Celebrate Independence Day in Yorktown! 

2021 lineup includes free patriotic fun for the whole family

June 16, 2021
 
The community is invited to celebrate Yorktown’s 42nd Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 4. This free family-friendly event has activities on Historic Main Street and also at the waterfront at Riverwalk Landing. Visitors can take advantage of special programming at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (additional tickets are required for non-York County, James City County, and Williamsburg residents).

4th of July Schedule of Events

8 a.m. - The Yorktown Independence Day 8K Run/Walk (Virtual & In-person)

Location for Walk & Run: Surrender Field 
Race Day packet, t-shirt, and medal will be distributed at the finish line 
**Please see additional race info below**
 
9 a.m. - Patriotic Parade
Coordinated by VFW 824
Festive Music Provided by DJ Ron Herrick
Locations: Water & Main Streets
 
1 p.m. - Family Activities
Outdoor Games, and Kids Activities – presented by Riverwalk Landing Business Association
Hot Dog Eating Contest - presented by Carrot Tree & Toby’s Dog House 
Location: Riverwalk Landing
 
4 p.m. - Evening Event Parking Opens
Location: Yorktown Battlefield (Cook Road & Ballard Street) 
Will close at capacity
 
4 p.m. - Patriotic Food Pavilion Opens
Location: Riverwalk Landing
 
7 p.m. - Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony 
Location: Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage
 
8 p.m. - Super Jazz Band Concert featuring Conni Ironmonger 
Location: Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage
 
9:15 p.m. - Spectacular Fireworks Display
Location: Over York River –  Visible from Yorktown Waterfront & Victory Monument
           
**The York County Historical Museum is still accepting registrations for its annual Independence Day 8K Run/Walk and is offering both in-person and virtual options this year. The race takes place along the scenic 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 and secure our nation’s independence. Participants will begin and end near Surrender Field and all swag including the race packet, t-shirt, and medal will be presented at the finish line. Registration is $40, no matter how you participate. After July 3, the fee increases to $45. You can pre-register right now by clicking here.  There will be no post-race party this year nor is there a 5K option.
 
Important Parking Information
 
All-day street traffic blockades include Zweybrucken Road, Comte de Grasse Street, and Main Street (from Zweybrucken to Ballard). The Beach Picnic Area will also be closed to vehicular traffic. Pedestrian traffic only. Church, Nelson, Smith, and Bacon Streets will be restricted to residents only.

Beginning at 4 p.m., unless you are a Yorktown Village resident, Riverwalk Landing business owner, or have an official pass—you will not be able to enter Historic Yorktown. Visitors attending the evening activities must park on the Yorktown Battlefield at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street which can be accessed by Cook Road or the Colonial Parkway. The Battlefield will remain open to the public until it reaches capacity.

Morning parade closures include Water Street (Comte de Grasse to Ballard) from 8:30 - 10 a.m., and Ballard Street (from Water to Main Streets) from 9 - 10 a.m. Traffic coming in off George Washington Memorial Highway on to Alexander Hamilton from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. will also be directed away from the parade route. The town will re-open to traffic following the parade.

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: 

• 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
• York County Tourism Development Office:  (757) 890-5900
• Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram:  Visit Yorktown