Your Guide to Virginia's Fourth of July Fireworks Shows, Festivals, and Parades

Catch brilliant fireworks displays, pay tribute to America’s history at special exhibits, and enjoy many of the time-honored traditions of Independence Day at these Fourth of July celebrations, held throughout the Commonwealth this year.

EXPLORE EVENTS IN: 

Central Virginia | Virginia Piedmont | Northern Virginia
Coastal Virginia | Southern Virginia | Southwest Virginia 
Shenandoah Valley | Virginia Mountains

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest at CarMax Park, Richmond

Date: July 4, 2026

The Richmond Flying Squirrels are ringing in the holiday with a special celebration at their new diamond. The first Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest at CarMax Park will feature the largest fireworks show in Richmond and performances from bands including Grateful Shred and local favorites No BS! Brass Band. Tickets start at $16. 

Chesterfield Fireworks Show, Chesterfield

Date: July 4, 2026

The Chesterfield Fireworks Show will be held at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds and is a free event open to all ages. Gates open at 5pm and fireworks will begin at dusk. Bring a chair or picnic blanket to set up and enjoy the music from The KOS Band, plus food vendors and a kids zone. 

Independence Day Fireworks in Downtown Lynchburg

Date: July 3, 2026

Downtown Lynchburg’s Fireworks on the Riverfront will be viewable from many private and public locations in downtown Lynchburg, but the Riverfront Park is one of the best public areas to set out a picnic blanket and catch the fireworks. Pack your own food and drinks or grab takeout from one of the restaurants in the downtown area. Fireworks will begin just after dark, or approximately 9 p.m.

Independence Day Celebration at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, Forest

Date: July 4, 2026

Held at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest estate outside of Lynchburg on the Fourth of July, the Independence Day Celebration will commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence with colonial-style entertainment, demonstrations by colonial artisans, archaeological displays, old-fashioned games for the whole family, and an official reading of the Declaration of Independence. Tickets are $18.20 for ages 16 and up and $2.77 for those under 15. House tours are available day-of at a reduced rate. 

Other Notable Central Virginia Fourth of July Events:

• Fireworks on the Appomattox on June 27, Hopewell

VIRGINIA PIEDMONT

4th of July Celebration, Culpeper

Date: July 4, 2026

Culpeper’s Fourth of July Celebrations includes a Freedom 5K race, live music performances in the afternoon, children’s kayaking excursions, a wide array of food, drink, and arts and crafts vendors, and a Patriotic Presentation held at Yowell Meadow Park. The evening concludes with a fireworks show at Rock Water Park, but due to safety concerns, visitors should watch the fireworks from Yowell Meadow Park or in another location in downtown Culpeper, as Rock Water Park will be closed off to the public during the fireworks. 

Happy Birthday America Celebration at Carter Mountain, Charlottesville

Date: July 4, 2026

Carter Mountain’s Happy Birthday America spectacular begins at 5:30 p.m. on July 4. Get tickets to view the fireworks from Carter Mountain Orchard, or take in the show from your favorite outdoor location in sight of Charlottesville’s Carter Mountain.

Other Notable Virginia Piedmont Fourth of July Events:

• Lake Anna Civic Association Annual Fireworks Display, Lake Anna
• Fourth of July Celebration at Graves Mountain, Madison

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

An American Celebration, Mount Vernon 

Date: July 4, 2026

Experience a truly patriotic Fourth of July at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate during An American Celebration, an all-day event that includes historic demonstrations, fireworks over the Potomac, and a naturalization ceremony. This July 4th extravaganza is included with the price of admission into the Mount Vernon estate ($30 for adults, $16 for youth ages 6-11).

Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Show, City of Fairfax 

Date: July 4, 2026

The Fairfax Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Show begins at 10 a.m. on July 4th in Old Town Fairfax with high school marching bands, themed floats and balloons, and entertaining clowns. The fireworks festivities start at 6:30pm at the Fairfax High School stadium with live music, followed by fireworks around 9:30pm.

