While the 4th of July in Virginia this year may not have the typical crowd-filled festivals and events, you can still 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 social-distancing celebrations, held throughout the Commonwealth this year.
Valley 4th Run, Harrisonburg
Date: July 3-5, 2020
Get active this Fourth of July with a virtual running event, Harrisonburg’s Valley 4th Run. This virtual race is a collective community effort to run, walk, or jog a total of 6,136 miles between Friday, July 3rd at 8am and Sunday, July 5th at 8pm. Participants in the event can choose their own distance, pace, and location, and once finished, will log their miles through an online platform, contributing to the total goal.
Happy Birthday America, Staunton
Date: July 4, 2020
While the traditional Fourth of July festival held in Staunton’s Gypsy Hill Park had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, the city will still host the 50-year-old tradition of Happy Birthday America as a Facebook Live virtual event. Beginning at 7pm on the 4th, the two-hour celebration will feature an acoustic concert by Wilson Fairchild and end with a live stream of fireworks from Washington, D.C.
Liberty Celebration at The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Yorktown
Date: July 4, 2020
Photo Credit: Skylar Arias Adventures, IG account: @skylar_arias_adventures
This year’s Fourth of July marks the 244th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and you can acknowledge this major moment in American history at the Liberty Celebration at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Newly reopened, the museum will follow social-distancing procedures to keep visitors safe during the momentous event, with many of the day’s activities happening outdoors to allow for more visitors with plenty of room to participate. On July 4th, they will host interpretive reenactments, such as a recreation of a Continental Army encampment and a Revolutionary-era farm, 18th century artillery demonstrations, and educational seminars that cover both the freedoms earned after the American Revolution and the limitations of the victory for many Americans who were not granted the same freedoms and liberties. Don’t miss the Forgotten Soldier special exhibition, on display at the museum until July 8th, which explores the personal stories of Black American soldiers and their valiant contributions towards an independent nation.
4th of July Fireworks, Berryville
Date: July 3, 2020
Clarke County’s annual Independence Day Fireworks begin at 9:20pm on Friday, July 3rd at the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds. Social distancing measures will be in place to protect visitors from COVID-19, including requiring all guests to stay in or around their vehicles (wandering the fairgrounds is not allowed) and the closure of all concession stands and grandstands (attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, although alcohol is prohibited). Parking will be available at D.G. Cooley Elementary School, Clarke County High School, and Chet Hobert Park.
Fourth of July Fireworks & Patriotic Presentation , Culpeper
Date: July 4, 2020
Culpeper’s Fourth of July Fireworks & Patriotic Presentation are still scheduled for July 4th, but will implement an array of social distancing guidelines in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order. The event begins with a Patriotic Presentation held on the Culpeper Courthouse lawn at 1pm, followed by a flyover conducted by the Commemorative Air Force’s Capital Wing featuring vintage WWII aircrafts, and concluding with a fireworks display around 9:15pm that will be held in Rockwater Park. Any changes to the event due to inclement weather or other circumstances will be posted on the Visit Culpeper Facebook page.
Fireworks at The Diamond, Richmond
Date: July 4, 2020
Photo Credit: Virginia History & Culture Museum
Richmond’s Flying Squirrels will not hold their annual baseball game followed by a fireworks show at the Diamond, but are partnering with the city of Richmond and CBS 6 to put on a fireworks show that will be televised from 9-10pm and can also be seen over the city skyline.
Chesterfield Fireworks Show, Chesterfield
Date: July 4, 2020
Like many other Virginia counties, Chesterfield will replace their annual Fourth of July festival with a fireworks celebration at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds that can be viewed from the parking lot. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the fairgrounds will be closed and there will be no additional activities, concession stands, or entertainment. No glass, alcohol, fireworks, or pets are permitted.
Fredericksburg Nationals 4th of July Spectacular, Fredericksburg
Date: July 4, 2020
The Fredericksburg Nationals host a 4th of July Spectacular on Saturday July 4th from 8:30-10 p.m, with fireworks starting at 9:30pm. The show is free to the public and all attendees will view the show from their cars, meaning that you don’t need to be parked at the ballpark to see it! Tune into Superhits 95.9 for patriotic music paired to the fireworks show.
