Spend your Independence Day celebrating at a Virginia festival.
From car shows and ice cream socials to concerts and community picnics, these events will have you singing like Lee Greenwood before the day is done!
Coastal Virginia - Hampton Roads | Northern Virginia | Central Virginia
Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore | Southern Virginia | Shenandoah Valley
Blue Ridge Highlands | Chesapeake Bay
Coastal Virginia - Hampton Roads
Yorktown - July 4-6 - Liberty Celebration at Yorktown Victory Center - Tactical drills, military exercises and role-playing demonstrations salute the anniversary of America’s independence. Visitors can see in museum galleries a rare broadside printing of America’s Declaration of Independence dating to July 1776, and during a special interpretive program, learn about the sacrifices of Americans who sought to be “free and independent” from Great Britain. $
Charles City - July 4 - Berkeley Plantation Wreath Laying Ceremony on July 4th - Annual commemoration honoring Benjamin Harrison V, one of seven Virginia signers of the Declaration of Independence and 18th century owner of Berkeley Plantation. $
Chesapeake - July 4 - 4th of July Celebration at Lakeside Park - Parade, entertainment, food, games and paddleboat rides. FREE
Newport News - July 4 - 4th of July in the Abbitt Planetarium - Spirit of America - 4th of July in the Abbitt Planetarium - Spirit of America celebrates our nation and her heroes with a dazzling mix of music and laser fireworks.
Newport News - July 4 - 4th of July Stars in the Sky - Enjoy spectacular views of the James River and dinner hot off a food vendor's grill. Then sit back and relax with a concert by a nationally-known entertainer. As the music ends, the sky over the James River explodes into kaleidoscope of color in a spectacular fireworks show. FREE
Norfolk - July 4 - Annual AT&T Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks - Leave the grilling to us on the 4th of July and bring your family and friends down to Town Point Park from 5pm-10pm! FREE
Virginia Beach - July 4 - 4th of July Celebration at First Landing SP - All activities under the big tent at the end of the main boardwalk on the beach. This fantastic day of fanfare will end with our annual fireworks display.
Surry - July 4 - Fourth of July Bonfire - Enjoy a bonfire on the beach in celebration of Independence Day!
Virginia Beach - July 4 - July 4th Celebration at Mount Trashmore - Celebrate America's birthday and salute the military with live main stage musical entertainment, children's activities and delicious festival foods! The night concludes with a BANG - ooh and ahh at our fabulous fireworks display that will fill the summer sky. FREE with on-site parking (fee).
Virginia Beach - July 4 - Stars and Stripes Explosion - Great music, fun in the sun, and breathtaking fireworks over the ocean! Enjoy the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra and Virginia Beach Chorale as they perform on a stage built right on the beach at 20th Street. FREE
Williamsburg - July 4 - Independence Day Celebration at Colonial Williamsburg - Celebrate the anniversary of the nation's birth in Colonial Williamsburg's Revolutionary City for a vibrant and patriotic celebration. With a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, a leisurely picnic, a performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra featuring the talented JoAnn Falletta, and a dazzling display of fireworks - you'll want to come early and stay late into the evening. FREE
Yorktown - July 4 - Yorktown Independence Day Celebration - Red, white, blue and you! Come to historic Yorktown and salute America along the waterfront beginning with a 9 a.m. patriotic parade on Water Street and during its evening Independence Day Celebration, featuring a bell-ringing ceremony at 7 p.m. and patriotic entertainment at 8 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing, followed by spectacular fireworks on the York River at 9:15 p.m. FREE
Yorktown - July 4-6 - Liberty Celebration - Liberty Celebration at the Yorktown Victory Center features tactical drills, military exercises and role-playing demonstrations salute the anniversary of America's independence.
Top
Northern Virginia
Arlington - July 4 - Celebrate July 4th at Long Bridge Park - Celebrate America’s Independence with a family fun day at Long Bridge Park! Arts and crafts vendors, free face painting, balloon art, moon bounces, games for all ages and an amazing view of Washington, DC's fireworks display. FREE
Culpeper - July 4 - Culpeper Downtown Independence Day Car and Bike Show - The show starts at 10:00 am and is FREE to spectators. The show includes custom, classic, hot rod, cars and trucks, as well as antiques and motorcycles. This exciting day to includes a live DJ, fabulous giveaways, and great food.
Fairfax - July 4 - City of Fairfax Independence Day Evening Show - Join us for musical entertainment performed by the City of Fairfax Band and other top groups. Following the rousing sounds of the 1812 Overture the skies will light up to celebrate with a spectacular fireworks display. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, there is food available to purchase, entertainment and children's activities are FREE.
Fredericksburg - July 4 - Fabulous 4th at Ferry Farm - Come celebrate July 4th at Ferry Farm. This annual event features historic interpreters, crafts & games, entertainment, a flag ceremony, food vendors, and much more. $
Manassas - July 4 - Celebrate America - Celebrate America this Independence Day with one of the largest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia! The party starts at 4PM in the streets surrounding the Old Town train depot, the Harris Pavilion and the Manassas Museum. There will be great rides for the kids starting at 2PM, food concessions and a red, white, and blue hayride! Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets and come early to get the best seats on the Manassas Museum Lawn for the firework display at 9:15!
