An Insiders’ Guide to Colonial Williamsburg’s Fourth of July Festivities!

What better place to celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s birth than right here in the Revolutionary City? If you’re planning to spend July 4 with Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll want to check out this Insiders’ Guide which includes everything from a breakdown of the day’s events to the best places to park—even how you can take home a unique piece of history!

WHAT TO DO

Our patriotic programs start July 4 at 10 a.m. and run through 10 p.m. and the day promises to be fun for the entire family. While the fireworks show is free, there’s so much more taking place that’s included in your Colonial Williamsburg admission. In fact, you can make an entire weekend out of it! We have a variety of ticket options to suit any number of family budgets. And if you live here in Williamsburg, be sure to take advantage of our Good Neighbor Pass.

With your admission, share your patriotism with our Salute to the States and the Reading the Declaration of Independence. Then, watch as your kids learn how to play colonial games. Enjoy lunch in one of our historic taverns and don’t miss your chance to bid on some pretty unique Colonial Williamsburg pieces in our live auction. We’ll also have our annual performance from the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums. And of course—the fireworks! If you can’t make it to see those fireworks in person, join us using your smart phone, tablet, or computer. All you have to do is bookmark this link and join us around 9:15 that night.

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.
Live Auction at Market Square 1:30-3 p.m.
1776 Plays at the Kimball Theatre 1:00-3:20.
Fifes & Drums Performance 8:15-8:45 p.m.
Illuminations of Market Square & Palace Green 8:45-9:15
Salute to the Nation 9:10-9:20
Fireworks 9:20-9:40

THE VIP EXPERIENCE

If you’d like reserved seating on Palace Green for the fireworks and a personal escort from the Fifes and Drums, consider reserving your ticket for the Williamsburg Lodge Fourth of July Celebration. Tickets are $85 for ages 13 and up, $55 for ages 6-12, and kids under the age of six get in for free! The fun starts at 4 p.m. and includes children’s games and activities. There’s also a cash bar for the adults, an elaborate buffet (sneak peek at some of the menu items here), plus live musical entertainment. And of course, the big perk—front row seats to the big fireworks show!

WHERE TO PARK

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 9:15 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 do fill up quickly.

The Williamsburg Trolley will also have three trolleys available Saturday—two dedicated to express service. One will run its regular route from noon to 11:00 p.m. But there will also be two Trolleys providing express services from New Town and High Street directly to the Historic Area. Those will go from 7:00 p.m. until around 11:00 p.m., scheduled around the fireworks! Click here for a look at fares which do include some discounts. Children 12 and under get to ride free when accompanied by an adult.

THE AUCTION

One of the most unique experiences during our Fourth of July celebration is the live auction at Market Square. It’s historically accurate and one of the biggest all year. Expect close to 120 exciting items including a weather vane created by our blacksmiths! I was able to get a sneak peek at some other exclusive pieces that will be up for bid including a hand-engraved bronze bell cast by our foundry and a one-of-a-kind telescope case. You can also bid on our more than 30 Union Jack flags that were replaced with the Grand Union flags out in the Historic Area last month. Below is a photo gallery of some of the “big ticket” items. Check back on July 2. That’s when I’ll update the blog with the official list of everything that will be available!

UPDATE: Here is the complete list of all 120 items that will be available at the July 4 live auction!

2015 SOUVENIR BAG!

Fireworks aren’t all that will light up the night. Glow sticks are also a part of the celebration. You can purchase them at refreshment stands set up in Market Square. They’re also included in this year’s Summer Fun Kit. The lightweight backpack also comes with a blanket to share for the show, hand sanitizer, and two refillable souvenir mugs. Use your mug to get unlimited refills on cold apple cider, water, and soda. There are only a limited number of these kits sold each year so be sure to get yours while you can! Below are the locations and hours where these bags are available for purchase both in the Historic Area and Merchants Square.

WILLIAMSBURG Revolutions 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Everything WILLIAMSBURG 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Market House 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
WILLIAMSBURG Celebrations 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Williamsburg Lodge Gift Shop 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
John Greenhow Store 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tarpley, Thompson & Company 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
William Pitt Shop 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS

You’re allowed to bring a lawn chair for the fireworks! In fact, we highly recommend it—especially for any elderly or very young members of your party. And don’t forget to pack water bottles and plenty of sunscreen. 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. And finally, don’t forget your camera! Tag your photos with #Huzzah and @colonialwmsburg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We may share them or use them in a future blog post. This beautiful shot was shared with us by Jerry Shell. Thanks, Jerry!

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Before you go, here’s one little nugget of history. Did you know that on July 4, 1949 the Magazine first opened to the public? Please enjoy pictures from the big event.