PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Happy 4th of July! Celebrate with events, fireworks and more across the area, from Hampton Roads to North Carolina.
Virginia
Chesapeake
South Norfolk July 4th Parade & Festival
- Where: Lakeside Park, 1441 Bainbridge Blvd
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- What: Parade and picnic in the park to celebrate July 4th. It is presented by the South Norfolk Civic League and the Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department.
- How much: The event is free. Some activities may require a small fee.
- Where: Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, 1775 Historic Way
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- What: Celebrate Independence Day with crafts, historic displays, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and more.
- How much: All activities are included in the cost of museum admission.
- Where: Chesapeake City Park, 900 City Park Drive
- When: Wednesday, July 3 with paid parking open at 4 p.m. and the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
- What: Celebrate America’s birthday with music, fireworks, activities and more. A variety of food trucks will be available on-site.
- How much: The event is free to the public with food and beverages for purchase at Food Trucks. Park on-site will cost $5 per vehicle.
Franklin
Franklin Independence Day Celebration
- Where: Downtown Franklin
- When: Wednesday, July 3 from 4-9:30 p.m.
- What: Celebrate with the City of Franklin with fireworks, family-friendly activities and more. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with the Franklin Cruise in and Franklin Market on Main. The Ace Party Band will perform from 6-9 p.m. at Barrett’s Landing. Check out the food trucks, plus starting at 6:30 p.m. there will be free hotdogs and watermelon while supplies last. The fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
- How much: Free and open to the public. Some activities may have additional costs.
Hampton
Fourth of July Celebration at Mill Point Park
- Where: Mill Point Park
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 5-10 p.m. Drone show at 9 p.m.
- What: There will be live entertainment, food, fun activities, and a drone show. The drone show will begin at 9 p.m. Watch as the synchronized drones put on a stunning display in the night sky. You can explore food options from local vendors at the park. The event is BYOB (bring your own beverage), Hampton says feel free to bring beverages, enjoy responsibly, and follow park rules.
- How much: Free and open to the public.
Newport News
There will be free admission to the Virginia War Museum on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate independence day. Learn about American military history from 1775 to the present day.
- Where: Victory Landing Park, 50 26th St
- When: Thursday, July 4 at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m.
- What: Celebrate with food, music, entertainment, giveaways and a fireworks show above the James River. Watch Good Shot Judy perform with the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra. For visitors, no pets, alcohol, bicycles, skateboards or radios are permitted inside the event area.
- How much: Free and open to the public. Parking is also free, click here for more information.
Norfolk
Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Display
- Where: Ocean View Beach Park
- When: Friday, June 28 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
- What: The Friday after-work Ocean View event series is back this summer. Kick off the 2024 season with an evening of live music, children’s activities, food, beverages and more.
- How much: Free and open to the public.
4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks
- Where: Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 5-10 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- What: Celebrate the Fourth of July with an evening on the waterfront with fireworks, all-American fare and live performances. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood and more. Enjoy live musical entertainment from the military brass bands.
- How much: Free and open to the public.
Naro Cinema: Fourth of July Weekend
- Where: Naro Cinema
- When: July 3-July 7 Showings
- What: Celebrate the 4th of July weekend at the movies! The Naro will bring Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film Jaws back to the big screen.
- How much: Tickets are required. Purchase online or in-person. Click here for information.
- Where: Maker’s Craft Brewery
- When: Saturday, July 6 from 6-9 p.m.
- What: Head to the Norfolk brewery to watch The Michael Clark Band and celebrate the 4th! Keep the celebration going from the week with beer, music and time with friends.
- How much: Admission to the brewery is free and open to all.
Portsmouth
Annual Shaggin’ 4th of July Celebration
- Where: Hight Street Ferry Landing
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 5-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- What: A night of music and fireworks to celebrate the 4th! The Saints of Soul Band will perform beach music from 5-8 p.m. followed by the Tidewater Concert Band performing patriotic music from 8-9:30p.m. Fireworks will follow at 9:30 p.m. Please note, to view the fireworks, walk north on the Seawall towards Tidewater Yacht Marina. Best viewing is from Crawford Street overlooking Crawford Bay and Hospital Point. Find more information and the latest updates at the link here.
- How much: Free and open to the public.
- Where: Rivers Casino Portsmouth
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 7-10 p.m.
- What: Free outdoor concert to celebrate July 4th. Watch the Independence Day Jam with cover band M80. They will play the top hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Water will be provided. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All ages are welcome. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- How much: Free and open to the public.
