HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) – Sparks will fly for the 4th of July, as many cities around Hampton Roads host a variety of different events to celebrate this year’s Independence Day! Tune in live at 9:30 p.m. in the video player on this page to view fireworks from Norfolk.
We’ve highlighted some of the local events below.
Additional 4th of July events can be found at the Living Local events calendar. If you need to add an event, you can do so from the calendar.
Virginia
Hampton Roads
- Where: All cities in Hampton Roads Southside and Peninsula coverage area
- What: Drive Safe Hampton Roads is offering free Lyft rides for the July 4th holiday. The promo code will be posted on drivesafehr.org/757-sober-ride at 3 PM on Monday, July 3. The promotion is meant to keep the roads safe and to stop drunk driving this holiday weekend.
- When: Valid Monday July 3, 2023 to July 5, 2023 while supplies last.
- How much: Up to $15 off of your Lyft drive.
Chesapeake
Annual South Norfolk July 4th Parade and Picnic
- Where: Lakeside Park 1441 Bainbridge Boulevard
- What: An Independence Day celebration including a parade that begins at 10 a.m. and a picnic that follows at 3 p.m.
- When: July 4. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- How much: Attendance is free; special activities require a small fee.
- Where: Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Museum, 1775 Historic Way
- What: This event uses historic reenactments to celebrate American Independence in an educational and fun way for both children and adults. Arts and crafts activities will be provided by the museum for children in attendance.
- When: Saturday July 1, 2023, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- How much: Museum admissions cover activities for the event.
- Where: Chesapeake City Park, 900 City Park Drive
- What: Celebrate Americas birthday with live entertainment, and fireworks. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets. Tents, feather flags, and oversized umbrellas are not allowed.
- When: Monday, July 3, 2023, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- How much: The event is free, parking on site is $5
Hampton
- Where: Outlook Beach, Fort Monroe
- What: Indulge in delicious treats from food trucks, witness the awe-inspiring Golden Knights parachute demonstration, and groove to the energetic tunes of the TRADOC Band with the added excitement of live cannons.
- When: Friday, June 30, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
- How much: Free and open to the public
- Where: Oozlefinch Beers & Blending, 81 Patch Road
- What: Support the troops this Independence Day at Coastal Virginia Ruck Club’s July 4th event. Participants will hike and run carrying heavy military grade packs. Come out to show your support.
- When: July 4, 2023
- How much: Admissions is free, food and drink may be purchased at Oozlefinch Beers and Brewing.
Fireworks Night at War Memorial Stadium
- Where: War Memorial Stadium, 1889 West Pembroke Avenue
- What: Take the whole family out to the ballpark to see fireworks while enjoying America’s favorite pastime at War Memorial Stadium. The Peninsula Pilots will be batting up against the Wilmington Sharks at 7 p.m. This game night is sponsored by Onelife Fitness.
- When: Saturday, July 1, 7 p.m.
- How Much: You can purchase tickets online at this link.
- Where: First Street near East Pembrooke Avenue
- What: Buckroe’s weekly farmers market boasts numerous vendors selling produce, baked goods, jarred foods, sausage, and seafood.
- When: July 1, 2023
- How much: Food and other goods may be purchased from vendors.
Fireworks Race Night at the Speedway
- Where: Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway, 3165 N Armistead Ave
- When: Saturday, July 1, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
- What: Race on over to Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway on July 1 for their Fireworks Race Night. Come out to see the best-in-show VA sprint cars, modifieds, legends, bandoleros and Virginia mini cups.
- How much: Adults $15, Children $7
Newport News
- Where: Victory Landing Park, 50 26th St.
- What: Newport News Parks and Recreation is holding a live firework display along with other festive activities. Live music from local performers takes place from 7:20 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- When: July 4, 2023, from 6 p.m. until 9:15 p.m.
- How much: Admission and parking are free to the public.
Norfolk
Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration
- Where: Ocean View Beach Park
- What: Kick off the Ocean View Beach Park Friday after-work family event series with The Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show. The Celebration & Fireworks Show is on Friday, June 30, at Ocean View Beach Park and begins at 6 p.m. The Event features live music from Wonderland, as well as food trucks and family-friendly games and activities. The fireworks display in Ocean View is set for 9:30 p.m.
- When: Friday, June 30, 2023
40th Annual 4th of July Great American Picnic and Fireworks
- Where: Town Point Park, Waterside Drive
- What: The City of Norfolk is holding their 40th annual Independence Day celebration featuring American style food. Fireworks will be visible from the park at 9:30 pm.
- When: July 4, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- How much: Admission is free and open to the public.
Norfolk Tides vs. Charlotte Knights
Stick around for fireworks Saturday, Sunday and Monday night as the Norfolk Tides take on The Charlotte Knights at 6:35 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at the link here.
Portsmouth
Shaggin’ 4th of July Celebration
- Where: 2 High Street
- What: A dance party will be held on the beach, show off your shaggin’ to celebrate the 4th! Three musical acts will provide live music for the event.
- When: July 4, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- How much: Admission is free, food for purchase.
Suffolk
- Where: 110 E. Constance Road
- What: Fireworks and live music will be held to celebrate Independence Day in Suffolk on the 4th. The local band Rocky 7 will provide the music for the event with fireworks to follow. Food, activities for children, and various vendors will also be featured at the event.
