Battlefield – visitors must walk one mile from parking to the waterfront. Free parking and shuttle service for handicapped/special needs individuals, and one escort, is available at Yorktown Middle School from 4-7 p.m. and 9:45-10:30 p.m. Liberty Celebration at Yorktown Victory Center July 3 – 4 Merchants Square Independence Day Concert July 3 Join us for our annual Independence Day Concert in Merchants Square featuring the United States Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band. Watermen’s Museum Hosts York River Symphony Our friends from the York River Symphony orchestra will be playing an evening of American Patriotic selections. Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K An 8K run on the scenic roads of the Yorktown Battlefield. Walkers and shorter distance runners are invited to a non-scored 5K event. Runs begin and end near Surrender Field. Parking and registration at York High School begins at 6:30 am. The Fifes and Drums of York Town Virginia Shakespeare Festival – 38th Anniversary Season! Summer Concerts at Grace Episcopal Churchyard Movie Night on Prince George Street Dust off your lawn chair, grab the kids and come down to Prince George Street every Sunday night – starting June 12! Local companies have generously stepped up to sponsor each movie, so please thank them and support their businesses! See website for schedule. Captain Brewster’s Kids In the Defense of Jamestown: Join in the ranks with Captain Brewster and train to defend Jamestown! As a new recruit, learn the manual of arms for the halberd-“a most ancient and honorable pole arm”-and then march in the “Grand Parade” inside James Fort! Quirks of Art Presents Stern Design Works This pop-up collection will be here for a limited time in July, so do not miss out on these fun pieces visiting us from NYC! Watermen’s Museum Yorktown Music Jamboree Come and enjoy us every Friday evening in June for an evening of traditional and original folk music along the beautiful York River. Past Plantations Tour Take a ride through the remains of Taskinas Plantation. Our staff archaeologist has made discoveries of forts, slave quarters, workshops, and relics of the colonial past. Saturdays through October 29 (excluding Oct 1) Located on the Yorktown waterfront, the market begins its 10th season and will operate weekly on Saturdays through October 29. The market hosts more than 35 local farmers, vendors and artists throughout the season with a variety of homegrown favorites and local art. The market features fresh produce, meat and seafood; baked goods, cut flowers, coffee, and live entertainment. |