VA250 to Host Semiquincentennial Celebration at Colonial Williamsburg July 4

America Made In Virginia: 250 Years Together Will Feature Exciting Line-Up of American Artists and Lights of Freedom Drone and Fireworks Show

Richmond, Va. – March 16, 2026 – On July 4, 2026, America Made In Virginia: 250 Years Together, a two-hour live event, will bring together Virginians of all ages in Colonial Williamsburg, the capital city of revolutionary Virginia from 8-10 p.m. In the spirit of VA250’s mission to educate, engage and inspire, tens of thousands will gather where America’s story was shaped to reflect on the nation’s past and celebrate its many voices. 

The free Independence Day event will feature patriotic pomp and pageantry and musical performances by an exciting line-up of American actors, dancers, musicians, artists and visionaries, including Judy Collins, who will use the event to kick off her farewell tour. The evening will be hosted by Geoff Bennett, co-anchor of PBS NewsHour.

“July 4 at Colonial Williamsburg will remind Americans that what brings us together is far greater than what divides us,” said Carly Fiorina, VA250 National Honorary Chair. “This event marks an opportunity to recommit to the enduring work of citizenship towards a more perfect union—and recommit to this incredible country we love in the place that made it possible.”

Beyond performance, the event will inspire, with remarks from Fiorina and Ken Burns. VA250 Co-Chairs Virginia State Delegate Austin and Virginia State Senator Locke will lead attendees in a semiquincentennial pledge and The Honorable John Charles Thomas, retired Virginia Supreme Court Justice, will read A Poem For The Nation.

The evening will close with “Lights of Freedom,” a spectacular drone and fireworks finale over the Governor’s Palace and Market Square will be set to patriotic favorites performed by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band.

The event is one of a number of events taking place this year as a part of the America Made In Virginia Signature Event Series—a sweeping commemoration for the nation marking 250 years of the ideas, debates, people, places and defining moments that forged a new country and our United States. 

The Signature Event Series invites every American to discover the Commonwealth’s full story and foundational role in shaping a more perfect Union, and to recommit to the enduring work of citizenship and self-government.

VA250 images, logos and videos can be found here.

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About Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission

Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) was established by the General Assembly to be the official organizing body to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the founding of our nation. Its mission is to educate Americans about our history, founding ideals, and system of government; engage with communities to tell a complete story; and inspire people to recommit to the values inherent in citizenship. Join us in our effort to form a “more perfect union” in the place that made it possible. VA250.org