RVA's July 4 Fireworks and Festivities

Looking for the best patriotic celebrations around Richmond? RVA has so many fun events around July 4th, both on Independence Day and the days around it. I'm sharing my inside scoop on the best ways to celebrate Independence Day around the Richmond metro area, and I even have a discount code for The Richmond Kicker's Red, White and Roo match on July 3!

From fireworks and parades to laser shows and concerts, here are my top picks for family-friendly July 4th celebrations around RVA.

*Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram for things to do with kids around Richmond and Virginia!

Here are family-friendly July 4 festivities and special patriotic events happening around Richmond, Virginia.

If you want to see fireworks around Richmond:

1.Fireworks at The Diamond: The Richmond Flying Squirrels have 25 fireworks shows scheduled for the 2024 season -- these fireworks displays are at every Thursdays and Saturday nights over the summer. You can watch them from inside The Diamond or from around the parking lot.

Fireworks are on every Thursday and Saturday night after the games (usually around 9:30ish). You can also watch fireworks on July 4 and July 5.

*The fireworks show usually starts within 5 minutes of the game ending, and it lasts for about 8 minutes. The fireworks go off very close to the score board, so you can still see them if you're in the parking lot, outside the stadium. If you're not inside The Diamond, you can watch the game updates on MLB's website to know when the game is ending.

Location: The Diamond District

Address: 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, Virginia 23230

*Check here for more details on Attending The Richmond Flying Squirrels games with kids! If you'd like to see more videos of The Squirrels games, click here.

2.Fourth of July Celebration at Chesterfield Fair Grounds: Chesterfield Parks and Recreation is hosting a free Fourth of July event at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 4. With gates opening at 5, you can grab food at the concessions & listen to live music by The Morgan Lynsey Band. This July 4 event will also have a Kids' Zone, special entertainment, and the fireworks start at dark. Make sure you bring chairs or blanket to sit on!

The Kids Zone will have bounce houses, slides and more! It costs $5 to play in this area (cash or card), and it closes at 8pm.

Location: Chesterfield Fairgrounds, Chesterfield County

Address: 10300 Courthouse Rd, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832

*Check here for more information.  

3. Goochland County's July 4th Firework Celebration: Goochland County is hosting its annual July 4th Fireworks Celebration on Thursday, July 4 from 9pm-10pm.

Location: Goochland County's Goochland Sports Complex

Address: 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, Virginia 23063

*Check here for more information.

4. Dogwood Dell: Part of the City of Richmond Parks and Recreation, Dogwood Dell is located inside Byrd Park. It has a 2,400 amphitheatre, and they host an annual fireworks show for the public.

This free event starts at 5:30pm on Thursday, July 4, 2024. This is a free event, and usually has live music by the Richmond Concert Jazz Band. Firework usually begin around 9:15pm.

While you are allowed to bring small coolers, glass bottles and alcohol are not permitted. Food trucks will also be there if you're interested in purchasing food or drink.

Location: City of Richmond, Dogwood Dell

Address: 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, Virginia 23220

5. Kings Dominion: Open since 1975, Kings Dominion is located in Doswell, about 25 minutes from RVA.  This theme park has 12 world-class coasters, a 20 acre water park, a 14 acre kids’ area, music festivals & seasonal events. 

July 4-6 are the 2024 Star-Spangled Nights with a fireworks show. The fireworks are synchronized to patriotic music too!

Location: Hanover County, about 30 minutes from RVA

Address: 1600 Theme Park Way, Doswill, Virginia, 23047

*Check here if you'd like to see my guide on visiting Kings Dominion with little kids!

6. Independence Day in Yorktown: Historic Yorktown is celebrating Independence Day from 9am to 9:30pm on Thursday, July 4, 2024! This event is free and family-friendly, and you can even ride the free Yorktown Trolley -- one of our favorites! This July 4 celebration features a full day of events before the fireworks finale. Fireworks start at 9:15pm.

You can participate in the 8K run, watch the patriotic parade, listen to live music, explore the local historical sites or lounge at the beach! In the evening, there will be a patriotic concert & a fireworks display over the York River.

Location: Yorktown's Main Street, about 1 hour 19 minutes form RVA

Address: Historic Main Street and Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690

*Check here for more information & check here for my full review of Yorktown. 

7. Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a 422-acre amusement park with rides, attractions & events for thrill seekers & families, including concerts & holiday events. This theme park is located about an hour from RVA and an hour from Virginia Beach, so it's easy for a day trip for Virginia families!

Military Appreciation Week is July 1 through July 7. You'll find the park decked out in fun, patriotic decor and nightly fireworks.

Location: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, about 1 hour from RVA

Address: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

*Check here if you'd like to read my full guide on Visiting Busch Gardens with Kids!

8. Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg is hosting its annual Independence Day celebrations all day. The special events all weekend to celebrate Independence Day. "Go Fourth and Explore" will have live readings of the Declaration of Independence, tours of historic buildings, live music each evening, and more! We really enjoy exploring Williamsburg, and Duck of Gloucester Street is paved - perfect for strollers, bikes and scooters.

