YORKTOWN — The public is invited to the 45th Independence Day celebration in Yorktown Thursday, 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 programs at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Run/walk
Events will include the Yorktown Independence Day 8K/5K Run/Walk beginning at 8 a.m. Race Day registration/packet distribution will begin at 7 a.m. The race will begin and end at the York High School tennis courts.
You can still register for both in-person and virtual options. The 8 a.m. 8K race takes place 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 independence. Markedly, the Fifes and Drums of York Town will lead a procession at the beginning of the race.
Registration is $65 for the 8K and $60 for the 5K. Refreshments will be served at the finish line.
Festival schedule
Other events will include a patriotic parade at 9 a.m. along Water and Main streets coordinated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 824. Festive music will be provided by DJ Ben Herrick.
Family activities beginning at 1 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing will include outdoor games and children’s’ activities presented by Riverwalk Landing Business Association. A hot dog eating contest will be presented by Carrot Tree Kitchens.
Acoustical guitarist Phil Poteat will perform at 2 p.m. on the Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage while the Patriotic Food Pavilion will open at 3 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing.
Patriotic ceremonial observances will begin at 7 p.m. on the Riverwalk Landing Performance Stage. There will be a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town reading of the Declaration of Independence. A super jazz band concert will follow at 8 p.m. featuring Conni Ironmonger.
Lastly, Yorktown’s 45th Independence Day celebration will present a spectacular fireworks display slated for 9:15 p.m. over the York river, visible from the Yorktown Waterfront and Victory Monument.
Parking information
Evening event parking will open at 4 p.m. on the Yorktown Battlefield at Cook Road and Ballard Street. 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.
Parking will not be in Historic Yorktown, except for Yorktown Village residents, business owners or those with an official pass.
Morning parade closures include Water Street from Read Street to Mathews Street from 8:45-10 a.m., and Ballard Street from Water Street to Alexander Hamilton Boulevard from 8:45-10 a.m. The town will re-open to vehicular traffic afterward.
Trolley service
The Yorktown Trolly, 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
- Main and Ballard Streets, York Hall
- Riverwalk Landing
- Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
- Watermen’s Museum
- American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