Massanutten Fireworks Display, McGaheysville
Date: July 4, 2020
Photo Credit: Joshua Gooden
Shenandoah Valley’s Massanutten Resort celebrates Independence Day with a fireworks show held at the top of the mountain on the resort grounds. The show begins at 9pm and will be visible from the resort and the surrounding areas of McGaheysville, Harrisonburg, Elkton, and other surrounding areas in the Valley. While large gatherings will not be permitted near the fireworks launching spot, the parking lots will be open and visitors staying at the resort will be able to view the fireworks from their accommodations.
Firecracker 4-Miler Virtual Run, Richmond
Date: July 4-31, 2020
Another virtual running event in Virginia, the Firecracker 4-Miler is a fun and active way to commemorate the Fourth of July this year. Sponsored by Sports Backer, this virtual run invites participants to walk or run four miles at any time between July 4th and July 31st, completing the race at their own pace and in their own location while following local health and safety guidelines.
Blue Mountain Barrel House, Arrington
Date: July 4, 2020
Blue Mountain Barrel House is throwing an Independence Day Low Country Boil on Saturday, July 4th with delicious low country boil food served between 12-6pm and live music from Virginia band The BLNDRS from 3-5:30pm. In addition to the festivities, the Tasting Room and Food Truck will be open and serving during their regular business hours of 11am-9pm. Guests are encouraged to bring their own pop-ups and folding chairs to enjoy the music in order to comply with social distancing guidelines.
4th of July Light Show at Chapman-Beverley Mills, Prince William County
Date: June 26-July 6, 2020
From June 26 to July 6, the Chapman-Beverly Mill in Thoroughfare Gap will be illuminated from dusk to dawn with red, white, and blue lights, which are visible by car from Interstate 66 and Route 55 East. Sponsored by the Turn the Mill Around Campaign and the owners of the mill, the project celebrates Independence Day while kicking off the mill’s annual fundraising efforts.
Independence Day Celebration, Luray
Date: July 4, 2020
The town of Luray will host their annual Independence Day fireworks extravaganza on Saturday, July 4th beginning at 9:15pm. In order to allow for social distancing, the event has been moved to the new location of the Page Valley Fairgrounds, which provides plenty of space for visitors to spread out their blankets and chairs and get clear views of the fireworks.
Patriotic 4th of July Displays at Dorey Park & Meadow Farm Museum, Henrico
Date: July 1-5, 2020
Henrico’s Parks & Recreation department will showcase patriotic displays from July 1st-5th at Dorey Park and Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, including artwork, a sand sculpture, and 70 flags to honor our country. These exhibits are open for visitors to view at their leisure, but social distancing measures are in effect to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, an Uncle Sam on stilts will be at Crump Park on Friday, July 3rd from 4-7pm to greet guests, and Dorey Park will have a historical re-enactment led by Colonial Williamsburg historian Jamar Jones, who will tell the true story of London Pleasants, an enslaved man who defined his own independence during the Revolutionary War.
Nauticus Battleship Wisconsin Tours & Events, Norfolk
Date: Beginning July 3, 2020
Photo Credit: Fred DeSousa
Nauticus’ Battleship Wisconsin will offer options for small group adventures that allow for fun and engagement in a limited social environment starting on Friday, July 3rd. The Adventures on Deck series feature tours like the Top of the World Battleship Wisconsin Tour (9 people max), where you’ll explore the ship’s uppermost exterior command centers and enjoy the best view of Norfolk’s skyline, the ROV Workshop (6 people max), which tests your flying skills as you maneuver an ROV through a challenging course, the Sailing Excursion (4 people max per boat), an educational experience where you’ll learn the basics of sailing on the Elizabeth River from a licensed instructor, and the Behind-the-Scenes Aquarium Tour (5 people max), where you’ll find out how the aquarium cares for sharks and other sea creatures.
Tazewell 4th of July Celebration, Tazewell
Date: July 4, 2020
The town of Tazewell will have an Independence Day Fireworks display on Saturday, July 4th beginning at 9:30pm that will occur at the Tazewell Middle School baseball field parking lot. A food truck will be onsite at 7pm, and spectators are encouraged to practice social distancing while viewing the fireworks.
Richlands Indepence Day Celebration, Richlands
Date: July 3, 2020
Join the Southwest Virginia town of Richlands for a fireworks celebration on July 3rd beginning at 9:30pm. Fireworks will be viewable from downtown Richlands, and spectators are asked to remain in their cars during the show.
