The public is invited to Yorktown’s 46th Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4. This free, family-friendly event includes activities on Historic Main Street and along the waterfront at Riverwalk Landing. Also, visitors can take advantage of special programming at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (free for York County, James City County, and City of Williamsburg residents) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4th of July Schedule of Events
8 a.m. – Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk (virtual and in-person)
- Race Day registration/packet distribution begins at 7 a.m. Medals will be
distributed at the 8K finish line for the first 350 registered runners who cross the finish line.
**Please see additional race info below**
- Location for beginning/end of Run/Walk: Lot next to York High School tennis courts
9 a.m. – Patriotic Parade
- Coordinated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 824
- Festive music provided by DJ Ben Herrick
- Locations: Water & Main Streets
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Family Activities
- Outdoor games and kids’ activities – presented by Riverwalk Landing Business Association
- Location: Riverwalk Landing
1 p.m. – Hot Dog Eating Contest
- Presented by Carrot Tree Kitchens
- Location: Riverwalk Landing Stage
2 p.m. – Festive Music
- Acoustical Guitarist Phil Poteat performs
- Location: Riverwalk Landing Stage
2 to 6 p.m. – Balloon Artist
- Location: Riverwalk Landing
3 p.m. – Patriotic Food Pavilion Opens
- Location: Riverwalk Landing
4 p.m. – Evening Event Parking Opens
- Location: Yorktown Battlefield (corner of Cook Road & Ballard Street)
- Will close at capacity
7 p.m. – The Fifes and Drums of York Town Perform; Reading of the Declaration of Independence; Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony
-Location: Riverwalk Landing Stage
8 p.m. – Super Jazz Band Concert featuring Conni Ironmonger
- Location: Riverwalk Landing Stage
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks Display
- Location: Over the York River – visible from Yorktown Waterfront and Victory Monument
**The York County Historical Museum is still accepting registrations for its annual Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk and offers both in-person and virtual options this year. New this year will be an 8K Ruck, and youth ages 15 and under will receive a discounted rate in both the 8K and 5K. The 8K race begins at 8 a.m. along the scenic tour roads and trails of the Yorktown Battlefield—the same path American and French allies took to win the last major battle of the Revolutionary War to secure our nation’s independence. Participants registered by 12 p.m. on June 20 receive a t-shirt. Those signed up after that date will receive a t-shirt while supplies last, so sign up early to ensure you get one! At the finish line, the first 350 registered runners to cross the finish line will receive a custom die cast commemorative medal. The family-friendly 5K Fun Run/Walk is not timed, but the first 150 registered will receive a challenge coin. Adult registration is $60 for the 8K and $50 for the 5K. Youth registration (ages 15 and under) is $45 for the 8K and $40 for the 5K. Refreshments will be served at the finish line. Awards for age brackets and the fastest overall top three men and women in the 8K in-person will be handed out at the end of the race.
Important Parking Information
All-day street traffic blockades include Zweybrucken Road, Comte de Grasse Street, a portion of Water Street, Ambler Street, and Main Street (from Zweybrucken to Ballard). The Beach Picnic Area will also be closed to vehicular traffic, and open to pedestrian traffic only. Church, Nelson, Smith, and Bacon Streets will be restricted to residents only. Please note that the Colonial Parkway leading into Yorktown is currently closed due to maintenance.
Beginning at 4:00 p.m., visitors attending 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 Alexander Hamilton Boulevard, 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 don’t have an official pass – you will not be permitted to proceed beyond the Battlefield parking area after 4:00 p.m.
Morning parade closures include Water Street (from Read St. to Mathews St.) from 8:45 to 10 a.m., and Ballard Street (from Water St. to Alexander Hamilton Blvd.) from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Traffic coming into town off George Washington Memorial Highway via Alexander Hamilton Boulevard from 8:45 to 10 a.m. will be directed away from the parade route. The town will re-open to vehicular traffic following the parade.
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:
- York County Courts & Office Complex
- Intersection of Main and Ballard Streets (York Hall)
- Riverwalk Landing
- Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
- Watermen’s Museum
- American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Additional Info:
www.visityorktown.org/fourth
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