4th of July Fireworks at Colonial Williamsburg 2024 plus List of Events and Dining Options!
Schedule of Events for July 4 Celebrations and Fireworks in Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks start at 9:30 pm. Here is your list hour by hour of events going on in Colonial Williamsburg (including fireworks) on July 4th!
Where is the best place to see July 4th fireworks in Colonial Williamsburg? BEST FIREWORKS VIEWING LOCATIONS: Palace Green, Market Square, and the East Lawn of the Art Museum
This year make sure to get your FREE Admission ticket online to Colonial Williamsburg on July 4th – In celebration of our nation’s birth, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering free admission to the Historic Area and the Art Museums on July 4 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. GET YOUR FREE TICKET
What are all the events happening in Colonial Williamsburg on July 4th? There is a lot of programming for locals and visitors to attend during the Birthday of our Nation plus a beautiful display of fireworks. The day will start as it has in past years with the Reading of the Declaration of Independence…
keep scrolling for the entire list!
July 4th Full Schedule of Events Colonial Williamsburg:
9:30 a.m – 9:50 a.m. – Reading of the Declaration of Independence – Gather with the citizens of Williamsburg on July 25, 1776 to hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson. At the Capitol West Balcony. No Event Ticket Required
10:30 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. – Salute to the States – Set to the pomp & pageantry of the CW Fifes & Drums, The Virginia Military Garrison presents musket volley salutes in commemoration of the 247th anniversary of the birth of our nation and salute to the original thirteen states of the Union. Market Square North (behind Courthouse). No Event Ticket Required.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Hands-on: Daily Life – free with your free July 4th Admission ticket. Create memorable experiences as you participate in the daily activities of the Geddy House, a prospering trades home. Activities change regularly with the rhythm of an average 18th-century day. Discover various interactive, sensory, and fun opportunities for families throughout the Geddy House.
Shows at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – Performance: What Goes UP – Part of your Free July 4th Admission Ticket – In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers sent up the first occupied hot air balloon in front of thousands of witnesses in Versailles. View the events through the eyes of the passengers: a rooster, a duck, and a terrified sheep named Montauciel. Theatre was a vital part of the colonial Williamsburg community; experience the power of enjoying theatre together as a family. Fun and family friendly.
1 p.m. – 9 p.m.- Shields Tavern Pavilion – Enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious fair food treats! Treat yourself to street corn, pulled pork fries with cheese, watermelon, and an array of cool beverages to keep you hydrated. Plan to add this event to your full day of patriotic festivities in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area.
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Lumber House: Concession Stand
Stop by the Greenhow Lumber House yard this July 4th for an electrifying experience! Delight in refreshing beverages and indulge in tantalizing Fair Food delights! This is a special July 4th food location, so stop by!
Menu: Savory Street Corn, mouthwatering Pulled Pork Fries topped with Cheese, and Juicy Watermelon, alongside an array of chilled Beverages.
Location: Lumber House Yard
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Tavern Pavilion: Concession Stand
Head to Shield’s Tavern Pavilion on July 4th for refreshing drinks and delicious food & treats! Menu includes Street Corn, Pulled Pork, Fries with Cheese, Watermelon and a selection of cool beverages! Location: Shield’s Pavilion
12:00 p.m.- 12:20 p.m. – Noon Reading of the Declaration of Independence – Residents of the 18th-century Williamsburg community read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Courthouse and surrounding area. No Event Ticket Required – Open to the Public
12 – 1 p.m. – Conversation: Meet a Nation Builder – Palace Green – Find a Nation Builder, a significant figure of 18th-century Williamsburg, around the Palace Green for some informal conversation – free and open to the public.
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Independent Day Auction – This is something cool! Head to Market Square and bid on select items from CW stores as well as one-of-a-kind auction items found nowhere else – it’s the July 4th Auction right outside in Market Square! The assortment changes for each auction. Listen for the auction bell! Free to attend and open to the public.
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Tour: Stables Behind-The-Scenes – Treat the animal lover in your life to this one-hour walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg’s modern stables and Rare Breeds Program. During this behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll see some of our animals, discuss their care, and may see a carriage get hitched. (extra fee $8 per person + your free July 4th admission ticket) learn more
2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Special Event: Building Washington’s Army – Calling all brave and well-disposed lovers of liberty! In defense of Independency, recruits of all ages will take part in light military drill with members of the Virginia State Garrison Regiment accompanied by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums corps on Market Square Green. Both active participants and observers are welcome. A final inspection of recruits will be conducted by Colonel Washington. Market Square North (behind Courthouse).
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Presentation: Musket Demonstration – Magazine Yard – The musket was the best tool for warfare during the 18th century and into the 19th century. A member of Colonial Williamsburg’s Military Programs staff will demonstrate the loading and firing of the musket using a loading procedure from an 18th-century military manual that was common for the period. Experience the sounds and smells a soldier experienced during the Revolution. More info
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Sweet Tea & Barley – Join us at Sweet Tea and Barley for a special 4th of July menu insert. Grab a delicious bite to eat before continuing your evening Independence Day celebration.
No Reservations: Walk-up only. See Menu
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Traditions Fourth of July Dinner – Savor a spectacular dinner buffet to celebrate Independence Day at the Williamsburg Lodge. View menu. Reservations required.
4:00 pm – 8:30 pm – 4th of July Feast – at St. George Tucker House
Colonial Williamsburg has got you covered on July 4th as you await the spectacular fireworks display! This huge all you can buffet has something on the menu for everyone in your family and it’s right near where the fireworks will be.
Get ready for an unforgettable 4th of July celebration with the Williamsburg Lodge Culinary Team! Join us at St. George Tucker House (113 W Nicholson St, – this event location has been updated from McKenzie’s Lawn to St. George Tucker House) for an unforgettable Buffet Feast that will tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in an all-you-can-eat extravaganza, featuring a delicious array of dishes and select non-alcoholic beverages, all included with your prepaid reservation….Hurry Scurry before it sells out: Menu & Reservations here Yes, kids will love it – corn dogs, ribs and mac and cheese are on this buffet!
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Social Terrace Independence Day Bash – Come relax at the Social Terrace the expansive patio with bar, live music and food. Adult price includes two complimentary beverage tickets, music by Jocelyn Oldham and the boys, games on the lawn, There is even a special July 4th Menu – this is the perfect way to spend your July 4th evening and finish the night with the fireworks! Reservations required.
8:00-9:30 p.m. – LIGHTS OF FREEDOM – A PYROTECHNIC CELEBRATION – Palace Green. As the prelude to the thrilling Fourth of July Fireworks display, our holiday programming concludes with a celebration of the words and music of the American Revolution. Highlights include a reading of the Declaration of Independence, American marching music of the Revolution, and a patriotic sing-along culminating in a grand fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m. – FIREWORKS – Fireworks display above the Governor’s Palace; the heart-pounding, 20-minute fireworks display begins at 9:30 PM. and can be seen from Palace Green, Market Square and the eastern side of the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
For more Colonial Williamsburg Events visit them online or visit Colonial Williamsburg and to see more events in the Williamsburg & Yorktown area on July 4th visit here.
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