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by Christin Nielsen July 8, 2026 |
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Yorktown will commemorate American independence by participating in "Sharing the Spirit of America," a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence happening across the U.S. and abroad at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8.
In recognition of the Declaration's first public reading - which occurred on July 8, 1776 - readings will commence across all 50 states, each of the five U.S. territories and countries including Antarctica, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Brazil, Australia, Italy, England, France, Panama, Morocco, South Korea, Guatemala and Austria.
The worldwide initiative was spearheaded by the Hawaii chapter of the America250 Commission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating America's Semiquincentennial.
Public readings will be held concurrently at state capitols, city halls, county buildings, schools, libraries, community centers, parks and other public places of gathering, coordinated by time zone.
"Unlike the extent of the Colonies in 1776, today, America spans about 9,500 miles from one extreme to the other," a VA250 Commission release explains. "Even though the United States is spread across thousands of miles and ten different time zones, all of us in America may read the Declaration of Independence ‘together’, at the ‘same’ time."
In Yorktown, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Tracen Ceremonial Band and the USCG Tracen Volunteer Drill Team will perform at the Victory Monument from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with an interlude at 6 p.m. for the reading.
A life-size copy of the Declaration of Independence will be on display, and attendees will have the opportunity to add their own signature.
Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. The event is free and open to the public.
On the live music scene this week, free concerts will return to Port Warwick (Good Shot Judy), Yorktown (The Gentlemen and Their Lady), Williamsburg Library (Peninsula Concert Band) and Fort Monroe (Michael Clark Band).
A patriotic organ recital featuring organist Michael Lianos of Norwich, CT, will be held at Bruton Parish Church.
Other highlights this week include Yorktown's Fun in the Sun Market, National Kitten Day at Lee Hall Depot and a special theatrical presentation, Jefferson & Adams, at the Kimball Theatre.
Below is our curated guide to events happening in and around the Historic Triangle, July 8 - 12. |
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EVENTS THIS WEEK: JULY 8 - 12 |
Each week, we scour event calendars from across the region and send readers a list of local events and activities worthy of their time. For additional details, click on the bolded, hyperlinked event titles. |
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The USCG Tracen Band. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown) |
WEDNESDAY |
SPECIAL EVENT |
Sharing the Spirit of America | Yorktown Victory Monument | To commemorate the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776, Yorktown & Co will host an event to participate in a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence across the World. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Free & open to the public. 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
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MUSIC |
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THURSDAY |
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The Gentlemen and Their Lady at the Sounds of Summer Concert Series. (Photo courtesy of Visit Yorktown) |
KIDS |
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FILM |
Throwback Thursday: "Miracle" | Williamsburg Library | This film series screens a variety of classic films for an adult audience. The feature on July 9 is "Miracle" (PG, 2004), an inspiring story about how a hockey coach and squad of college kids overcame great odds to make history at the 1980 Olympic Games. Starring Kurt Russell. Free & open to the public. 2 - 4:30 pm.
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DOWNSIZING |
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MUSIC |
Sounds of Summer Concert Series: The Gentlemen and Their Lady | Riverwalk Landing | This versatile, fun-loving group is sure to perform an impressive genre-spanning repertoire. The band offers creative twists on contemporary hits and classic crowd favorites from Adele, Bob Dylan, Drake, John Mayer, Pitbull, Frank Sinatra, Katy Perry and Van Morrison, among many others. Free & open to the public. 6:30 - 9 pm.
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Music By the Bay: Michael Clark Band | Fort Monroe | The Music By the Bay summer concert series returns to Continental Park at Fort Monroe on July 9 with Michael Clark Band. The band performs blues, Motown, disco, funk, pop and classic rock. Free & open to the public. 6 - 8 pm.
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FRIDAY |
KIDS |
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NATURE |
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ART SHOW |
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FILM |
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TRIVIA |
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SATURDAY |
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The Fun in the Sun Market returns to Yorktown on July 11. (Photo courtesy of Visit Yorktown) |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
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All Aboard! National Kitten Day | Lee Hall Depot | Celebrate National Kitten Day with hands-on activities, adorable kittens and family-friendly fun. Lee Hall Depot is partnering with the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (PRAS) for an event filled with crafts, photo opportunities and kitten cuddles. Foster and adoption opportunities will be determined based on availability. Free admission. 10 am - 3 pm.
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Revolutionary Reads | Yorktown Library | Attend two brief presentations by local authors Patti Procopi and Ruthann E Gray Grabowski, both of whom have written books set during the colonial and Revolutionary War periods. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and meet the authors. Free. 2 - 3:30 pm.
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NATURE |
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YOGA |
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KIDS & FAMILIES |
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MUSIC |
Rags, Spirituals, and Blues: Four Virginia Musicians | Williamsburg Library | Dr. Gregg D. Kimball, author and musician, will explore the world of four Black musicians in a multimedia presentation showcasing rare images, recordings and live performance. Gregg will be accompanied by musicians Sheryl Warner and Rick Manson. Free. 2 - 3 pm.
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Organ Recital: An American Portrait | Bruton Parish Church | Dr. JanEl Will, organist at historic Bruton Parish Church, will present "An American Portrait." Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm.
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MARKETS |
- Williamsburg Farmers Market | Downtown Williamsburg | Shop from over 40 vendors offering produce, prepared foods and baked goods, flowers, artisan chocolate, local honey, handmade soaps and more. Live music is performed weekly. Free admission. 8 am - noon.
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- Toano Open Air Market | 7891 Richmond Road | Find fresh produce, baked goods, artisan-crafted products and more at Toano's outdoor farmers market. Free admission. 9 am - noon.
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- Hilton Village Farmers Market | 10260 Warwick Blvd | Historic Hilton Village's weekly market on Main is held every Saturday, year-round. Free admission. 9 am - noon.
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SUNDAY |
SPECIAL EVENT |
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STREET FESTIVAL |
2nd Sundays Williamsburg | Downtown Williamsburg | This street fair features more than 180 unique artisans, musicians, performers, food vendors and food trucks along 6 blocks of Downtown Williamsburg. Face painting and craft projects are available for kids. Well-behaved pets are welcome. Free admission. 11 am - 4 pm.
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MULTI-DAY |
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Museums and historic sites throughout Newport News are commemorating the 250th with free admission during the month of July. (Photo courtesy of the City of Newport News) |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
Williamsburg Whiskey & Wine Weekend | Multiple Locations | July 10 - 12 | The City of Williamsburg will host three days of tastings, classes, tours, live music and special events as part of Wine & Whiskey Weekend. See the full schedule here.
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250 Rewind | Various Newport News Museums | July 1 - 31 | Celebrate 250 years of America by exploring people and places that shaped the nation and our community. Throughout the month of July, the public is invited to enjoy free admission at Newport News museums and historic sites, including the Virginia War Museum, Historic Endview, Lee Hall Mansion, Lee Hall Depot, and the Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center.
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Summer of Wonder Drone Show | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Enjoy an electrifying spectacle featuring more than 400 drones set to an adventurous soundtrack. Included with park admission. Runs nightly, Thursdays through Sundays, June 25 - July 26, at 9 pm.
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EXHIBITIONS |
The Great American Birthday Quilt Exhibition | Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center | Daily, 9:30 am - 5 pm | The Great American Birthday Quilt, created by Visit Williamsburg in collaboration with the Muscarelle Museum of Art, will be displayed throughout 2026. The meaningful piece brings together squares from people across the country to contribute to a powerful, shared story on America's 250th birthday. Free & open to the public.
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