Party Like It’s 1776!

How to Celebrate Independence Day in Yorktown

Every year on the Fourth of July, the community gathers with visitors from all over the country to celebrate our nation’s founding–right here where independence was won! It’s a fun-filled day of activities for the whole family. In addition to all of the Fourth of July events, you can enjoy the beach, visit the Riverwalk Landing shops and waterfront restaurants, and explore museums. 

We're going to outline what you need to know in this Insider's Guide, including the schedule of events, where you can (and can't) park, and more!

Run or Walk in the Footsteps of Heroes!
8 a.m. (Start Time for the 8K)

We can't think of a more inspirational way to start the day than near the very place where Gen. Cornwallis raised the white flag more than 200 years ago. Start your Fourth of July weekend off by participating in either the live or virtual Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk. 

Packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m. with the 8K Run/Walk starting at 8 a.m. Race participants will park and gather near the York High School tennis courts. The live race is run on Yorktown Battlefield tour roads, accessed from school grounds. Click here for more information or to register!

Everyone Loves a Parade!
9 a.m. | Water, Ballard & Main Streets

Perhaps one of the most exciting events of the day is the annual parade! People line the streets in Historic Yorktown as groups of musicians, civic groups, and performers pass by, waving to the crowds and passing out flags. Listen to patriotic tunes from DJ Ben Herrick, as well as The Fifes and Drums of York Town. If you're wondering where to set up your chairs and blankets – the route starts at the Yorktown Beach Picnic Area on Water Street (by the fishing pier) and makes its way down Water Street, up Ballard Street, and then takes a left onto Main Street, ending near the Victory Monument. 

The big question is always where to park. Your best bet is to stick to the outskirts of town and walk down to the fun. While the parade doesn't start until 9 a.m., traffic will get congested very quickly, so we recommend you arrive early to secure your parking spot. 

Try the York-Poquoson Courthouse or County Administration Building first (both on Ballard Street). From 8:45 to 10 a.m., Water Street will be closed from Read to Mathews Street and Ballard Street will be closed from Water Street to Alexander Hamilton Boulevard. From 8:45 to 10 a.m., all traffic arriving from Alexander Hamilton Boulevard via George Washington Memorial Highway (Rt. 17) will be routed to the right onto Ballard Street. The town will re-open to vehicular traffic following the parade.

Ride the Trolley for Ease and Comfort!
Approximately 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Yorktown Trolley will run from approximately 10 a.m. (following the parade) until 5 p.m. It is free, air-conditioned, ADA accessible, and includes several convenient stops:

• Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
• Riverwalk Landing
• Watermen’s Museum
• American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
• Intersection of Main and Ballard Streets (York Hall)
• York County Courts & Office Complex

Enjoy Family Fun Before the Fireworks!
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Riverwalk Landing 

For those of you who want to make a day out of your visit—stick around for fun children's activities that kick off at 11 a.m. at Riverwalk Landing. Enjoy a balloon artist, cornhole, hula hoops, and other outdoor games. At 1 p.m., join us for the annual hot dog eating contest presented by Carrot Tree Kitchens. This will be a timed event to eat as many hot dogs as you can, and prizes include Carrot Tree gift cards. This will be followed by a cupcake decorating contest for children.

Historic Yorktown's restaurants will be open for business, so you can grab lunch or dinner. There will also be several to-go options at the Patriotic Food Pavilion (set up in the green space across from Riverwalk Landing) beginning at 3 p.m. and until the fireworks are over. This year's food trucks and vendors include local favorites like Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, Dong’s Food Truck, Kona Ice, Little Piggy’s Wurst Nightmare, Pop’s Kettle Corn, Shorty’s Diner, and Smoke BBQ. 

While you’re playing games and visiting food trucks, take in the sounds of guitarist Phil Poteat starting at 2 p.m. on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. 

The Fun Continues with The Fifes and Drums of York Town, a Bell Ringing Ceremony, and a Free Concert!
7 p.m. | Riverwalk Landing

Every Independence Day, after the reading of the Declaration of Independence, the York County Historical Museum holds a symbolic program that's been a community tradition for decades. First comes the acknowledgment of all 13 colonies, along with the original signers from the Second Continental Congress who together formed the United States of America. The Fifes and Drums of York Town kick off the event at the Riverwalk Landing Stage, and each year a child from the audience is bestowed the special honor of ringing the bell. Following the historic program, the Super Jazz Band concert featuring Conni Ironmonger will take place, all leading up to the big fireworks finale!

Beginning at 4:00 p.m., visitors who are arriving to attend the evening activities must park on the Yorktown Battlefield at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street, which can be accessed via Cook Road. The Battlefield will close to the public at 8:30 p.m. or once the battlefield reaches capacity. This includes visitors attempting to access the town via Goosley Road, Old Williamsburg Road, and Mathews Street (by way of George Washington Memorial Highway). If you are not a Yorktown Village resident, business owner, or have an official pass – you will not be permitted to park in Historic Yorktown. Please note that the Colonial Parkway leading into Yorktown is closed for maintenance.

End the Day with a Spectacular Fireworks Show Over the York River
9:15 p.m. | Yorktown Beach & Victory Monument

You should be able to see the fireworks anywhere at the waterfront or at the Victory Monument. The show starts at 9:15 p.m. and lasts about 20 minutes. 

The Yorktown Battlefield, located at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street, will be the central parking location for the evening activities and fireworks. The Battlefield will open to the public at 4 p.m. and will close to the public at 8:30 p.m. or once it reaches capacity. Plan to get there early! 

Know Before You Go!

The Yorktown Trolley will stop running at 5 p.m., and it's important to note that the walk from the Battlefield to the waterfront is approximately one mile and includes hills and uneven terrain. Wear comfy shoes! 

Those requiring handicapped parking and special assistance should report to Yorktown Middle School from 4 to 7 p.m. and must be checked in no later than 7 p.m. to take advantage of our free shuttle service. Transportation is provided for the disabled or special needs individual and one escort. Drop-off is at Riverwalk Landing, approximately 200 yards from the performance area. Due to limited shuttle capacity, all other individuals in the party will be required to park at the Yorktown Battlefield. 

It’s important to note that once the shuttle is parked at the waterfront at 7:30 p.m., it will remain there until after the fireworks—with the first trip back to York Middle School beginning at 9:45 p.m. Return trips take place until 10:30 p.m. Each person must possess a pass to board the shuttle.

Important Parking Information: All-day street traffic blockades include Zweybrucken Road, Comte de Grasse Street, Ambler Street, Water Street, and Main Street (from Zweybrucken to Ballard). The Yorktown Beach Picnic Area (on the corner of Water and Comte de Grasse Streets) will also be closed to vehicular traffic and will have pedestrian traffic only. Church, Nelson, Smith, and Bacon Streets will be restricted to residents only. 

Important Reminders:

• You may bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• BBQ grills are restricted to the Yorktown Beach Picnic Area (with designated areas to dispose of hot coals).
• It is recommended that pets remain at home as the heat, crowds, loud music, and fireworks can be upsetting.

Stay Connected:

Check out our special Fourth of July page for more on what to do while you're in town, including special programming at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Be sure to follow Visit Yorktown on Facebook and Instagram, as that's where we'll post all updates the day of the event.