Stable Craft Brewing 4th of July Celebration, Waynesboro
Date: July 4, 2020
Stable Craft Brewing is celebrating the 4th with a new craft beer release, the Dreamsicle Sour, a sour ale infused with orange purees, and the re-release of their crowd-pleasing Watermelon Cider, made with pounds of crushed watermelon that results in the perfect summer beverage. The brewery will be open on July 4th from 12-10pm for a special “Grab the Glass” event; visitors to the brewery will get to keep a limited-edition Independence Day glass with any brew purchase (while supplies last). To ensure the safety of their guests, the brewery has expanded their outdoor covered dining area and requires masks in the indoor dining spaces, which have also been spread out to prevent close contact.
July 4th Backyard Celebration at Western Front Hotel, Saint Paul
Date: July 4, 2020
Southwest Virginia’s Western Front Hotel is hosting a July 4th Backyard Celebration, featuring live music from the 49 Winchester Band and all sorts of summer foods and drinks available for purchase from their onsite gourmet restaurant, Ina + Forbes. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are limited due to social distancing safety measures; $15 per person tickets include free s’mores and sparklers.
July 4th Virtual Celebration & Scavenger Hunt, Ashland
Date: June 30-July 4, 2020
Sponsored by Hanover arts, the town of the Ashland will celebrate Independence Day with the July 4th Virtual Parade and Celebration. Follow their Facebook page for more information on the events, including a photo contest with prizes, live music performances, and a slideshow of parades from previous 4th of July celebrations. Additionally, the in-person scavenger hunt is spread over five days and will feature local businesses in Downtown Ashland; all completed scavenger hunt checklists will be entered into a drawing for a prize.
Stars & Stripes Getaway Package at the Craddock Terry Hotel, Lynchburg
Date: July 3-5, 2020
Book the Stars and Stripes Getaway Package at the Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg for an overnight Independence Day getaway that the entire family will love! The package features a one-night stay in a deluxe or premium room, a Kid’s Fun Bucket packed full of celebration goodies for two kids, Scavenger Hunt game cards, four bike rentals for up to two hours to explore downtown Lynchburg, cupcake decorating kits, and complimentary Continental Breakfast for up to four delivered to your room. Call to book this special Fourth of July package.
Pocahontas 4th of July Celebration
Date: July 4, 2020
Celebrate the Fourth of July in the town of Pocahontas with a fireworks display, beginning at 9pm. Pocahontas’ newest restaurant, Thirteen Nine, will be set up in Laurel Meadows Park for visitors to purchase food and drink; visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing measures during the event.
Bluefield Blue Jays Fireworks Celebration, Bluefield
Date: July 3, 2020
The Bluefield Blue Jays will be sponsoring a fireworks celebration on July 3rd at 9pm at Bowen Field. The stand will not be open, so visitors are asked to remain in their cars to watch the fireworks display from the parking lot.
July Fourth Weekend at Primland, Meadows of Dan
Date: July 3-5, 2020
Another overnight option to celebrate the Fourth is a July Fourth Weekend at Primland, a resort that sits on over 12,000 acres of land, allowing for easy social distancing throughout your stay. The package begins with a guided nature hike after check-in on Friday, July 3rd, followed by a wine reception on the terrace and an outdoor family movie held after dark on the resort’s driving range. On Saturday, July 4th, begin the day with a yoga class ($10 per person) and another guided nature hike (10 people max), then attend their kite-flying clinic in the afternoon. Another afternoon guided hike (10 people max) will take visitors to the most photo-friendly spots on the resort grounds. The resort will also offer DIY Crafts Kits on Saturday afternoon, an evening wine reception, and another family movie night on the driving range. The weekend wraps up with a full itinerary of fun on Sunday, including morning yoga ($10 per person, 9 people max), guided nature hikes (10 people max), and more arts and crafts opportunities for the kids.
Mark,
I didn’t see any NoVa fireworks. Prince William or berryviille are the closest bit they are not NoVa both are one hour outside NoVA. Let me know if I missed something. Cuz I’m looking for somewhere to go.
Hey Mark,
I’ve looked far and wide on the web. Who is having real fireworks in Northern Virginia? And Where?
Nearest I see is Culpeper or Fredricksburg. That’s not NoVa.
Why is it northern Va. With the highest covid 19 numbers gets to have 4tn fireworks, and here in Southwest Va.where we have the fewest cases in the state, all our fireworks are canceled ???
Hi Mark, there are fireworks happening in Tazewell, Pocahontas, Richlands, and Bluefield, so plenty in SWVA! Additionally, the Western Front Hotel in Saint Paul will host a 4th of July event.
So will there be any thing going on in newport news or hanpton, va?