From festive fireworks and historical reenactments to live music and street fairs, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the Fourth of July as a family in our area. Whether you’re staying local or venturing out for a day trip to Richmond or Washington, D.C., we’ve gathered a full lineup of events just for you. So mark your calendars, pack your picnic baskets, and get ready to make some red, white, and blue memories.
Pro tip: Not all events take place on July 4, so double-check the dates before you go!
FREDERICKSBURG
Fallen Heroes 5 Miler
Honor fallen heroes this Fourth of July at the annual Fallen Heroes 5 Miler, beginning and ending at James Monroe High School with a 7:30 a.m. start through downtown Fredericksburg in support of local veterans and first responders.
When: Saturday, July 4, 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Where: James Monroe High School, F’burg
Cost: $35+
Info: Click Here
Children’s Roll & Stroll
Children and adults are invited to the July 4th Stroll & Roll!
When: Saturday, July 4, 9:00 a.m.
Where: VRE Parking Lot B, F’burg
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
2026 Fourth in Fredericksburg Arts & Crafts Show
Celebrate Independence Day with handmade goods, food vendors, music, and family fun. Held rain or shine in downtown Fredericksburg, this popular outdoor festival features a variety of local artisans and entertainment.
When: Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Fredericksburg
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
A 250th Fourth of July at Ferry Farm
Be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th birthday Independence Day at George Washington’s boyhood home!
When: Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: George Washington’s Ferry Farm, F’burg
Cost: $3 per person ages 3+
Info: Click Here
Fourth in Fredericksburg Festival
Celebrate the Fourth in downtown Fredericksburg with a festive afternoon at Riverfront Park featuring live music, kids’ activities, local art vendors, great food, and a patriotic opening ceremony at noon.
When: Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Riverfront Park, F’burg
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Step back in time and experience history come to life as living historians read the Declaration of Independence at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, with free readings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
When: Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Where: Hugh Mercer Apothecary, F’burg
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
FXBG Rubber Ducky Derby
Celebrate Independence Day along the Rappahannock River with the return of the Fredericksburg Rubber Ducky Derby, where 2,000 ducks race downstream in a festive community tradition supporting local parks and river conservation efforts.
When: Saturday, July 4, 12 p.m.
Where: Riverfront Park, F’burg
Cost: $5/duck
Info: Click Here
FredNats Patriotic Palooza
Celebrate Independence Day with handmade goods, food vendors, music, and family fun. Held rain or shine in downtown Fredericksburg, this popular outdoor festival features a variety of local artisans and entertainment.
When: Saturday, July 4, 4 – 8 p.m.
Where: FredNats Stadium, F’burg
Cost: $5
Info: Click Here
4th of July Spectacular in Stafford County
Celebrate the Fourth with an evening at Pratt Park featuring live music, stilt walkers, family games, festive giveaways, and a fireworks show lighting up the sky at 9:15 p.m.
When: Saturday, July 4, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Pratt Park, F’burg
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
Downtown Sounds
Previously known as Sounds of Summer, FAM Downtown Sounds is a concert series showcasing regional musicians in historic Market Square.
When: Saturday, July 4, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Market Square, F’burg
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
July 4th Fireworks in Fredericksburg
Watch the sky light up this Fourth of July at Virginia Credit Union Stadium, where fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and families can enjoy the show from their cars.
When: Saturday, July 4, 9 p.m.
Where: Fredericksburg Convention Center, F’burg
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
SPOTSYLVANIA
Spotsylvania Stars & Stripes Spectacular!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of history, live music, food, and fireworks in the heart of the Courthouse Historic District.
When: Saturday, June 27, 4 – 10 pm
Where: Spotsylvania Courthouse District, Spotsylvania
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
STAFFORD
A Star-Spangled 250th in Stafford
Celebrate Stafford’s Star-Spangled 250th at Pratt Park Fireworks Spectacular, where a full day of entertainment and community activities leads into a grand fireworks finale, with entry limited once parking reaches capacity.