Independence Day Celebration at Ida Lee Park, Leesburg

Date: July 4, 2026

Leesburg’s Independence Day Celebration begins with a parade at 10 a.m. down King Street through the historic downtown area and concluding at Fairfax Street.  In the evening, enjoy live music performances while dining on treats from a selection of food vendors, including funnel cakes, ice cream, and hot dogs. One of the region’s largest fireworks displays will light up the sky beginning at 9:30 p.m. and will be choreographed to music. 

Fireworks in the Valley at Bluemont Vineyard, Bluemont 

Date: July 4, 2026

Bluemont Vineyards is hosting a Fourth of July celebration this year, with stunning views of the Loudoun Valley at twilight and fireworks in the background from nearby locations like Great Meadow in Middleburg and Franklin Park in Purcellville. Tickets are $25 for those over 21 and $18 for those under, and tickets include one seasonal sangria or non-alcoholic beverage. 

Other Notable Northern Virginia 4th of July Events:

• Hometown Independence Day Parade on June 27, Purcellville
• Independence Day Celebration, Middleburg
• Ashburn Village Fireworks Show on July 5th, Ashburn
• Star Spangled South Riding at the South Riding Golf Course on June 26, Chantilly

COASTAL VIRGINIA

Independence Day in Yorktown, Yorktown

Date: July 4, 2026

The Yorktown July 4th celebration begins with a patriotic parade and continues with family fun all day long. In the evening, enjoy a bell-ringing ceremony, a concert with Good Shot Judy, and a fireworks finale over the York River. Don't forget your picnic blanket and find a good spot before the fireworks start around 9:15 p.m. 

Colonial Williamsburg 4th of July Fireworks, Williamsburg 

Date: July 3-5, 2026

Virginia has many historic destinations, but few tie into the celebration of the Fourth of July as perfectly as Colonial Williamsburg. This year, the Fourth of July festivities include a weekend of fun, including performances by The Great American Dance Party, Alison Brown Quintet, "1776: The Musical," and more special programming. Get tickets for the full weekend of fun. 

On July 4, admission is free to the historic area. There will be a morning reading of the Declaration of Independence, visits from historical figures, and an evening event in partnership with VA250 with performances and a drone and fireworks show. This event will be telecast. 

Stars over Hampton July 4th Celebration, Hampton

Date: July 4, 2026

Bring the whole family for Stars over Hampton, a waterfront celebration that will feature fireworks and a 400-drone show lighting up the sky. Get ready for an array of musical performances headlined by The Downtown Band, plus food vendors and family fun.  

Cape Charles 4th of July Celebration, Cape Charles

Date: July 4, 2026

Celebrate Independence Day with a parade, live music throughout the day at the Pavilion and LOVE sign, and fireworks at night. Follow along the parade from Bay Avenue to Mason Avenue at 10 a.m., followed by craft and artisan vendors until 5 p.m. along Bay Avenue. Food vendors will be serving from 10 a.m. until dark, with fireworks to follow after sunset.

Fourth Of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks, Norfolk

Date: July 4, 2026

The Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks in Norfolk is a free event held at Town Point Park. Guests can bring their own picnic blankets and lawn chairs and purchase traditional American fare from vendors like hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, fresh seafood, buttered corn on the cob, and juicy watermelon slices while listening to live music performances throughout the evening. The fireworks show over the Elizabeth River begins at 9:30 p.m.

Celebrate Freedom, Chesapeake 

Date: July 3, 2026

Celebrate Freedom and America’s birthday in Chesapeake! The U.S. Fleet Forces Band will provide a dynamic concert before a fireworks display by Pyrotecnico. Don't miss food, fun, games, history, and children's activities before the show, all for free (parking onsite is $10).  

Busch Gardens Summer of Wonder, Williamsburg

Date: June 26-July 30, 2026

The Busch Gardens Summer of Wonder event runs every night from June 26 to July 30 and includes an impressive fireworks show every Saturday. Select evenings will feature live concerts, curated menu offerings, and discounts for members and all guests. 

