Frequently Asked Questions

Guests attending the ceremony will park at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) and then ride a shuttle bus to Monticello.

Buses will run between PVCC and Monticello throughout the morning and return shuttles will run until 2:30 p.m. If you would like to be on the mountaintop for the entire ceremony, we recommend registering for a morning shuttle no later than 8:15am.

Those with government-issued disabled parking permits will be allowed to park at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center at Monticello.

All guests will go through a security screening. All bags, purses, backpacks, diaper bags, waist packs, etc., will be examined for prohibited items.

Prohibited items include:

All weapons, including firearms, knives, or sharp objects.
Placards, signs, or banners, including flags on poles, that cannot be stowed in a small bag.
Clothing that contains offensive or abusive language or symbols is not permitted.
Bags and containers larger than 11” X 15” X 6” (28 X 38 X 15 CM).

Please leave all prohibited items at home or in your vehicle. Those arriving at the Monticello visitor center with prohibited items will be required to shuttle back to their vehicle before being admitted to the event. Monticello and Piedmont Community College are not responsible for lost or stolen items left in vehicles.

House tours will be offered starting at 11:45 a.m. Separate ticket required, available for purchase online or at the Monticello Ticket Office at the visitor center.

Explore our tour options and purchase your tickets in advance on our Buy Tickets Page here ».

Day-of ticket sales will be available at the Monticello Ticket Office on a first come, first served basis but availability will be limited. Please purchase tickets in advance to guarantee your reservation.

Drinks, snacks, and light meals will be available from a concession stand on the West Lawn and the Farm Shop under the North Terrace. Complimentary soda floats will be available after the ceremony while supplies last.

Only certified service animals are allowed on the property on July 4.

Guests are encouraged to bring ponchos or raincoats, if rain is in the forecast. Should there be a thunderstorm, guests will be asked to seek shelter off of the West Lawn, at the direction of Monticello staff and security.

Please dress for the weather -