We have so much to be grateful for each Independence Day, and this year feels extra special. The Richmond area has so many fun, festive events for families. There are big trucks, sporting events, and yes, fireworks!
Here are local ways for Richmond area families to enjoy & celebrate this Independence Day.
Events over the Weekend:
1. Hardywood West Creek: This family-friendly brewery is hosting "Let Lagers Ring" from noon to 10PM on Sunday, July 3. Tickets cost $10 per adult, and children 12 and under are free. Hardywood West Creek will have a full day of live music, 5 food trucks, outdoor games, and a fireworks show at dusk.
*Check here for more details.
2. The Richmond Kickers: Our local RVA soccer team plays on Saturday, July 2, and they are having fireworks after their game! They have 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. If you purchase your tickets before the day of the match, they are $15. Children 4 and under are free.
*Check here for tickets.
3. Hill of Heroes: Virginia War Memorial's annual Hill of Heroes will be on display from June 24 to July 8. 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. Last year, 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.
This year, The War Memorial is also hosting Hill of Heroes Family Day on June 25 from 11 to 2. This program will have special activities just for children and families, and it is free to attend.
*Check here for more details.
4. Monster Truck Throwdown: This monster truck rally is coming back to Virginia Motorsports Park on July 1-3. Gates open at 4 each day, and kids can meet the monster truck drivers and even ride in one before the race. There are vendors and concessions, too. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for kids (4-12 yo). Make sure to bring lawn chairs, cash (for some vendors and to ride the monster truck), and ear muff for little kids (it is LOUD)!
This monster truck rally isn't necessarily patriotic, but it sure is fun for the whole family!
5. Colonial Williamsburg: Less than an hour from Richmond, Colonial Williamsburg is hosting 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 Monday, July 4. The best locations to watch them are on Palace Green, Market Square, and the Lawn of the Art Museums
*Check here for a full schedule and check here for my review of Colonial Williamsburg.
Events on Monday, July 4th
1. Ashland July Fourth Parade & Celebration: Ashland's Independence Day event begins at 11 on Sunday, 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. The "fly over" is estimated for 11AM, and there is a patriotic pet contest, an apple pie baking contest, lawn games, food, and more.
*Check here for more information and check here for my full review of Ashland.
2. Colonial Williamsburg: Less than an hour from Richmond, Colonial Williamsburg is hosting 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! Fireworks will end the weekend's celebrations on Monday, July 4. The best locations to watch them are on Palace Green, Market Square, and the Lawn of the Art Museums
*Check here for a full schedule and check here for my review of Colonial Williamsburg.
3.Fourth of July Celebration at Chesterfield Fair Grounds: Chesterfield Parks and Recreation is hosting a free Fourth of July event at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds. With gates opening at 5, you can grab food at the concessions & listen to live music. The fireworks start at dark. Make sure you bring chairs or blanket to sit on!
*Check here for more information.
4. Independence Day in Yorktown: Historic Yorktown is celebrating Independence Day from 8am to 10pm! 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.
*Check here for more information & check here for my full review of Yorktown.
5. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Each year Lewis Ginter opens its gates for free on Independence Day (this year it's on Monday, July 4). This event is rain or shine & tickets are not required. Free admission includes all of the exhibits except the splash pad (this is closed until next summer).
*Check here for more information & check here for my full review of Lewis Ginter.
6. 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! The Richmond Symphony will also be performing, and there will be a laser light show finale (the event is 4-10pm).
*Check here for more information & check here for more information on Crump Park.
7. The Flying Squirrels' Baseball Game: Our local baseball team is hosting its annual Independence Day Celebration & Dueling Fireworks! Fireworks will be after the game on Monday, July 4. The game starts at 6:35.
Looking for other ways to celebrate Independence Day weekend? Check out my blog on 5 local beaches.
For more details on these getaway spots and more Virginia adventures, follow our family on @thewestendmom on Instagram!