Mount Vernon - July 4 - An American Celebration at Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon salutes our first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of daytime fireworks! Visitors will be treated to smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River. The event also includes a naturalization ceremony for new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), and "General and Mrs. Washington." $
Port Royal - July 4 - Independence Day in Historic Port Royal - Celebrate July 4th colonial style! Hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Watch 18th century dancing and listen to patriotic music. Take a free surrey ride around town and so much more! FREE
Sterling - July 4 - Old Time 4th of July Celebration - Celebrate an old fashioned 4th of July set in the park's historic area. Activities include pony and wagon rides, a pie eating contest, crafts, an amazing reptile show, and nature exhibits. Tour the historic Lanesville Ordinary and see displays at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum. Enjoy live music and food vendors. FREE
The Plains - July 4 - 4th of July Celebration at Great Meadow - Stick pony races, face painting, petting zoos, helicopter displays and demonstrations, rocketry launches, polo matches, and more! All activities included with admission. $
Alexandria - July 6 - USA & Alexandria Birthday Celebration - The City of Alexandria celebrates its own birthday and the USA’s each year on the Saturday following the 4th of July. The annual event includes children’s activities, a concert performed by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake and a fireworks extravaganza. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.
Lorton - July 6 - Fireworks at the Workhouse - The Workhouse Arts Center presents a patriotic fireworks show on Saturday, July 6. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and watch the colors light up the sky! FREE
Top
Central Virginia
Bedford - July 4 - Celebrate Independence Day - Visit the National D-Day Memorial on Independence Day. Tours will be offered throughout the day. Regular fees apply. Fireworks by the City of Bedford can be viewed from the Bedford Welcome Center, the Farmers Market or Liberty Lake Park. The display begins at dusk.
Charlottesville - July 4 - Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony - The 51st annual naturalization ceremony on Monticello's West Lawn - one of America's most moving July 4 events - will include remarks by a featured speaker and patriotic music by the Charlottesville Municipal Band.
Free (does not include admission to the house), West Lawn, 9 am.
Cumberland - July 4 - Independence Day at Bear Creek Lake - On this day we will offer an array of games, activities and programs, and all will be held at the beach/picnic area.
Forest - July 4 - Independence Day Celebration at Jefferson's Poplar Forest - Come with family and friends to experience Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest come alive with patriotism on Independence Day! $
Goochland - July 4 - Goochland County Fireworks - This July 4th, bring the whole family and enjoy a night under the stars with Goochland's favorite event of the year. Park, Picnic, & Watch the fireworks. Admission is FREE! No tailgating and alcohol prohibited!
Richmond - July 4 - Fourth of July at Lewis Ginter - FREE admission to the Garden on this day! Guests are invited to wear red, white and blue and bring wagons and strollers to decorate for a “parade.” Enjoy music, WaterPlay and fun activities in the Children’s Garden.
Richmond - July 4 - Sunday Summer Reenactments of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech - The Patrick Henry Committee invites you to bring your friends and family to a free, public reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention of March of 1775. In the presence of over 100 of colonial Virginia's leaders, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry defended liberty, uttering the immortal words, "Give me liberty or give me death!"
Syria - July 4 - July Fourth - Graves Mountain - Celebrate July 4th the old-fashion way - outdoors, down by the river. Live music and "back-to-basics" outdoor fun like horseshoes, volleyball, fishing, swimming, hiking, pony rides, horse trail rides and more. A spectacular firework display will light up the sky above Graves Mountain. FREE Admission and Parking.
Wintergreen - July 4 - 4th of July Jubilee at Wintergreen Resort - The holiday weekend is packed with fun-filled activities, including chairlift rides, live music, a day at the lake, a family movie under the stars, and the annual Arts & Crafts Show. See fireworks light up the mountain sky on July 4. $
Top
Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore
Onancock - July 3 - Patriotic Band Concert & Ice Cream Social - The Accomack Community Band dishes up patriotic, toe-tapping tunes, while the Onancock Business & Civic Association dishes out ice cream at the Onancock Town Square. Painting station for the kids. Free ice cream to everyone! Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.
Cape Charles - July 4 - Cape Charles - 4th of July Fire Truck Parade and Fireworks - Old Fashioned Small Town Celebration. Fire Truck Parade, horses, children's decorated bikes and singing of the national anthem. Fireworks off of the Cape Charles beach at dusk.
Chincoteague Island - July 4 - Old Fashioned Fireworks Display - Carnival attractions with fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day. Fireworks at 10pm.
Top
Southern Virginia
Ridgeway - July 3 - Celebration 2013 & Food For Families Food Drive - Celebration 2013 will be held July 3, 2013 at Martinsville Speedway with live music by the Night Rider Band.
