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 4th of July celebrations, held throughout the Commonwealth this year.

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Fireworks at The Diamond, Richmond

CN15121609V_005.JPG

Date: July 4, 2024

An annual Richmond tradition, the 4th of July Flying  Squirrels baseball game concludes with a brilliant fireworks display over The Diamond.

Chesterfield Fireworks Show, Chesterfield

Date: July 4, 2024

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. No alcohol, illegal weapons, personal fireworks, glass bottles or pets (except for service animals) are allowed on county property. Parking is limited, and all traffic must enter parking areas from the Krause Road entrance. 

Independence Day Fireworks in Downtown Lynchburg

Date: July 4, 2024

Downtown Lynchburg’s Independence Day Fireworks 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 9:15pm.

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

Date: July 4, 2024

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, pony rides for the kids, and an official reading of the Declaration of Independence. The festival goes from 10am-4pm on Thursday, July 4th, and grounds admission is $12 per adult for ages 15+ and under 15 is free. Guided tours of Jefferson’s octagonal villa will be available for an additional fee on a first-come, first-serve basis that day. 

4th of July Celebration, Culpeper

Date: July 4, 2024

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, 2024

Carter Mountain’s 4th of July Celebrate Us! fireworks spectacular begins at 9pm on July 4th (rain date of July 5th). 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 Central Virginia 4th of July Events:

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

An American Celebration, Mount Vernon 

NV15122109V_018.TIF

Date: July 4, 2024

Experience a truly patriotic Fourth of July at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate during An American Celebration, an event that includes an 18th-century hot air balloon, music performances from the Revolutionary era, made-for-daytime fireworks over the Potomac River, Revolutionary army military drills, naturalization ceremonies for new American citizens, and meet-and-greets with President Washington himself. This July 4th extravaganza runs from 9:30am-5pm, and is included with the price of admission into the Mount Vernon estate.

Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Show, Fairfax 

Date: July 4, 2024

Now in its 58th year, the Fairfax Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Show begins at 10am on July 4th in Old Town Fairfax and will be held rain or shine. Among the highlights of the event are nine 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

NV21062109P_004.JPG
Photo Credit: Lisa Kosin

Date: July 4, 2024

Leesburg’s Independence Day Celebration begins with a parade at 10am down King Street through the historic downtown area and concluding at Fairfax Street. King Street will be closed to through-traffic from about 9:30am-11:30am. In the evening, parking for Ida Lee Park will open around 5:30pm and gates to the park event space will open at 6pm. Enjoy live music performances while dining on treats from a selection of food vendors, including funnel cakes, ice cream, hot dogs, and more. 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. Pets, alcohol, glass containers, and personal fireworks are not permitted at the park. 

Purcellville Independence Day Parade, Purcellville

Date: July 4, 2024

Kick off Purcellville’s 4th of July celebration at the annual Hometown Independence Day Parade beginning at 11am. The parade starts at Blue Ridge Middle School on East A Street and concludes at Emerick Elementary.  Show your patriotic pride and join your friends and neighbors in celebrating America's birthday during Purceville’s Independence Day Parade! 

July 4th at Bluemont Vineyard, Bluemont 

NV21061702P_007.JPG
Photo Credit: Rebecca Rally

Date: July 4, 2024

Bluemont Vineyards is hosting a July 4th 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. Additionally, the tasting room is open from 10am-10pm on the 4th, serving wines by the bottle, seasonal sangria, wine slushies, and seasonal bomb pop sparklers. Reservations to the Tasting Room are required; all reservations after 4pm are available for $15.00 per guest and include a souvenir glass.

Other Notable Northern Virginia 4th of July Events:

COASTAL VIRGINIA

Independence Day in Yorktown, Yorktown

HR21061509P_005.JPG
Photo Credit: York County Tourism

Date: July 4, 2024

The Yorktown July 4th celebration begins at 8am with an 8K run (there are both live and virtual options), followed by a patriotic parade along Yorktown’s Water and Main Streets. Spend the day lounging on the beach, jamming to live music, perusing local shops and boutiques, and exploring Yorktown’s historic museums. Grab a bite to eat at one of Yorktown’s many celebrated restaurants or pick up something to-go at one of the vendors located in the Patriotic Food Pavilion, which will be open from 4pm until the fireworks conclude. This year's food vendors include local favorites like Carrot Tree Kitchens, Chef Joseph, SMOKE BBQ, Boyd's Tasty Dogs, Pop's Kettle Corn, and Coastal Thirst. In the evening, the 4th of July festivities continue with a bell-ringing ceremony, patriotic concert, and an incredible fireworks display over the York River. 

Colonial Williamsburg 4th of July Fireworks, Williamsburg 

HR15120709V_025.TIF

Date: July 4, 2024

Virginia has many historic destinations, but few tie into the celebration of the Fourth of July as perfectly as Colonial Williamsburg. This year, their July 4th event will include readings of the Declaration of Independence, a salute to the original 13 states by the Virginia Military Garrison, a Community Salute to America by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band, and “Created Equal”, a museum theatre experience that explores the African American perspective on the Declaration of Independence. And of course, the festivities conclude with a dazzling fireworks display over Colonial Williamsburg. 