- When: July 4, 2023, starting at 5:30 p.m.
- How much: Admission is free, food is for purchase.
Virginia Beach
- Where: Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- What: From 7 to 11 p.m. enjoy the concert series at the 17th and 24th street parks, and Neptune’s Park. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. View the fireworks anywhere along the beach.
- When: Tuesday, July 4
- How much: Free and open to the public.
July 4th Celebration at Mount Trashmore
- Where: Mount Trashmore, 310 Edwin Drive
- What: Starting at 8 p.m. celebrate with food trucks, live music, and a beautiful fireworks display. Parking will be $10. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm.
- When: Tuesday, July 4
- How much: Free and open to the public.
3rd Annual 4th of July Party at Noble
- Where: Noble Tile and Escrow Inc, 341 Edwin Drive
- What: Noble Tile and Escrow is hosting their 3rd annual July 4th celebration at their headquarters. Food trucks, live music, face painting, and child friendly games and activities will be provided. Fireworks from Mt Trashmore is visible from the location.
- When: July 4, 2023, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.
- How much: Admission is free.
- Where: 24th Street Stage
- What: The Tidewater Winds band will be performing with vocalist Danielle Roby in order to celebrate Independence Day with music and fireworks to follow.
- When: Tuesday July 4, 2023, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- How much: Admission is free.
39th Annual Independence Day Race
- Where: MT Trashmore Park, 4441 South Boulevard
- What: The MT Trashmore Family YMCA presents their 39th annual Independence Day race around MT Trashmore. Cash prizes are provided for winners of the race, it is 40 dollars per person to register for the race. This race supports the YMCA in the “Annual Giving Campaign”.
- When: July 4, 2023, race starts at 7:30 a.m.
- How much: $40 per person.
TRAFFIC NOTE: While plans for managing traffic are in place to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to Virginia Beach, expect traffic to be unusually heavy throughout much of the holiday weekend, especially on Tuesday, July 4.
Starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, vehicles traveling eastbound on I-264 may be redirected westbound at Parks Avenue. The eastbound exit at South Birdneck Road and the westbound exit at First Colonial Road will likely be closed should the diversion be implemented. Routes to the resort area that will remain open include Shore Drive and Laskin Road. This traffic diversion may be in place until around 11:30 p.m.
The City has partnered with WAZE to provide real-time traffic updates.
Residents can sign up to receive event updates and emergency alerts during the holiday. Text JULY423 to 67283 to opt-in. Notifications will automatically end after July 4.
Williamsburg
Independence Day Celebrations at Colonial Williamsburg
- Where: Colonial Williamsburg
- What: There will be numerous events and celebrations throughout the city on the 4th. The celebrations begin with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 9:30 a.m. and end with fireworks over the Governor’s Palace at 9:30 p.m.
- When: July 4, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- How much: Admission is free to the public, visit Colonial Williamsburg’s website for more details.
Community Appreciation Day
Postponed until July 20 due to the heat advisory and possible severe weather
- Where: Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, 301 S. Nassau St.
- What: The City of Williamsburg, William & Mary, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will host the 3rd annual Community Appreciation Day, which began as a thank you to the community for their collective strength and resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Appreciation Day is now an annual tradition hosted by Williamsburg’s three pillar institutions.
- When: Monday, July 3, 2023. Community Appreciation Day begins at 5 p.m.
- How much: This event is free and open to the public.
Yorktown
Yorktown Independence Day 8K Run, 5K Fun Run/Walk
- Where: 9300 George Washington Memorial Highway
- What: The City of Yorktown is hosting an 8K event to celebrate Independence Day. Awards are available for the top performers in the race. Participants will receive t-shirts and other merchandise while supplies last.
- When: July 4, 2023
- How much: $30-$50 per person.
North Carolina
Kill Devil Hills
The Town of Kill Devil Hills Fireworks Show
- Where: 2111 N Virginia Dare Trail
- What: The Town of Kill Devil Hills will be holding fireworks show on the beach near Avalon pier. Grab a beach towel or chair and enjoy the celebration.
- When: July 4, 2023
- How much: Town parking and admissions are free.
The Independence Day 1 Mile Beer Run
- Where: 600 S. Croatan HWY
- What: Outer Banks Brewing Station is holding a ¼ beer run for adults over 21. Prizes will be given to the fastest male and female runner. 10-ounce beverages are provided to the first 100 participants.
- When: July 2, 2023, for more questions text (252)-489-8239.
- How much: Entry in the race is $40 per person.
Nags Head
Town of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular
- Where: 3335 S. Virginia Dare Trail
- What: A fireworks display will take place on the beach where visitors and locals alike can enjoy the show. Towels and beach chairs are recommended for the event.
- When: July 4, 2023 at 9:25 p.m.
- How much: Admission is free.
Avon Fireworks
- Where: Avon Fishing Pier, Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- When: July 4, 2023 at 9:15 p.m.
- What: It is illegal to detonate fireworks, or have fireworks in your possession, on all land managed by the National Park Service, including all beaches from the southern Nags Head border through Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. The fireworks show held at the Avon Fishing Pier has gone through a formal review process and received special use permits from the National Park Service.