July 4, 2023
There's no better place to celebrate our nation's birth than on historic Duke of Gloucester Street. Enjoy patriotic festivities, including public readings of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances, and a dazzling fireworks display to cap the evening.
Free July 4 Single-Day Ticket
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 TicketSpecial Events
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Special Event: Declaration of Independence Reading
Thomas Jefferson begins a day of pageantry, celebration, and reflection.
Open to the Public
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Special Event: Noon Reading of the Declaration
Residents of the 18th-century Williamsburg community read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Courthouse and surrounding area.
Open to the Public
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Special Event: Salute to the States
Join the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums and the Virginia Military Garrison as they present musket volley salutes to the original 13 states of the Union.
Open to the Public
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Tour: Designer in Residence
Explore the interior of the oldest frame house in Virginia (circa 1695) and discover how Designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas reimagined these spaces for today.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Presentation: Musket Demonstration
Military Programs staff will demonstrate the loading and firing of the musket. Experience the sounds and smells a soldier experienced during the Revolution.
Open to the Public
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Tour: Freedom's Paradox
Explore the paradox of the institution of slavery and the movement for independence in a 60-minute walking tour that begins and ends at the Randolph Yard.
CW Admission
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Music: Early American
Enjoy music that has come from distant shores to become the music of Early America.
Art Museums Admission
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Hands-On: Daily Life
Participate in the daily activities of an 18th-century family at the Geddy House.
CW Admission
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Performance: Voices of Freedom
This series of museum theater programs relate to the theme of freedom — its meaning, denial, and the risks people take for it.
Art Museums Admission
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Hands-On: Fire a Flintlock Musket
Fire live rounds at a target from two different reproduction 18th-century flintlock firearms used during the Revolutionary War.
Open to the Public
Event Ticket
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Conversation: Meet a Person of the Past
Find people of the past for some informal conversation or activity.
Open to the Public
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Public Auction
Take part in an exciting auction! Bid on selected items from Colonial Williamsburg stores as well as exclusive items not available elsewhere.
Open to the Public
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Performance: Visit a Nation Builder
Step into the past with a Nation Builder. Through stories, discussion, and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges they faced.
CW Admission
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Tour: Black Artists and Artisans
Tour the museum galleries, including the “I Made This” exhibition, to explore decorative arts and folk art made by Black American artists and artisans. Free reservation required.
Art Museums Admission
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Performance: Family Theater
The Jug Broke Theatre Co. present from their repertoire of plays, ballad operas, and music bringing the spirit of 18th-century theatre to you!
CW Admission
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Performance: Voices of the Past
This series of museum theater programs explores the lives of people, both free and enslaved, who walked these streets in the 18th century.
CW Admission
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Tour: Stables Behind-the-Scenes
Get a behind-the-scenes look at our modern stables and learn more about our carriages.
CW Admission
Event Ticket
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Conversation: Meet a Nation Builder
Find a Nation Builder, a significant figure of 18th-century Williamsburg, around the Palace Green for some informal conversation.
Open to the Public
Dining Opportunities
Plan Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Fireworks go off?
On Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, fireworks will be ignited at 9:30 p.m. at the Governor’s Palace. They will last about 20 minutes.
Where is the best place to see the Fireworks?
The best location for viewing is Palace Green. The fireworks can also be seen from Market Square.
How far in advance do you cancel the firework show due to weather?
Colonial Williamsburg does not offer a rain date for the July 4th Fireworks. We do not have a set time for canceling the program if the weather is a concern. Communication on the status of the fireworks will be posted through our social media channels.
To opt in for weather related July 4th information via text message, please text CWEVENT to 226787. Notifications will expire at 12:01 AM on 7/5/2023, or you can opt out on your own at any time.
Are there additional Independence Day activities besides the Firework show in the Historic Area?
Yes. In addition to daily Historic Area programming, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson at 9:30 a.m. from the Capitol building’s West Balcony and a noontime reading of the Declaration of Independence by members of the 18th century Williamsburg community on the steps of the Colonial Courthouse. At 10:30 a.m. on Market Square, A Salute to the States will feature a special muster in commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of our nation. Our signature Independence Day program, Lights of Freedom, is staged on Palace Green and begins at 8 p.m.
Will there be a concert on the Art Museum Lawn this year?
No. There will not be a concert on the Art Museum Lawn this year. All Independence Day entertainment will be presented on Palace Green.
Where do I park my vehicle?
The best place to park is at the Visitor’s Center parking lot.
What is the Bus Schedule?
Regular Bus Service (Historic Bus Service – all stops) will be available every 30 minutes from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. From 8:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., Limited Bus Service will be available between the Visitor Center and Governor’s Palace stop only. There will be no service between 8:45 p.m. and 11 p.m. Regular Bus Service will resume at 11:00 p.m.
How do I get to the Visitor’s Center if the Buses are not running?
There is an accessible walking path to the Visitors Center from the Palace bus stop. This path will be closed beginning at 8:30 p.m. and will reopen following the fireworks display.
Where are the Restrooms located?
Besides the regular restroom locations in the Historic Area, additional portable toilets are available within the vicinity of Palace Green. Please note that the restrooms within the Governor’s Palace Gardens and the structure at the corner of Scotland Street and Palace Green will not be available after 5 p.m. Public restrooms are also available in Merchants Square at the corner of Duke of Gloucester and N. Henry Streets, and in the Henry Street Shops.
Are there any restrictions on what I can bring to the fireworks?
Yes. The following items will not be permitted on Palace Green, Art Museum Lawns, or any other Colonial Williamsburg owned properties:
- Tents
- Pop-up tents
- Oversized umbrellas
- Drones
- Weapons
Will stores in the Historic Area be open on July 4?
Yes. The John Greenhow Store will be open 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., the Market House will be open 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., the William Pitt Store will be open 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Tarpley, Thompson & Company will be open 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., the Prentis Store will be open 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., and the Golden Ball will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
At 12:30 p.m. on Market Square, bid on select items from CW stores as well as one-of-a-kind auction items found nowhere else.
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Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Featuring the best in British and American fine and decorative arts, plus the nation’s premiere collection of American folk art.
Learn More
Meet the Nation Builders
From recognizable names like Jefferson and Washington, to people whose names did not grace your history book, meet the Nation Builders who helped shape their time, and whose legacies continues to influence and inspire American ideals.
Meet the Nation Builders
