4th of July: Where to watch Virginia’s most festive fireworks

From lakeside reflections to a national spectacle, here’s your ultimate guide to Virginia’s most dazzling Independence Day displays.

Virginia goes all out for the 4th of July, offering everything from riverfront celebrations to historic parades. Whether you’re craving a patriotic paddle, a beachside bash, or small-town charm, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you to watch the sky light up.

Smith Mountain Lake

If you’re seeking a unique 4th of July experience, head to Smith Mountain Lake, where the display lights up the famous water feature with the colorful reflections of the fireworks above. 

While the main show begins after sundown, festive activities occur in the area throughout the day. A sightseeing cruise departs from the docks at noon, taking guests on a two-hour adventure, complete with an onboard meal. 

There are also afternoon tastings at SML Fine Wines, and live music at several local eateries, including Portside Grill and Bar, Mango’s Bar and Grill, and Hot Shots Bar and Grill.

The Virginia Dare cruise boat departs again at 8 p.m. for those wanting a front row seat to the fireworks display. 

Bristol

You have your choice of which state to view fireworks from if you’re in Bristol. While the Southwest region of the commonwealth offers ample viewing opportunities from its various mountain towns, one of the biggest shows starts on Bristol’s famous State Street—which separates Virginia and Tennessee.

A parade commences at 5 p.m. on State Street, leading the way to Anderson Park just half a mile south of the Virginia border. Festivities continue at the park with live performances of 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s songs by the LIGHTNIN’ STRIKES!

There will also be special performances by the Glee Club from Bristol Academy of Music, as well as a recognition of veterans. 

Pyro Shows Inc. will light up the night starting at 10 p.m. with a choreographed fireworks display.

Danville

When the midday cookouts come to a close, the patriotic party kicks off in Downtown Danville. Gates open at the city’s Carrington Pavilion at 6 p.m. for the annual Crossing at the Dan celebration. 

While admission is free, you’ll want to bring some cash for the variety of vendors and concessionaires at the event. There will also be a live, free performance by the Danville Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m.

The fireworks display starts shortly after dusk. 

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Virginia Beach 

Nothing quite says freedom like loading up the family and taking them to… a former landfill? That’s right! Celebrations kick off at Mount Trashmore Park—built in the 1970s with compacted layers of solid waste and clean soil—at 5 p.m.

Performances start an hour after gates open. Guests to the event can enjoy yummy food, shop local vendors, participate in children’s activities, and more.

The main event—the fireworks, of course—starts around 9:30 p.m. 

Richmond

If you’re looking for an adventurous way to see fireworks this year, slots are still open for the Fireworks on the James River excursion. 

Hosted by RVA Paddlesports, the four-hour adventure begins at 6 p.m. at Forest Hill Park. From there, the company will shuttle guests to a point approximately four miles upriver where the paddle boards go in the water. 

Upon arrival at a deserted island, the group will enjoy a catered dinner with meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The fireworks display will happen after the sun sets—and once the show ends, the group will paddle a short distance to the designated takeout location.

NoVA

Enjoy all the pomp and circumstance of DC’s spectacular fireworks display from the comfort of Northern Virginia, right across the Potomac River.

Ideal NoVA viewing areas—that are open to the public for the event—include the US Marine Corps War Memorial and the Netherlands Carillon, both located in Arlington.

This year’s fireworks display on the National Mall is set to start promptly at 9:09 p.m. The show will continue for about 20 minutes, with fireworks launching from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

If you miss out on the festivities this week, you’ll have another chance to see fireworks locally, soon. Alexandria will celebrate its 276th birthday on Saturday, July 12, at Oronoco Bay Park. Admission to the event is free.