Fourth of July might look different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic but that doesn’t mean you still can’t break out your red, white, and blue and have a blast in Williamsburg, Virginia! We’re here to help you discover fun ways to celebrate Independence Day in the Historic Triangle.
by Alexandra Fitzpatrick
Colonial Williamsburg
The iconic 4th of July fireworks celebration at Colonial Williamsburg has been canceled due to COVID-19 but there are many other patriotic activities happening around the historic area. Delve into the nation’s history as you celebrate its freedom with these patriotic experiences.
Isle of Wight 4th of July Fireworks Event
Isle of Wight is hosting a drive-up 4th of July fireworks event where guests can view show from their parked cars at the Heritage Park Fairgrounds. Viewers must stay in their cars to ensure safe social distancing and no bathrooms will be available. The fireworks start around 9:30pm. Isle of Wight is about an hour from Williamsburg by car.
Cape Charles July Fourth Celebrations
Take a daytrip to this historic beach town located an hour and half away from Williamsburg, Virginia to celebrate Cape Charles’ 243rd Independence Day celebration. Festivities begin at 10am with a patriotic parade throughout the historic district. A street fair will be held afterwards complete with artisan products, live music, food vendors, and a fishing competition for kids. Fireworks begin at 9pm at the Cape Charles Harbor.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Join young Thomas Jefferson as he hosts a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This free 4th of July event transports Williamsburg visitors to 1776 as a historic reenactor recites the principles of American freedom. The public reading will begin at 9:30am at Capital Circle and will last until 9:45am.
Museum Theatre Performance of “Created Equal”
“Created Equal” is a 4th of July theatrical performance that showcases African American views on the Declaration of Independence. Two forty-five-minute shows will be performed by historic reenactors at 12pm and 4pm at the Charlton Stage. Colonial Williamsburg paid admission is needed to attend.
Chownings’ July 4th Celebration Pig Roast
Head to the Garden of Chownings’ Tavern from 2pm to 5:15pm on July fourth for a lively buffet-style outdoor dining experience . Guests will be seated at socially distanced picnic tables where they can indulge delicious food from a large serviced buffet. Prepaid reservations are required to attend this 4th of July VIP private celebration. Tickets cost $45.00 for adults and $22.00 for kids (3-10).
July 4th Auction
Colonial Williamsburg’s annual 4th of July auction has local, Historic Triangle artisan products for sale. This Independence Day shopping tradition is open to the public. The auction will begin at 1:30pm in the Magazine Yard and bargain buyers can shop for fine wares until 2:30pm.
Visit a Nation Builder – Thomas Jefferson
Learn about the 4th of July from an author of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson will make two appearances on the Charlton Stage from 1:30pm to 2:00pm and 2:45pm to 3:15pm where he will talk about his experience in colonial America as a founding father. Paid Colonial Williamsburg admission is needed to attend this patriotic and educational event.
Bell Ringing at Colonial Williamsburg
Take a moment to reflect on the history of July fourth as bells ring out on Duke of Gloucester Street and the surrounding Williamsburg area at 5:00pm. Use this time to celebrate those who fought for America’s freedom and for those who continue to protect it.
See the Colonial Williamsburg Website for more information
Yorktown
There will also be historic activities at Yorktown this 4th of July. Firework shows have been canceled but there are other exciting celebrations going on throughout the day for the whole family.
Liberty Celebration
Patriotic activities will be taking place at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown from 9am to 6pm on July 4th. The historic triangle museum has added social distancing protocols to their interpretive programs, demonstrations, and events. Visitors can explore a Declaration of Independence exhibit, watch a historical film, and experience revolutionary-era farm and army life.
Independence Day Celebration at the Watermen’s Museum
The Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown will be hosting a free outdoor 4th of July celebration from 11am to 5pm. Activities include: live music, food vendors, colonial glass demonstrations, military reenactors, and cannon firing. Toby’s Dog Shack will be hosting a Hot Dog Eating contest at 12:30pm.
Fireworks
Official 4th of July firework shows in Williamsburg, Virginia have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Independence Day can still be celebrated with a bang because these firework shows are within driving distance from the Historic Triangle.
Charles City County 4th of July Fireworks
Independence Day is being celebrated early in Charles City Country, Virginia. On July 3rd, a fireworks show will be hosted from 8:30pm to 8:45 pm in the Charles City High School. Located 30 minutes from Williamsburg, viewers are invited to drive up to the parking lot and watch the show from their vehicles in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Chesterfield County Fireworks Show
Take a road trip from Williamsburg, Virginia to Chesterfield County, Virginia for a free 4th of July fireworks show. The firework celebration starts at 9:15pm on July 4th at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds and it is an hour-and-fifteen-minute drive from Williamsburg. To prevent the spread of COIVD-19, there will be no entertainment or food booths at the event and there will be limited parking and public restroom access.
Isle of Wight 4th of July Fireworks Event
Isle of Wight is hosting a drive-up 4th of July fireworks event where guests can view show from their parked cars at the Heritage Park Fairgrounds. Viewers must stay in their cars to ensure safe social distancing and no bathrooms will be available. The fireworks start around 9:30pm. Isle of Wight is about an hour from Williamsburg by car.
Cape Charles July Fourth Celebrations
Take a daytrip to this historic beach town located an hour and half away from Williamsburg, Virginia to celebrate Cape Charles’ 243rd Independence Day celebration. Festivities begin at 10am with a patriotic parade throughout the historic district. A street fair will be held afterwards complete with artisan products, live music, food vendors, and a fishing competition for kids. Fireworks begin at 9pm at the Cape Charles Harbor.
