If you haven’t already set your travel plans for the 4th of July in Virginia, consider heading to one of these spectacular fireworks shows, happening in every corner of the Commonwealth.
—COASTAL VIRGINIA—
Fireworks over Norfolk
Celebrate the birth of our nation at historic Colonial Williamsburg’s Fourth of July Fireworks. During the day, enjoy patriotic festivities that commemorate the historic event, like public readings of the Declaration of Independence, live musical performances, hands-on crafts for the kids, and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
Busch Gardens combines two of the most exciting things, fireworks and roller coasters, for their 4th of July Fireworks Celebration, happening from July 3rd-July 5th. Red, white, and blue fireworks will light up the sky as contemporary patriotic music plays throughout the park.
Watch fireworks over the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at the Stars & Stripes Explosion. Oceanfront stages set up for the event will hold multiple live performances from classical musicians, tribute bands, and more.
Bring your family to Town Point Park in Norfolk on July 4th for the Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks, a free event featuring traditional American food like hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, and locally sourced seafood. Live entertainment and music happen until the sun goes down, followed by fireworks displays after sunset.
—NORTHERN VIRGINIA—
Mount Vernon Fireworks
Pay tribute to America’s first Commander in Chief during An American Celebration at Mount Vernon. Unlike the rest of the fireworks displays, this incredible display happens during the day, with special fireworks that are visible in sunlight shooting across the Potomac River. Military reenactors fill the air with the roar of cannon fire and the sounds of battle, and the National Concert Band plays a special rendition of American tunes while General and Mrs. Washington mingle with guests.
On July 4th, Great Meadow holds an Independence Day Celebration beginning at 4pm. Admission is $35 ahead of time or $40 at the gate per car pass. This pass covers a wide array of free activities for the kids, from a helicoptered air show and rocket demonstrations to polo exhibits and one of the largest fireworks shows in the area.
Culpeper’s 4th of July Celebration has a full day of patriotic-themed activities, starting with a Freedom 5K race in Downtown Culpeper. After the race, watch the Main Street parade, shop local crafts and food vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and learn more about the patriotic history of Culpeper at the Courthouse. The evening fireworks mark the end of the celebration.
The Leesburg Independence Day Celebration kicks off at 10am with a parade through Historic Downtown Leesburg, starting at Ida Lee Park and ending at Fairfax Street. Arrive early to hear the American Originals Fife and Drum Corps playing patriotic music as they march down the street. Around 6:00pm, head into the park, snag a spot for the live music performances, and get dinner from the expansive food court. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm.
—SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA—
Running from 10am-11pm, the Independence Day Parade, Duck Race, and Fireworks in Galax kicks off with the Great Galax Duck Race, followed by the Independence Day Parade down Main Street in the evening and fireworks in Felt’s Park at 11pm.
The 4th of July Celebration in Downtown Wytheville features food and drink vendors, a children’s parade and bounce house, the Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, Olykoek Donut’s Donut Eating Contest, live music from One Side Missing, and a Classic Car exhibit. Around 6:45pm, head to Elizabeth Brown Park for the “After Hours” concert, followed by fireworks.
The town of Tazewell in Southwest Virginia celebrates Independence Day with musical performances, a bounce house for the kids, and live fireworks beginning at dusk.
Visit Damascus Town Park on July 3rd for the Damascus Independence Day Celebration for live music, local foods, and a fireworks display in the evening. The event is free and open to people of all ages as well as the four-legged family members.
—CENTRAL VIRGINIA—
Fireworks over Downtown Richmond
Wintergreen Resort hosts the 4th of July Jubilee from June 29th– July 4th, with fun activities planned each day, including live music, a petting zoo for kids, chairlift rides up and down the mountain, a movie under the stars, fun races for the whole family, and fireworks after sundown on July 3rd.
From June 30th-July 4th, the Star Spangled Celebration at King’s Dominion combines all the roller coasters you love with musical performances from local military bands and incredible fireworks shows in the evenings. All members of the military and veterans receive free admission and discounted tickets for family members.
The 4th of July Concert & Fireworks at Dogwood Dell features live music by the Richmond Concert Band followed by fireworks beginning at dusk. The event is free and family friendly.
—EASTERN SHORE—
Sponsored by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, Chincoteague’s Old Fashioned Fireworks Display coincides with the island’s annual Carnival on Main Street. The Carnival begins at 7m and the fireworks start at 10pm.
—SHENANDOAH VALLEY—
The Summer Jam at Massanutten is the perfect summer festival, with live music, food vendors, a beer and wine garden, and of course, fireworks after dark. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate, with free admission for kids under 7.
Waynesboro Parks & Recreation Department presents the annual Summer Extravaganza in Ridgeview Park. This family-friendly event has live music, an arts & crafts show, food vendors, and several outdoor activities during the day, including 5 & 10k races. The festival caps off with fireworks in the evening.
—VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS—
Fireworks over Smith Mountain Lake
Book a stay at the Omni Homestead in Hot Springs from June 30th-July 5th for the 4th of July Cookout, Concert, & Fireworks. The resort holds special activities, including daily Fun Runs, outdoor barbecues and picnics, mixology seminars, and golf clinics. On Fridays and the 4th of July, watch fireworks from the resort lawn at dusk.
Beginning with a downtown parade at 11am, the Annual Stars and Stripes Celebration on July 4th in Clifton Forge is an all-day affair full of patriotic flair, kid-friendly events, live music, local food, and an incredible fireworks display after the sun goes down.
Watch brilliant fireworks over Smith Mountain Lake during the Independence Day Festival at Mitchell’s Marina in Huddleston.
The Vinton War Memorial outside of Roanoke hosts the Vinton Fourth of July Celebration to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of American soldiers. Featuring live entertainment, festival foods, children’s activities, and fireworks beginning at 9:30pm, the festival is free for all ages.
—SOUTHERN VIRGINIA—
Join the Celebration at Martinsville Speedway on July 3rd for live music, food, games, and carnival rides. Bring along a few non-perishable foods and personal care items to donate to the Fuel for Families Food Drive, a nonprofit that benefits families in need. At sunset, a dazzling firework show illuminates the skies over the Speedway.
Danville’s July 4th at the Crossing starts with a 5K and 10K run for adults and a kid’s Fun Run at Angler’s Park, followed by an ice cream social. After the race, visit the Farmer’s Market at the Crossing at the Dan to shop local wares and goods. Carrington Pavilion opens at 6pm for free festivities, live entertainment, and activities for the whole family. A grand fireworks display will begin at dusk.
These are just a few of the special fireworks displays happening this Fourth of July in Virginia; head to Virginia is for Lovers for a complete list of Fourth of July activities around the Commonwealth.