Other Notable Coastal Virginia Fourth of July Events:

• 1.776 Walk/Run, Mathews
• Independence Day Celebration, Reedville
• Liberty Celebration at The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Yorktown
• Stars & Stripes Celebration, Virginia Beach

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA

Independence Day Celebration at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, Brookneal

Date: July 4, 2026

Take in the Fourth of July festivities at the home of the man who famously said, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” The Independence Day Celebration at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill will feature local food vendors, live music, and a re-enactment of the famous speech by Patrick Henry’s fifth-great-grandson. Fireworks will take place around 9:15pm. General admission is $10 per car. An additional VIP event will take place where visitors can enjoy cake and ice cream, and watch the fireworks from premier seating. 

SoBo Brew Fest 5K & Block Party, South Boston

Date: July 4, 2026

The annual SoBo Brew Fest will feature Factory Street Brewing Company. The day will also feature a 5k run/walk, live music, and a food truck. End the night with a spectacular fireworks display in Downtown South Boston. 

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

Big Stone Gap’s Independence Day Extravaganza, Big Stone Gap

Date: June 26-July 4, 2026

Join the town of Big Stone Gap for this week-long celebration leading up to the Fourth of July! The locations vary by event, but most take place at or near the Visitor Center. The Town of Big Stone Gap is painted red, white, and blue as the celebration for our country’s independence is honored. Live music performances by area bands, food vendors from all over SW Virginia, games, inflatables, races, contests, and more! An event for all ages leading up to the 4th of July parade and a huge outdoor concert at Bullitt Park. The celebration concludes at dusk with one of the greatest fireworks displays around!

July 4th Celebration Cruise In, Wytheville

Date: July 4, 2026

Make plans now to head to Downtown Wytheville for the July 4rd Celebration Cruise In! Activities include: Patriotic Kids Parade, Touch a Truck event, artist, maker, and craft vendors, 6+ bands at multiple venues, fireworks, and much more!

SHENANDOAH VALLEY

July Jubilee at Wintergreen Resort

Date: July 4, 2026

There’s no better place to see fireworks than on top of a mountain. Join Wintergreen Resort as they celebrate Independence Day with a fantastic fireworks display, plus live bands and musicians. See the fireworks show from a whole new perspective when you buy chairlift tickets. 

Happy Birthday America, Staunton

Date: July 3-5, 2026

For over 50 years, Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park has hosted Happy Birthday America. Get ready for a three-day event filled with small town pride and big time celebrations. A parade, beauty pageant, country music concert, and fireworks are all on the agenda for this free event. 

4th of July Downtown Get Down, Luray

Date: July 4, 2026

This patriotic event will include food trucks, live musical performances from Big City Band and Earls of Kent, games, downtown shopping and dining specials, and a “Duck Race.”  The event will conclude with fireworks launched from the fairgrounds.

Massanutten Summer Jam, McGaheysville

Date: July 3, 2026

This year’s Summer Jam Festival will feature live music, kids' activities, beer & wine, food trucks, and fireworks at 10 pm! Band lineup includes groove and soul outfit Mo-Grass, The Caleb Stine Band, and rising country artist SJ McDonald. Tickets at the gate are $20. 

VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS

Town of Buchanan Community Carnival & Fireworks, Buchanan

Date: June 25-July 4, 2026

Stop by the Buchanan Community Carnival from June 25-July 4 for good times and fun & games. On July 4th view the Independence Day Parade along Main Street beginning at 5pm. Shop, stroll and dine along Main Street before cheering fire trucks, floats, marching units, and more as they make their way. Following the parade, make your way down to the Town of Buchanan’s Riverfront Park to enjoy games, rides, live music and great food – all part of the Buchanan Community Carnival. Fireworks on the 3rd and the 4th begin at 10pm. 

July 4th Fireworks at the Salem Fair, Salem

Date: July 4, 2026

Gates to the Salem Fair will open at noon. Enjoy live music shows at 6:30pm and 8:30pm, followed by fireworks around 9:30pm. Admission is free. 

Rotary Club of Rocky Mount’s Independence Festival, Franklin County

Date: July 2, 2026

Join the Rocky Mount Rotary Club for a free festival celebrating the Fourth of July. Activities will include a huge fireworks show, craft, entertainment, games, food vendors, raffles, and the first ever Franklin County Mullet Competition.