Smithfield
- Where: Downtown Smithfield
- When: Tuesday, July 2 at 9:30 p.m.
- What: The fireworks display will from from Clontz Park. It will provide a good viewing area at Smithfield Station and along the river. Find a spot to watch the display!
- How much: Free and open to all.
Suffolk
- Where: Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina
- When: Thursday, July 4 at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m.
- What: Celebrate the 4th of July with food, drinks, bounces houses, games and a fireworks display. Music by The Feenies begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Shuttles will be available to the event, take a look here for information.
- How much: Free and open to the public.
Virginia Beach
4th of July Stars & Stripes Celebration
- Where: 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks
- When: Thursday, July 4 at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- What: It’s a “star-spangled” salute to America! Watch live concerts at the oceanfront parks leading up to the oceanfront fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
- 17th Street Park: Watch The Deloreans from 7-10:30 p.m.
- 24th Street Park: Watch Tidewater Winds Concert Band from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- 31st Street Park: Watch Buckshot from 7-10:30 p.m.
- How much: Free and open to the public.
- Where: Mount Trashmore Park
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 4-10 p.m.
- What: Celebrate the 4th in the park with performances, children’s activities, food vendors and fireworks. The fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Performances will take place on the main stage from 6-9 p.m.
- How much: Admission is free, limited on-site parking available for $20 (cash only). Food and beverages available for purchase.
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is offering free admission on July 4th. It includes tours, admission to trade sites, daily staged performances, art museums and more. Click here to find out more information and register.
Independence Day Celebrations at Colonial Williamsburg
- Where: Historic Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg
- When: Thursday, July 4
- What: All-day long there will be patriotic festivities including, public readings of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances and fireworks “Lights of Freedom” to end the night.
- How much: The events are open to the public. For some events, register for free admission to the the historic area. Click here for more information.
Yorktown
- Where: Events around Yorktown
- When: Thursday, July 4
- What: Celebrate the 4th with an action-packed day around Yorktown with activities for the whole family. There will be a parade, games, entertainment, festive music and a grand fireworks finale. The parade starts at 9 a.m. The fireworks take place at 9:15 p.m. Click here to see the full flyer.
- How much: Free admission and open to the public. Click here to find out specific information for all of the day’s events.
- Where: American Revolution Museum in Yorktown
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- What: Visitors will be able to enjoy various programs, artillery demonstrations and learn about challenges that faced our nation’s founders. Click here for a full schedule of events.
- How much: Included with museum admission — residents of York County, James City County and Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency.
North Carolina
Corolla
- Where: Historic Corolla Park
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 5-9 p.m.
- What: Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, live entertainment, food trucks, family activities and more. The firework display will begin at dusk. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase by local vendors. The Dickens will perform from 5-8:30 p.m. Click here to find out more about the event.
- How much: Admission is free and free parking in the park will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No boat docking will be allowed at the park.
Dare County
Ahead of the holiday, Dare County released fireworks regulations. Take a look at the information, here.
The Town of Duck 4th of July Celebration Parade
- Where: Parade in the Town of Duck (View map here)
- When: Thursday, July 4 at 9 a.m.
- What: Celebrate with the community with the annual parade. It is a one-mile route beginning on Scarborough Lane and ending at Pamela Court. Following the parade, the Community Celebration will take place at the Duck Town Park. Enjoy live music, cold refreshments, and see who wins the parade trophies.
- How much: Free and open to the public.
Elizabeth City
Family, Food, Fun and Fireworks
- Where: Waterfront Park
- When: Wednesday, July 3 at 5:30 p.m.
- What: Celebrate Independence Day with the annual celebration featuring food trucks, vendors, games, and the fireworks display. There will be fun family activities including bounce houses, splash pads, face painters and more.
- How much: Free to attend and open to the public.
Hertford County
Community 4th of July Celebration
- Where: 115 Justice Drive, Winton
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 6-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
- What: Celebrate July 4th with the community. There will be fireworks, a bounce house, music, games, vendors, food trucks and more.
- How much: Free entry and open to all.
Manteo
Town of Manteo Fourth of July Celebration
- Where: George Washington Creef Park
- When: Thursday, July 4 from 3-7:30 p.m. There will be fireworks after dark.
- What: The event will kick off with the National Anthem. There will also be kid’s games and activities, decorated bike contest and parade, apple pie contest and food. More information on the event can be found here.
- How much: Free entry and open to all — free shuttles also provided throughout the day.