July 4 celebrations in Central Virginia 2026: Where to watch fireworks and more

RICHMOND, Va. — Saturday, July 4 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and events are being held throughout the holiday weekend for Central Virginians.

Extreme heat in the forecast has caused some events to be delayed or canceled. CBS 6 will keep this list updated as announcements are made.

Saturday, July 4:

• Colonial Williamsburg July 4 Celebration and Fireworks
  
  • Multiple family-friendly events being held throughout the day, with a drone show and fireworks display to cap off the evening.
  • Time: Festivities kick off with a morning reading of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson at 9:30 a.m.; fireworks start at 9:25 p.m.
  • Click here for a full schedule
  • Tickets to July 4 events are complimentary. Tickets available for reservation here.

• Naturalization Ceremony at Virginia Museum of History & Culture
  
  • An Independence Day tradition welcoming America's newest citizens, followed by live music, Ukrop's cake and lemonade, and a chance to explore the museum's galleries.
  • Time: 11 a.m.
  • Location: Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond, VA
  • Cost: Free

• RVA Let Lagers Ring! at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
  
  • Hardywood's annual Fourth of July party features craft beer, pizza, and a full afternoon of live music including sets from Fear of Music, The Potluck, and Coral Bank Hollow. The event is family-friendly.
  • Time: Noon – 9 p.m.
  • Location: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA
  • Cost: Free (food and drinks for purchase)

• "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Reenactment
  *Note: Saturday's event is sold out, but tickets are still available for Sunday, July 5
  
  • Watch Patrick Henry deliver the speech that helped push Virginia toward revolution, performed in the same church where he gave it more than 250 years ago. Tour presentations are offered before the show, and a meet-and-greet with the delegates follows the reenactment.
  • Time: 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Historic St. John's Church, Richmond, VA
  • Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for ages 12 and under. Check website for more ticket information.

• Crozet Independence Day Celebration with Fireworks
  
  • An evening filled with live music, local food trucks, wines from King Family Vineyards, a local beer trailer, and a spectacular fireworks display. This year features T-shirts for sale, beads, bubbles, and multi-color light sticks to commemorate the 250th anniversary.
  • Time: Gates open at 4 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
  • Location: King Family Vineyards, Crozet, VA
  • Cost: Free (food and drinks for purchase)

• Kings Dominion – Star‑Spangled Nights

  • Fireworks show for all ages, complete with patriotic music.
  • Time: 10 p.m.
  • Location: Kings Dominion, Doswell
  • Cost: Included with park admission

• Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest at CarMax Park
  
  • The Richmond Flying Squirrels host their first Fourth of July at CarMax Park with live music from Richmond's No BS! Brass Band (6–7 p.m.) and Grateful Shred (7:30–9 p.m.), on-field access for fans, and what the team is calling the largest fireworks show in Richmond at 9 p.m.
  • Time: 5:30–9 p.m.
  • Location: CarMax Park, Richmond
  • Cost: $17.05

• James Monroe's Highland Free Independence Day Concert
  
  • Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds from 6 to 7 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Heifetz International Music Institute will perform classically-inspired music for all ages. Following the performance, guests will have a view of the fireworks show beside Carter Mountain from the Highland Pavilion Yard.
  • Time: 6 p.m. – fireworks viewing after concert
  • Location: James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville
  • Cost: Free

• Light Up Powhatan
  
  • Free event with live music. Fireworks begin at dusk.
  • Time: Parking opens at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m.
  • Location: Fighting Creek Park, Powhatan
  • Cost: Free

• Goochland County Fireworks Show
  
  • Time: 9-10 p.m.
  • Location: Goochland Sports Complex, 1800 Sandy Hook Road
  • Cost: Free

• Fireworks at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  
  • Fireworks and drones will light up the sky behind lit roller coaster tracks.
  • Time: 9:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Included with park admission

Sunday, July 5:

• "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Reenactment
  
  • Watch Patrick Henry deliver the speech that helped push Virginia toward revolution, performed in the same church where he gave it more than 250 years ago. Tour presentations are offered before the show, and a meet-and-greet with the delegates follows the reenactment.
  • Time: 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Historic St. John's Church, Richmond
  • Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for ages 12 and under. Check website for more ticket information.

• Kings Dominion – Star‑Spangled Nights
  
  • Fireworks show for all ages, complete with patriotic music.
  • Time: 10 p.m.
  • Location: Kings Dominion, Doswell
  • Cost: Included with park admission

Did we miss an event? Click here to email details to the CBS 6 Newsroom.