The Spectacular Show Will Be Visible From Two Prime Viewing Locations
Fireworks will light up the sky over the York River on July 4th in an annual community tradition. The best places to view the show are along the Yorktown waterfront and at the Victory Monument on Main Street. Due to the expected crowd, there are policies and procedures in place to make it an enjoyable experience for all those who visit.
The Yorktown Battlefield, located at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street, will be the location for free parking for the evening festivities, including the fireworks. It opens at 4 p.m. and will close once it reaches capacity. Guests are encouraged to arrive early. It is important to note that the walk from the Yorktown Battlefield to the waterfront is approximately one mile and includes hills and uneven terrain. At the conclusion of the fireworks, Yorktown will be temporarily closed to incoming traffic, including any pick-up services, so that Sheriff’s Deputies may safely exit all vehicles. Depending on the crowd, the process should take roughly an hour.
Those requiring handicapped parking and special assistance are asked to report to Yorktown Middle School from 4 to 7 p.m. and must be checked in by 7 p.m. to take advantage of this service. Transportation will be provided for the disabled or special needs individual and one escort. Drop-off will be at Riverwalk Landing, approximately 200 yards from the performance area. Due to limited shuttle capacity, we politely request all other individuals in the party take a separate vehicle 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 will take place until 10:30 p.m. Each person must possess his or her pass to board the shuttle.
While visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers, alcoholic beverages are prohibited. There will be several Yorktown restaurants open for business, and several to-go options at the Patriotic Food Pavilion, which will be open from 4 to 9:15 p.m. The food trucks and vendors will be set up at Riverwalk Landing and include local favorites like SMOKE BBQ, Kona Ice, Chef Joseph, D.A.R.E. tent, Ben & Jerry’s, Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, Pop’s Kettle Corn, Snack Attack, and Coastal Thirst. Pavilion proceeds support the York-Poquoson Sheriff Office’s D.A.R.E. program.
The free air-conditioned Yorktown Trolley will run from approximately 10 a.m. (following the parade) until 5 p.m.
Evening visitors are encouraged to enjoy the following activities:
- 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
Other Important Notes: Barbecue grills are limited to the National Park Service Beach Picnic Area with designated areas for the disposal of hot coals. The Beach Picnic Area is open to the public on July 4th, but closed to all vehicles the entire day. It is also recommended that pet owners leave their dogs at home during the fireworks, as the heat, crowds, music, and fireworks can be upsetting for many animals.
Additional Info:
- www.visityorktown.org
- Facebook & Instagram: @visityorktown
- #visityorktown and #york757
Additional photos are available at https://bit.ly/3xYlapA.