When: Saturday, July 4, 6 – 10 pm
Where: Pratt Park, F’burg
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
RICHMOND
Chesterfield Fourth of July Celebration
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States at the Chesterfield Fourth of July Celebration, a free community event at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds featuring live music, food vendors, a kids’ zone, special entertainment, and a fireworks finale.
When: Saturday, July 4, 5 p.m.
Where: Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest at the Diamond
Celebrate Independence Day at The Diamond during Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest, a family-friendly evening featuring live music, food and drink specials, interactive activities, and a fireworks show to cap off the night.
When: Saturday, July 4, 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Diamond, Richmond
Cost: General Admission $10, Field Access During Fireworks and Commemorative Hat $20
Info: Click Here
Kings Dominion Star-Spangled Nights
Celebrate the Fourth of July, featuring thrilling rides, water fun, and a spectacular fireworks show starting at 10 pm each night set to patriotic music. The best views of the fireworks are in Candy Apple Grove by the Drop Tower, International Street by the Eiffel Tower, or Jungle X-Pedition by the Backlot Stunt Coaster.
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 3, 4 & 5; 10 p.m.
Where: Kings Dominion, Doswell
Cost: $42+
Info: Click Here
WASHINGTON DC
Independence Day Fireworks at Mount Vernon (SOLD OUT)
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an immersive evening of 18th-century history, featuring living history demonstrations, hands-on colonial games, appearances by George and Martha Washington, and a grand fireworks display over the Potomac River at 9:15 p.m.
When: Friday & Saturday, July 3 & 4; 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon
Cost: $30 – $60
Info: Click Here
National Independence Day Parade
The America’s National Independence Day Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. in Washington, D.C., beginning at 3rd St. and Constitution Ave. and traveling south along 3rd St., west on Independence Ave., and ending at 12th St.
When: Saturday, July 4, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
Fourth on the Wharf
Celebrate America 250 with live country music across outdoor stages at The Wharf, where guests grab food to-go, enjoy performances, and watch National Park Service fireworks launched over the Lincoln Memorial.
When: Saturday, July 4, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: The Wharf, Washington, DC
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
A Capitol Fourth Concert
Kick off America’s Semiquincentennial with A Capitol Fourth: 250 Weekend Celebration, broadcasting live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, featuring country music performances, a national broadcast, and fireworks lighting up the sky from George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
When: Friday, July 3, 8 – 9:30 pm
Where: West Lawn of the US Capitol, Washington, DC
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
Fireworks on the National Mall
Celebrate Independence Day with a stunning fireworks display on the National Mall, launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool starting at 9:09 pm. Hosted by the National Park Service, this iconic event offers a patriotic backdrop among the nation’s most historic monuments following the concert at the Capitol.
When: Saturday, July 4, 9:09 – 9:27 pm
Where: The National Mall, Washington, DC
Cost: FREE!
Info: Click Here
Know Before You Go
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Pack smart: Bring along the essentials—sunscreen, plenty of water, hats, and a blanket or folding chairs. Consider ear protection for little ones attending loud firework shows.
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Arrive early: Many events fill up fast, especially parades and fireworks displays. Give yourself plenty of time to find parking, grab a good spot and settle in before the fun begins.
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Check the weather: Summer storms can roll in quickly. Always confirm event details on organizers’ websites or social media pages for any last-minute changes or cancellations.
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Plan for parking: Some larger events offer shuttle services (thanks Fredericksburg Trolley!) or have limited parking nearby. Double-check maps and transportation options before you head out.
FredParent is your go-to resource for raising a family in the ’Burg. Whether you’re planning a memorable celebration without overspending, exploring local history through VA250, discovering a standout high school senior or just planting a kid-friendly herb garden, we’ve got you covered.
Plus, find fresh takes on date spots, the BEST ice cream shops around town, spring festivals worth a stop or even the best hikes for kids. From simple afternoons to can’t-miss events, it’s all here.
