Planning to celebrate Independence Day in Williamsburg? With thousands of visitors gathering to enjoy the festivities, including Colonial Williamsburg's beloved Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks, it's important to plan your parking ahead of time.
Where to Park
The most convenient parking option is the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center parking lot. However, capacity is limited and fills quickly on July 4, so arriving early is highly recommended.
If the Visitor Center lot reaches capacity, additional parking is available at:
William & Mary Zable Stadium
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100 Stadium Drive
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Located off Richmond Road
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Approximately a 15-minute walk to Palace Green
William & Mary Kaplan Arena
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751 Ukrop Way
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Approximately a 15-minute walk to Palace Green
Both locations provide easy access to the Historic Area and offer a convenient alternative for visitors attending the day's events.
Transportation & Shuttle Service
Take Advantage of Complimentary Shuttle Service
To make getting around even easier, complimentary transportation is available through the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA).
WATA will host Liberty Fare Week, from June 29 through July 5, allowing residents and visitors to ride all fixed routes and paratransit service at no cost.
Route 15: Colonial services Colonial Williamsburg and operates between the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and stops throughout the Historic Area.
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Service runs every 15 minutes
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Operating hours: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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No bus service: 8:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
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Regular service resumes: 10:15 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
All fixed-route and paratransit services will run until Midnight on July 4th
»Download Map & Guide of Colonial Williamsburg
»Bus Schedules & Routes
Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly, especially when attending the evening fireworks celebration.
Fireworks & Daily Activities
When will the fireworks begin?
The Fourth of July fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:35 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and will last about 15 minutes.
Where is the best place to watch the fireworks?
The best viewing location is Palace Green in Colonial Williamsburg. Fireworks can also be viewed from:
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Market Square
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Courthouse Green
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The Magazine
Arriving early is recommended, as these areas can fill quickly.
Are there activities throughout the day before the fireworks?
Yes! In addition to Colonial Williamsburg's daily Historic Area programming, special Independence Day events take place throughout the day.
Highlights include:
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9:30 a.m. – Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson from the Capitol's West Balcony
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10:30 a.m. – A Salute to the States at the Military Encampment
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11:00 a.m. – Virginia Declaration of Rights with George Mason at the Hennage Auditorium
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11:30 a.m. – Freedom and the Fog of War military demonstration at the Military Encampment
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12:00 p.m. – Williamsburg Declares at Raleigh Tavern
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2:00 p.m. – Under Arms: Training the Grand Army interactive military drill and Pursuing Happiness at the Hennage Auditorium
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4:00 p.m. – Beat the Retreat: Marching to a New Nation
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4:30 p.m. – 1776: The Trial for Independence
Will any Nation Builders be appearing on July 4?
Yes! Visitors can meet and learn from several Nation Builders throughout the day:
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James Lafayette – 10:00 a.m., Kimball Theatre
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James Madison – 11:00 a.m., Governor's Palace Stage
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Thomas Jefferson – 11:30 a.m., Charlton Stage
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Marquis de Lafayette – 12:00 p.m., Kimball Theatre
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George Washington – 1:00 p.m., Charlton Stage
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Martha Washington – 1:00 p.m., Governor's Palace Stage
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George Mason – 2:00 p.m., Kimball Theatre
Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Celebration
Whether you're spending the day exploring historic sites, enjoying patriotic programming, or gathering with family and friends for the fireworks, a little planning can help make your Fourth of July experience even more enjoyable.
Arrive early, allow extra time for walking and transportation, and be prepared for increased traffic throughout the day.