Brookneal - July 4 - Independence Day Celebration 2013 - Celebrate Independence Day at Patrick Henry's Red Hill, last home and burial place of Virginia's first governor. Fireworks, re-enactments, living history, tours, kids' games, arts & crafts vendors and more. There will be food and drink from vendors on site or bring a picnic lunch. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a peaceful day on the beautiful grounds
Top
Shenandoah Valley
Buchanan - June 27-July 6 - Buchanan 2013 4th of July Carnival - Step back in time as you and your family rediscover an old fashioned 4th of July Carnival. Fireworks will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 10pm and Saturday, July 7, 2013 at 11pm. On July 4, 2013, join hundreds as they line Main Street or take part in the annual Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, at 6pm.
McGaheysville - July 3 - Summer Jam at Massanutten - 2013 Summer Jam at Massanutten featuring three live bands and fireworks!
Winchester - July 3 - Rockin' Independence Eve - Come enjoy live music and a stunning fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day!
Lexington - July 3-5 - 17th Annual Balloon Rally and 4th of July Celebration - Take to the skies this Fourth of July! Piloted and tethered balloon rides, balloon glow, music, food and craft vendors, children's activities, car show and fireworks! FREE
Bentonville - July 4 - Independence Day River Float - Spend a relaxing afternoon floating down the river in a tube. We will take a "hayride" to the launching point next to the RV Campground. After the mile-long float (which will take about 1 1/2 - 2 hours) we will end up back at the main canoe launch. Minimum age for the float is 6 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear sunscreen and a water bottle is recommended. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance. Cost: $5 per person.
Clifton Forge - July 4 - Clifton Forge Stars & Stripes Celebration - It's a full day beginning with the parade at 11 a.m., a reading of the Declaration of Independence, music, an art walk, live music, and fireworks.
Harrisonburg - July 4 - Valley Fourth - Great food, music and entertainment attract thousands of people to downtown for a full day of events, including the 1st annual Grillin' at the Pavilion Cook-off. Other crowd favorites include the annual parade; a kids' zone in Court Square; and a grand fireworks display. FREE
Harrisonburg - July 4 - Beers N' Cheers @ Valley Fourth - Beers N' Cheers features live music, craft brews and local wines from Bluestone Vineyard. $
Harrisonburg - July 4 - Grillin' at the Pavilion - Grillin' at the Pavilion is a friendly backyard barbecue competition, and the newest addition to Harrisonburg, Virginia's Valley Fourth celebration.
Lexington - July 4 - A Community Reading of the Declaration of Independence - Enjoy a community reading of the Declaration of Independence with the mayor.
Middletown - July 4 - 4th of July Celebration and Parade - Middletown's annual 4th of July Celebration is a hometown, community event that promotes our small town and family atmosphere. All events will be held in the Middletown Community Park, located at the intersection of Senseney Avenue and Second Street. Live music by Souled Out.
Millboro - July 4 - Independence Day at Douthat SP - In addition to interpretive programs, take part in Sea to Shining Sea Sand Sculpting, Liberty Limbo, Revolutionary Relays, and entertainment programs at the Beach. $
Natural Bridge - July 4 - Declaration of Independence Reading at The Natural Bridge - July 4, at The Natural Bridge, hear the Declaration of Independence publicly read by a Colonist as done in 1776; at noon, 2pm, and 4pm. $
Roanoke - July 4 - Music for Americans - Music for Americans is Roanoke's largest July 4th celebration at Rivers Edge Sports Complex in Roanoke, complete with family activities, live patriotic music and a spectacular fireworks display! Event begins at 5 PM. Fireworks at 9:30.
Stephens City - July 4 - Fourth of July at Sherando Park - Join us for an evening at the park with live music, food, and fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July! FREE
Strasburg - July 4 - July 4th Strasburg Style - Before the sun even starts to set, bring a picnic and enjoy the children's activity area and free music concert. After the sunlight fades behind North Mountain the pyrotechnic display begins.
Vinton - July 4 - Vinton Fourth of July Celebration - Children's entertainment including inflatables, stilt walker, balloon animals and juggling. A variety of festival foods will be available. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Top
Blue Ridge Highlands
Abingdon - July 4 - Abingdon 4th of July Celebration - Spend your 4th of July at the Coomes Recreation Center; enjoy swimming, music, food and family fun. Fireworks at 9:45pm. FREE
Dublin - July 4 - Independence Day Campfire-works - We will be demonstrating various designs in campfire construction and we will then light up the night and the campfire using various fire starting techniques.
Stuart - July 4 - Independence Day programs at Fairy Stone SP - Start the day at 10 a.m. at the visitor's center with a guided Fairy Stone hunt.
Top
Chesapeake Bay
Gloucester - July 4 - 4th of July Fireworks by Kayak! - Bay Country Kayaking is offering a special 4th of July paddle to view the sunset, full moon, and fireworks in Yorktown, VA.