20 spectacular Fourth of July fireworks shows in Virginia

Celebrate Independence Day in style with dazzling Fourth of July fireworks shows across Virginia. 

From mountain displays to waterfront spectaculars, Virginia is lighting up the skies this Fourth of July with a wide array of fireworks celebrations. Whether you’re looking to soak up Revolutionary War history in Williamsburg or enjoy carnival vibes in Chincoteague, there’s a patriotic party near you. Here are the 20 most phenomenal Fourth of July fireworks shows happening from July 2 to 5.

July 2

Magic of Summer: Independence Celebration 

Location: 115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke, VA 24136

Magic of Summer: Independence Celebration is a free event at Mountain Lake Lodge. The fireworks display, which will be set against the picturesque backdrop of the surrounding mountains, will start at 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

July 3

New Kent County Independence Day Celebration

Location: 7365 Egypt Rd., New Kent, VA 23124

This year marks the third annual Kent County Independence Day Celebration, which ends with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. The free event kicks off at 7 p.m. with food trucks, activities for children, a pie-eating contest, a car show, and live music.

July 4

Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual Old Fashioned Fireworks Display

Location: 3648 Main St., Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual Old Fashioned Fireworks Display coincides with the Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival and the Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction, which is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Pony Penning. The fireworks display starts at 9 p.m.

Salem Fair

Location: 1001 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153

Celebrate the birth of the nation by attending the free Salem Fair at the Salem Civic Center, which includes shows, rides, and food, before viewing the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Celebrate America in Historic Downtown Manassas

Location: 9431 West St., Manassas, VA 20110

Celebrate American in Historic Downtown Manassas bills itself as one of the largest fireworks displays in all of Northern Virginia. The free event starts at 3 p.m. and includes food, craft vendors, and entertainment. Once the sun goes down, attendees head to the Manassas Museum lawn to spread out on blankets to enjoy the display.

Fourth at the Fort—Fort Monroe

Location: 20 Ingalls Rd., Fort Monroe, VA 23651

Fourth at the Fort—Fort Monroe is an event designed for the country’s youth, aiming to connect them with the revolutionary spirit that helped establish the nation. The location of the event at Fort Monroe is significant given the unique role it’s played in the country’s history, including being the site where the first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. The free event starts at 8:45 a.m., with the fireworks and drone show scheduled for 9:15 p.m. The show will feature the United States Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band.

July 4th Fireworks at Mount Vernon 

Location: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121

The July 4th Fireworks at Mount Vernon will take place over the Potomac River at 9:15 p.m. following a patriotic concert on the east lawn, which will start at 7:45 p.m. Earlier in the day, 18th-century activities, like an “iced cream” demonstration, will take place. There’s no better place to spend July 4th than at the home of the first president and Revolutionary War general. Tickets are $50 for adults and $36 for children.

Fourth of July Great American Picnic

Location: 113 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23510

This year marks the 42nd Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic at Town Point Park along the Norfolk Waterfront. The picnic will feature classic American cuisine, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and barbeque to the tune of military brass bands. The evening will end at 9:30 p.m. as fireworks light up the sky over the Elizabeth River. The event is free.

Lights of Freedom

Location: 101 Visitor Center Dr., Williamsburg, VA 23185

With its history as a colonial capital, Williamsburg is a great place to celebrate July 4th. The Lights of Freedom promises to be a celebration of the words and music of the revolution, including the reading of the Declaration of Independence and revolutionary-era marching music. The free event will conclude with a fireworks display in the sky over the Governor’s Palace around 9:30 p.m.

Independence Day Parade

Location: Main Street, Galax, VA 24333

While the Independence Day Parade may start with a rowdy Duck Race in Chestnut Creek from the fire department at 7 p.m., it will end with a boisterous fireworks display at 10 p.m. Attendees to the free event are encouraged to bring blankets to sit on.