Fourth Of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks, Norfolk

HR16121309V_068.TIF
Photo Credit: Scott Camp

Date: July 4, 2024, 5-10pm

The 41st annual 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 9:30pm. Parking is available within close proximity at several City of Norfolk public parking garages.

Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Display, Norfolk

Date: June 28, 2024

Another fantastic (and free!) 4th of July event in the Norfolk area, the Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Display begins at 6pm with live music, children’s activities, and food and beverages available from local vendors, followed by a fireworks show at 9:30pm. Bring your own lawn chairs and picnic blankets to set up in the park. Free parking is available at Ocean View Beach Park as well as several other surrounding areas. 

Busch Gardens Summer Nights, Williamsburg

Date: June 16-August 13, 2024

The Busch Gardens Summer Nights event runs every night from June 16th-August 13th and includes an impressive fireworks show each evening, and block parties. Additionally, they have DJs playing music throughout the park and illuminated coasters to keep the adrenaline going from day to night.

Celebrate Freedom, Chesapeake 

Date: July 3, 2024

Celebrate Freedom and America’s birthday in Chesapeake! The U.S. Fleet Forces Band, 4-Star Edition and Red Stapler Duo will provide stirring, patriotic sounds. Performances begin at 7pm followed by fireworks by Pyrotecnico to illuminate the sky after sunset. 

Cape Charles 4th of July 2022 Celebration, Cape Charles

Date: July 4, 2024

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 10am, followed by craft and artisan vendors until 5pm along Bay Avenue. Food vendors will be serving from 10am until dark, with fireworks to follow after sunset.

Other Notable Coastal Virginia 4th of July Events:

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA

SoBo Brew Fest 5K & Block Party, South Boston

Date: July 4, 2024

The annual SoBo Brew Fest will feature Halifax County’s newest brewery on the scene: Factory Street Brewing Company. The day will also feature a 5k run/walk, live music by 6th N Main, and a BBQ food truck. End the night with a spectacular fireworks display in Downtown South Boston. Tickets are $15 for the block party and include one pint of beer. Registration for the 5k is $15 and includes admission to the block party and one pint of beer. 

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

SS19071506V_020.JPG
Photo Credit: Creative Dog Media, @creativedogmedia

Date: July 4, 2024

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. An additional VIP event will take place where visitors can enjoy cake and ice cream, and watch the fireworks from premier seating. The cost of the VIP event is $10 per person. General admission and VIP tickets are available in advance online or at the gate.

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

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

Date: June 28-July 4, 2024

Join the town of Big Stone Gap for this week-long celebration leading up to the 4th 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, 2024

Make plans now to join us in 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

Wintergreen Resort July 4th Jubilee Celebration

Date: July 6, 2024

Free. There’s no better place to see fireworks than on top of a mountain. Join Wintergreen Resort as they celebrate July 4th with a fantastic fireworks display. Fireworks will take place from 9:30PM to 10:30PM.

Sunset Spectacular, Waynesboro

Date: July 13, 2024

A special fireworks display will be shot off from the top of Sunset Park. This should provide for a spectacular view from just about anywhere in Waynesboro. There will also be a 5k and 10k race that morning. 

Happy Birthday America, Staunton

Date: July 4, 2024

For over 50 years, Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park has hosted Happy Birthday America. Beginning at 7pm on the 4th, the two-hour celebration will feature an acoustic concert by Wilson Fairchild with special guests and end with a live fireworks show.

4th of July Downtown Get Down, Luray

Date: July 4, 2022, 12-9pm

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

Massanutten Summer Jam, McGaheysville

SV20062409P_001.JPG
Photo Credit: Joshua Gooden

Date: July 3, 2024

This year’s Summer Jam Festival will feature live music, kids' activities, beer & wine, food trucks, and fireworks at 10 pm! All proceeds benefit the Rockingham/Harrisonburg SPCA. Food Vendors include K’s Grill, Big Fat Daddy's, Bayou Kitchen, and more. Activities include Henna tattoos, face painting, arts & crafts, Giant Jenga, Connect 4 and more. Beer Garden brought to you by Molson Coors & Blue Ridge Beverage, and beer tickets are $5 each.

VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS

Town of Buchanan Community Carnival & Fireworks, Buchanan

Date: July 4, 2024

Stop by the Buchanan Community Carnival from June 27th-July 6th 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 begin at 10pm. 

Town of Vinton Fireworks, Vinton

Date: July 4, 2024

Enjoy patriotic fireworks at the Vinton War Memorial. And don’t forget to snap a selfie in front of the Vinton War Memorial LOVEworks on the lawn! Admission is free. Fireworks timing to be announced.

July 4th Fireworks at the Salem Fair, Salem

Date: July 4, 2024

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. 

Four on the Fourth, Vinton

Date: July 4, 2024

Start your day off with a patriotic four mile run around downtown Vinton and the Vinton War Memorial. Proceeds from the race benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of SWVA. Strollers welcome, but please keep your furry friends at home for this race. There is also a Kids Fun Run option!

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

Date: June 28, 2024

Join the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount for this Independence Festival from 5pm-10pm. Because there will be limited food vendors, participants are allowed to bring coolers and food to the event

Fireworks begin at dusk. There will be a 50/50 raffle, along with $50 tickets for a chance to win cash prizes (from $500 to $2,500). Raffle tickets will be sold at the event with proceeds going toward Franklin County Parks and Recreation’s Land of Lights display.