What better place to celebrate the anniversary of our Nation's birth than right here where it all began? We hope you'll spend Fourth of July with us, and we want you to be prepared. That’s why we’re going to outline everything from the main events to the best places to park—even some interesting facts about our fireworks!
First things first. While the fireworks show is Tuesday night, please remember there's so much more taking place throughout Yorktown during the day. You and your family can enjoy the beach; visit our shops and restaurants; and explore our museums!
As you can see, your patriotic fun is from sunup to sundown. That's our lineup at a glance! Keep scrolling for a more detailed account of all there is to do, including educational fun at the American Revolution Museum of Yorktown.
FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HEROES
Independence Day 8K & 5K Run/Walk
The Fourth of July may be remembered for the Declaration of Independence, but where would we be without the defeat of Cornwallis at Yorktown? Register to walk or run where the American and French allies won the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Options are to run an 8K or walk a 5K.
The projected course (weather permitting) will be along the tree-lined, tour roads in the shadow of Surrender Field. Preregistration is recommended and you can do so by clicking here.
Late registration and check-in starts at 6:30 a.m. at York High School.
Awards for top three runners & walkers Awards for top three runners in each 5-year age group
Finishers’ Medals for all runners who complete the course
Completion Awards for all walkers
Drawings for gift cards, coupons, and prizes
BE A PART OF HISTORY
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. to enjoy music, interpretive programs, military drills, and artillery demonstrations. You'll learn about the challenges our nation's Founders faced—including those who signed the Declaration of Independence. Admission is free for residents of York and James City counties and the City of Williamsburg (including College of William & Mary students). You'll need proof of residency when you check in!
JULY FOURTH MUSEUM PROGRAMS
10 a.m.
"Dyeing for
the Cause" at Revolution-era
Farm. Learn how clothing was dyed during the 18th century
11 a.m.
Performance from The Fifes and
Drums of York Town
11:30 a.m.
"Meet John Rollison Program at
the Continental Army Encampment’s Artillery Amphitheater.
Character Interpreter James Cameron will portray John Rollison, a free black man from York County.
1 p.m.
Reading of the Declaration of
Independence
12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m
The Cigar Box String Band will play traditional American tunes as part of a “Great American Sing-along” with visitors
2 p.m.
Effigy Tax Protest against the British Stamp Tax
Check their website for more information!
BE INSPIRED BY AMERICA'S BEGINNING
Tour Yorktown Battlefield - the Scene of Surrender
Discover what it took for the United States to be independent as you explore the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Here at Yorktown, on October 19, 1781, Gen. Charles Cornwallis surrendered to Gen. George Washington and his American and French forces. The Siege at Yorktown effectively ended the war and ensured the independence we as Americans enjoy today.
WAVE THAT RED, WHITE, AND BLUE!
Morning Patriotic Parade in Historic Yorktown
The big patriotic parade starts at 9 a.m. down Water & Main Streets and will include music by the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Ceremonial Band.
FUN BEFORE THE FIREWORKS
Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony & Live Concert
You should be able to see the fireworks from vantage points up and down the Yorktown Waterfront Tuesday night. They are scheduled to go off around 9:15 p.m. For those of you who want to enjoy a little pre-game entertainment, set up as close as you can to the Riverwalk Landing Stage a couple hours before that. The Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony starts at 7 p.m., followed by a live concert at 8 p.m. featuring a performance from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command – Arsenal Brass Band.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREE TROLLEY
Park & Ride Into Town During the Day
The Yorktown Trolley, the only form of public transportation in Yorktown, will run from approximately 10 a.m (following the parade) until 5 p.m. It is free, air-conditioned, handicap-accessible, and includes several convenient stops:
Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
York-Poquoson Courts and Office Complex
York County Administration Building
Riverwalk Landing
Watermen’s Museum
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Intersection of Main and Ballard Streets
ARRIVE EARLY FOR THE FIREWORKS
What You Need to Know About Evening Parking
The Yorktown Battlefield, located at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street, will be the central location for free parking for the evening festivities, including the fireworks. It will open to the public at 4 p.m. and will close once it reaches capacity.
Remember, the Trolley stops running at 5 p.m. It is important to note that the walk from the Battlefield to the waterfront is approximately one mile and includes hills and uneven terrain so wear comfy shoes—that includes the kids!
Those requiring handicapped parking and special assistance are asked to report to Yorktown Middle School from 4-7 p.m. Special needs transportation will be provided for the handicapped/special needs individual and one escort for each individual. You'll be issued a pass and must hold onto it to return on the shuttle at the end of the evening.
Drop-off will be at the Yorktown Waterfront, approximately 200 yards from the performance area. Due to limited shuttle capacity, we politely request all other individuals in the party take a separate vehicle to park at the Battlefield. The shuttle will make return runs from the Yorktown Waterfront to Yorktown Middle School between 9:45 – 10:30 p.m.
The fireworks should last anywhere from 15-18 minutes. Some of them will shoot up to 800 feet into the sky. Just to put that in perspective. The Washington Monument in D.C. is 555 feet tall!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
You may bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited
Please consider leaving your pets at home
BBQ grills are restricted to the beach picnic areas
Beach picnic area is closed to vehicular traffic all day
STAY CONNECTED
As always, the festivities are contingent upon the weather. We all know how unpredictable summer weather can be. We'll be keeping an eye on the radar and will make the call if we see any approaching storms. Remember, parking is at an historic site – the Yorktown Battlefield. If conditions are too muddy, we can't open it up. We will post all big changes and announcements on our website (www.visityorktown.org) as well as our social media accounts. We highly recommend you click on the below image to follow our Facebook event page. You can also follow us on Instagram or Twitter. Our hashtags are #visityorktown and #york757.