Fireworks will end the weekend's celebrations on Thursday, July 4. The best locations to watch them are on Palace Green, Market Square, and the Lawn of the Art Museums

Location: Colonial Williamsburg, about 1 hour from RVA

Address: 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185

*Check here for a full schedule and check here for my review of Colonial Williamsburg. 

Independence Day Light Shows in Richmond, Virginia:

1. Red, White & Lights by Henrico County Parks & Recreation: Henrico's annual Fourth of July Celebration is back, and it will be at Meadow Farm this year. Come out at 4 to enjoy music, entertainment and food trucks for Red, White and Lights 2024! The Richmond Symphony will also be performing, and there will be a laser light show finale (the event is 4-10pm).

*Please note: The finale is a laser-light show set to music. There are NO fireworks.

Location: Glen Allen's Crump Park

Address: 3400 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060

*Check here for more information & check here for more information on Crump Park.

Special Patriotic Events throughout the week of July 4 in Richmond:

1. Hill of Heroes: Virginia War Memorial's annual Hill of Heroes will be on display from June 29 to July 12. A powerful display of 12,000 flags are placed to represent the nearly 12,000 Virginians who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom - I definitely recommend visiting the memorial while it's up. The last couple of years, we made a visit on July 4, and added on a walk to the Tyler Potterfield Bridge. You could also add on a stop to Suzy Sno for sweet treats - it's about a 3 minute drive away.

The Community Celebration Day is on Saturday, June 29 from 11AM-1PM, and this is a free event with activities for all ages.

Location: The Virginia War Memorial

Address: 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220

*Check here for more details.

2. Red, White and Roo: The Richmond Kickers, our local RVA soccer team, plays on Wednesday, July 3 at 8pm and they are hosting their annual Red, White and Roo patriotic event. This is a red-out game - they will be giving away red t-shirt to the first 2-2.5K fans entering the stadium!

City Stadium has concessions and local food trucks like Chick Fil-A, Kona Ice + Dippin' Dots and Cary Street Cafe food truck. We really enjoyed arriving early, getting a free hat, having a picnic and watching the game - there was so much for the kids to see. The Richmond Kickers provided me a link for discount tickets - grab you tickets for almost half price at this link. Children 4 and under are free.

Location: City Stadium, Carytown

Address: 3201 Maplewood Ave, Richmond, Virginia 23221

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: If you'd like to attend the July 3 game, grab your tickets through this link. The Richmond Kickers gave me a discount code that will save you almost 50% on tickets for the Red, White and Roo game! Tickets usually start at $17, but with my link, you can get them for $12.

3. Hardywood West Creek: The annual "Let Lagers Ring" is back at Hardywood West Creek for July 4, 2024. This family-friendly brewery will be celebrating Independence Day from noon to 9PM on Thursday. Hardywood West Creek will have food trucks, craft lagers on draft, and outdoor games. Live music is scheduled throughout the day: Matt Waller 2-2:45, Gone Country 3-4, Adrian Duke Project 4:15-5:30, Full Moon Fever 5:45-7, Captain Mike and the Shipwreck (Jimmy Buffet Tribute) 7:30-9.

While this free event is for all ages, children must be supervised by parents at all times. Leave your pop-up tents, outside food and drink at home. Bags will be searched. This event is mostly outside, so prepare for the weather. Water refill stations are available inside.

Location: Far West End of Henrico

Address: 820 Sanctuary Trail DriveRichmond, VA, 23238

*Check here for more details.

Independence Day Parades around Richmond, Virginia:

1. Ashland July Fourth Parade & Celebration: Ashland's Independence Day event begins at 11 on Thursday, July 4! The event begins with a parade - it starts at Henry Clay Elementary School and heads down Hanover Avenue towards The Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Ashland's Independence Day evert will also have a patriotic pet contest, an apple pie baking contest, lawn games, food, and more. The patriotic concert will be performed by Hanover Concert Band on the lawn.

You could even add on a visit to Carter Park Pool while you're in Ashland. It's open to the public, and you can purchase daily admission. For more details on Carter Park Pool, check here for my full review on Ashland's public pool.

Location: Ashland, about 30 minutes from RVA

Address: 500 S Center Street, Ashland, Virginia 23005

*Check here for more information and check here for my full review of Ashland.

Free Events on July 4 in Richmond, Virginia:

1. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Each year Lewis Ginter Bontanical Garden opens its gates for free on Independence Day (this year it's on Thursday, July 4). This event is rain or shine & tickets are not required. Free admission includes all of the exhibits and gardens, including the new Waterway in the Children's Garden. Don't forget to bring your kiddo's swim suit to play in the water!

Location: Henrico's Lakeside

Address: 1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, Virgina 23228

*Check here for more information & check here for my full review of Lewis Ginter.

For more details on these RVA places and more Virginia adventures, follow me on @thewestendmom on Instagram!

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