Looking to celebrate Independence Day in the Richmond area? From amazing firework displays to free concerts, family zones, and historical reenactments, there’s something for everyone this July 4th. Here are some of the top events happening in and around Richmond this Independence Day.
UPDATE! POSTPONED TO LABOR DAY WEEKEND DUE TO HEAT Ashland July 4th Parade & Celebration
500 S. Center St., Ashland, VA 23005 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
A beloved tradition, head to Ashland for a day of fun, featuring an endearing small town walking parade at 11 a.m., followed by an old-fashioned lawn party at 11:45 a.m. including a patriotic concert by the Hanover Concert Band, lawn games, a patriotic pet costume contest, snow cones, hot dogs and hamburgers, and of course the famous Apple Pie Baking Contest and Pie Auction.
https://www.hanoverarts.net/events
Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest at CarMax Park
2929 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard · Richmond, VA 23230 | 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 pm
If you haven’t checked out CarMax Park yet, this will be a great evening to visit to check out RVA’s amazing new stadium (Read the RFM feature about the new park here). Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest will feature live music, family-friendly activities, on-field access for fans, and the largest fireworks show in Richmond.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. The No BS! Brass Band will take the stage from 6-7 p.m., followed by Grateful Shred, one of the country’s most popular Grateful Dead tribute bands, from 7:30-9 p.m. The night will close with the largest fireworks show in Richmond, beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission with bowl seating for the fireworks and $25 for general admission with on-field seating for the fireworks. Both ticket types include access to the field from 5:30-8:30 pm. After 8:30 pm, only fans with an on-field wristband will remain on the field to view the fireworks display.
Grab your tickets here.
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds Fourth of July Celebration
10300 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. | Gates open at 6:00 p.m. (updated time)
Head to the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds for a free evening of Fourth of July fun, complete with live music from The KOS Bank, a firework display, and over 15 food vendors. A special kids zone will have bounce castles, live entertainers, and games that are perfect for younger guests.
Parking is limited, and attendees may have to walk up to a mile from designated lots; carpooling is recommended.
Updates due to extreme heat: To reduce exposure to the heat, gates at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds will open one hour later at 6 p.m. for the annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4. Additional measures have been added to keep guests as cool as possible:
- Water stations along the walk from the parking areas
- Three misting tents inside the gates
- Large fans inside the Veterans Building, which will be open to guests
- Cooling cloths in iced water
Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of water and umbrellas, hats and sunglasses to shade themselves.
The fairgrounds have natural tree cover providing shade. Coolers, chairs, food and drinks are allowed. Tents, canopies, glass, alcohol and pets are not allowed.
To stay updated, sign up to receive event alerts by texting CFIELD4TH to 888777.
https://www.chesterfield.gov/4441/Fourth-of-July-Celebration
UPDATE! CANCELLED DUE TO HEAT Dogwood Dell’s “Big Show” Annual Independence Day Celebration
Byrd Park- 600 South Arthur Ashe, Jr Boulevard Richmond, VA 23220 | Begins at 5:00 p.m.
Set in the scenic Bryd Park, Dogwood Dell presents their annual “Big Show” which includes afree performance from the Richmond Concert Band, followed by a fireworks display. Come early to grab a seat on the amphitheater or bring seating for a spot on the surrounding outside field.
Info at Dogwood Dell 69th FoA 8.5×11 FULL.pdf
Farmer’s Market and Fireworks at The Freckled Flower Farm
18065 Mountain Road, Montpelier, VA 23192 | July 3, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Begin the evening shopping from a variety of farmers, bakers, artisans, crafters, and more. Grab dinner from the food trucks and a beverage at the bar. Explore the farm while cutting blooms as you go, and when you’re finished picking flowers, they’ll wrap them up for you to take home or add water to a bucket or vase you bring for you to take your flowers home.
Take beautiful photos with the flowers and farm and afterwards, head to the shaded, stocked pond and go fishing, bring a picnic or a cooler, and play yard games for a fun experience on the farm.
At 8:00 PM, the Farm will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with singing, the Pledge of Allegiance led by preschoolers and graduates of Country Day Preschool, sparklers, light sticks for kids, and a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. More info at https://wix.to/XRKbR17
Goochland County Fireworks and 250th Celebration
Fireworks will be shot off on July 4 between the old Goochland Elementary School and the Middle/High Complex at 9:15 PM. Start the celebration early with the Goochland VA 250 Commission as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s birth. Beginning at 1:00 PM on the historic courthouse green, “Independence on the Green” will feature the reading of the Declaration of Independence, recognition of Goochland residents who served in the Revolutionary War, and a ceremonial ringing of the Courthouse bell. More info
A Henrico Fourth: Dorey Park and Crump Park
NOTE: The start times have been adjusted due to the forecast of extreme heat.