Yorktown Independence Day Celebration

Location: 331 Water St., Yorktown, VA 23690

The Yorktown Independence Day Celebration promises a day of family-friendly patriotism. It will include a parade down Main Street, fun on the beach, live music, a bell-ringing ceremony, and a fireworks display over the York River at 9 p.m. The event is free.

Independence Day Celebration at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill

Location: 1250 Red Hill Rd., Brookneal, VA 24528

Celebrate the founding of the nation and enjoy a fireworks show at the home of a founding father by attending the Independence Day Celebration at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. The celebration will start at 4 p.m. with food vendors and activities for children. At 7 p.m., a Patrick Henry reenactor will give one of his speeches. Finally, the celebration will conclude with a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Admission is $10 per car.

Independence Day Celebration with Parade, Concert, & Fireworks in Hillsville

Location: 410 N Main St., Hillsville, VA 24343

The Independence Day Celebration with Parade, Concert, & Fireworks in Hillsville starts along Main Street with a parade at 4 p.m. It’s followed by food, games, and a concert by ACE Party Band. It concludes with a fireworks show at dark at the VFW building. Admission is free.

Middletown July 4th Celebration

Location: 2nd Street, Middletown, VA 22645

The fireworks display during the Middletown July 4th Celebration comes after a jam-packed evening of activities, including a parade, cornhole tournament, softball match, food vendors, kids’ games, magic shows, craft fair, and live music. The parade starts at 5 p.m., with the fireworks kicking off at dusk. For those living in and around Frederick County, this is a great event given that it’s the only July 4th parade within a one-hour drive.

July 4th Celebration at Mount Trashmore

Location: 310 Edwin Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23462

The July 4th Celebration at Mount Trashmore offers attendees the opportunity to marvel at the massive 60-foot-tall and 800-foot-wide compact of solid waste and soil before enjoying a boisterous fireworks display. The event, which will include food trucks and live music, starts at 8 p.m. The fireworks display will commence at 9:30 p.m. Admission to the celebration is free; however, parking is $20.

Star-Spangled Squirrel Fest at The Diamond

Location: 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA 23230

Enjoy America’s favorite pastime while waiting for a fireworks display at The Diamond at the Star-Spangled Squirrel Fest at The Diamond. The event runs from 6-9:30 p.m. and will include live music, food and drink, interactive games, and a lively game between The Landsharks and The Mashup. Tickets are $10.

Red, White, and Lights 2025

Location: 3400 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060

The family-friendly Red, White, and Lights 2025 celebration offers an evening of music, food, and history, culminating in a laser light show. The free event at Crump Park lasts from 4 to 10 p.m. The Richmond Symphony will be playing classic American melodies, while historical reenactments tell the story of Henrico’s heritage. While waiting for the laser display, have dinner at the food truck court where more than 15 local businesses will be selling a variety of fares.

Chesterfield Fourth of July Celebration

Location: 10300 Courthouse Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832

Visit the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds for an afternoon of food, activities for kids, live music, and entertainment, which will culminate in a fireworks display at sundown. Attendees of the Chesterfield Fourth of July Celebration are welcome to bring blankets and chairs so they’re comfortable during the display. Notably, the music will be provided by BrassWind, a group of retired and active-duty military personnel. The celebration is free.

July 4th Fireworks in Fredericksburg

Location: 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, VA 22401

The July 4th Fireworks in Fredericksburg are so intense that they can be seen up to two miles from the Virginia Credit Union Stadium, where they will be held. The show starts at 9 p.m., with organizers encouraging attendees to arrive early as space is limited. The event is free.

July 5

Red, White & Brew: Independence Day Celebration

Location: 1100 E. Jack Jouett Rd., Louisa, VA 23093

Attendees of the Red, White & Brew: Independence Day Celebration at Southern Revere Cellars can enjoy various food and drink options while jamming to a lively concert before the fireworks display. The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. Admission is $20 per vehicle.