July 3: Dorey Park: 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico, VA 23231 | 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
July 4: Crump Park: 3400 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday, Henrico County is throwing not one but two parties over two nights.
On July 3, Dorey Park will celebrate with live music from 5Starr and Plunky & Oneness, concessions, a hot air balloon display, and fireworks and a laser light show.
A Henrico Fourth: Dorey Park » Henrico County, Virginia
On July 4, Crump Park will be filled with activities, including food vendors, costumed Revolutionary War interpreters, a hot air balloon display, and live music by the Richmond Symphony featuring special guest, Desiree Roots. The grand finale will feature a full orchestral performance and a stunning laser light show.
A Henrico Fourth: Crump Park » Henrico County, Virginia
Kings Dominion- Star-Spangled Nights
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047 | July 3 – 5
Celebrate July 4th at Kings Dominion with a breathtaking fireworks show synchronized to patriotic music. You can spend the afternoon zooming on a new roller coaster like the Rapterra, or splash around in Soak City, before seeing the show. Access to the event is included with regular admission tickets.
Star-Spangled Nights – Kings Dominion
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23228 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Spend a peaceful July 4th surrounded by nature at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Families can enjoy exploring the gardens, with kids splashing around in the Waterway or climbing through the Klaus Family Tree House. Access to Butterflies Bloom will be limited by capacity. Admission is free all day. https://www.lewisginter.org/event/free-fourth-of-july/
Pamplin Historical Park
6125 Boydton Plank Rd, Petersburg, Virginia 23803 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy a full day of activities, programs, and demonstrations. A “Round Ball to Rim Fire” program will begin at 10:00 a.m. and highlight the types of weapons used in the Civil War to include a demonstration of the loading and firing of muskets. This will be followed by a program comparing soldiers of 1776 and those of the American Civil War in 1861 at 11:00 a.m. See the differences in equipment, food, medicine, technology and more between these common soldiers of different wars. A presentation on America’s 250th anniversary will then be celebrated with a presentation and cannon fire salute at 1:00 p.m. A guided tour of the Breakthrough Battlefield will be held at 2 p.m. All event activities and programs are included with regular daily paid admission. Independence Day Celebration – Pamplin Historical Park
Petersburg
Celebrate Independence Day weekend in Downtown Petersburg with live music, local food vendors, and a fireworks display to kick off the holiday weekend.
Start your Indepence Weekend on Friday, July 3, with live music beginning at 5 PM, food vendors beginning at 6 PM, and fireworks at 9 PM. Trapezium Brewing Company & Petersburg Harbor, 423 3rd Street, Petersburg, VA 23803
Then on Saturday, kick off the day at River Street Market’s Red, White & Blueberry Fest featuring local vendors, seasonal treats, baked goods, and summer produce. 9AM – 12PM at River Street & Bollingbrook Street.
Also on Saturday, throughout the day, experience one of Petersburg’s signature Fourth of July traditions as the Trailways Classic Cruise-In returns to Griffin Lounge with classic automobiles, local dining, and Historic Old Towne nearby. 108 E Washington St.
The Valentine
Enjoy free admission at the Valentine on the Fourth of July, which includes two hours of parking in the Valentine museum lot, admission to all of the Valentine’s exhibition galleries, and a guided tour of the historic Wickham House. You can also kick off the day and commemorate #VA250 in Richmond on a Court End Walking Tour from 10-11:30 a.m. Explore Richmond’s early history and visit remarkable landmarks in the heart of Downtown Richmond, including the White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, Capitol Square, and the John Marshall House. Advanced tickets for walking tours are required.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, Virginia 23220 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
All are invited to VMHC’s annual July 4th Naturalization Ceremony, held in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The ceremony will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Judge Roger Gregory (ceremony held inside the Robins Family Forum with limited seating). From 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., celebrate America’s newest citizens with Ukrop’s cake, lemonade, and live music in Commonwealth Hall. From 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., visit the American Treasures display in the VMHC Library and take part in the in-gallery scavenger hunt. The ceremony will also be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook. The Ceremony and Reception are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. Entry to the ceremony is first come. For full access the museum, please purchase Tickets for Daily Museum Admission in person or online.
Full details here.
Enjoy the 4th!
Before heading out, make sure to check each venue’s website for parking details, event updates, and admission details. Richmond has something for everyone to enjoy this Fourth of July!
