America250 Events In Virginia: What’s Happening Through July 4

The Fourth of July will carry extra meaning this year in Virginia with events centered around the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In Virginia, residents can find parades, concerts, history programs, fireworks, volunteer opportunities and family-friendly celebrations leading up to Independence Day.

America250, the national semiquincentennial initiative, is encouraging communities to take part through local commemorations, block parties, service projects and July 4 events. State and local commissions, historical societies, museums, libraries, parks departments and civic groups are also hosting events tied to the milestone.

Here are America250 and Independence Day events happening in Northern Virginia from now through July 4:

Nearby America250 Events

Salute To America Celebration And Fireworks

When: July 4

Where: National Mall in Washington, D.C.

What to know: Salute to America, an Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, will mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with a parade, military demonstrations, tributes to servicemembers and American heroes, guest remarks, family-friendly activities and patriotic performances. The event is scheduled to conclude with a fireworks display over the monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C.

Cost: Free

More info: Freedom250.org

July 4 Fireworks, Parades And Festivals

60th Annual Independence Day Celebration

When: July 4, 10 a.m. Parade and 6:30 p.m. Independence Day Evening Show and Fireworks

Where: Fairfax City

What to know: Kick off the celebration with the excitement and pageantry of Fairfax City’s Independence Day Parade and eventing fireworks show at Fairfax High School. The festivities begin with a thrilling patriotic flyover soaring above the city and setting the tone for a day filled with pride and celebration. Adding to the spectacle, a special 250th anniversary helium balloon will lead the parade — a soaring tribute to 250 years of American independence.

Cost: Free

More info: Independence Day Celebration

Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

When: June 27, 5 to 10 p.m.

Where: Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean VA 22101

What to know: Celebrate summer and community spirit at the McLean Community Center’s free Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike.

The family-friendly event will feature music, food and dessert trucks, sponsor giveaways, a family parade, VA250 Mobile Museum Experience and a fireworks show.

Free onsite parking and satellite parking with accessible shuttle service will be available from Churchill Road Elementary School, St. Luke’s School & Church and McLean Community Center.

Smoking, alcohol, vaping, glass containers, personal fireworks, weapons and pets are prohibited on school grounds.

Cost: Free

More info: McLean Community Center

Independence Day Fireworks Celebration And Fireworks: Vienna

When: July 2

Where: Yeonas Park, 1319 Ross Drive, Southwest

What to know: Celebrate America’s Independence Day and Vienna’s fourth annual Liberty Amendments Month featuring live music, kids entertainment, food trucks, and fun for the whole family!

Cost: Free

More info: Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks | Town of Vienna, VA

Franklin Park Independence Day Celebration for the 250th: Purcellville

When: July 4, 5 p.m.

Where: 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville

What to know: Gather the family and plan to spend the evening with us to celebrate Independence Day! Food trucks, face painting, giant inflatables and amusements beginning at 5:00 pm, along with tunes from DJ Bifocals. LIVE music from Loudoun Jazz Ensemble from 7:30 – 8:30 pm and the Sons of the American Revolution will lead a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Settle in for a spectacular FIREWORKS display beginning at 9:30 pm, accompanied by live music from the Loudoun Symphonic Winds. This is a FREE event. Parking is not guaranteed after 8:30 pm, so plan to arrive early, bring a picnic and enjoy the festivities. (From Franklinparkartscenter.org)

Cost: Free

More info: Franklin Park Independence Day Celebration for the 250th: Purcellville

Concert And Fireworks At Ida Lee Park: Leesburg

When: July 4

Where: Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive Northwest, Leesburg, VA 20176

What to know: Celebrate America’s big day at Ida Lee Park and enjoy a great night of music, food, fireworks, and fun!

Gates open at 6:00 pm and music starts at 6:30 pm, so be sure to arrive early and grab a spot for a full night of celebration.

Go Go Gadjet will take the stage to deliver premium live music entertainment. Their signature sound fuses the infectious rhythms of dance music with reimagined classics and today's hottest hits.

A full food court will be onsite with funnel cakes, ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, and so much more.

The biggest bang of the evening begins at 9:30 pm when the largest fireworks show in the region will light up the sky. Choreographed to patriotic music, this light show is not to be missed. (From Leesburgva.gov)

Cost: Free

More info: Town of Leesburg Parks & Recreation

July 4th Celebration At Bready Park

When: July 4

Where: Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon

What to know: Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an unforgettable evening of community, music, and fireworks at Bready Park. The celebration kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with family-friendly games, hands-on crafts for kids, and live music to keep the energy going throughout the evening.

Cost: Free

More info:Town Of Herndon 4th Of July

July 4th Fireworks In Fredericksburg

When: July 4, 9 p.m.

Where: Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg

What to know: Celebrate Independence Day with a stunning firework display over Fredericksburg, Virginia. While the stadium is not open for seating, families can enjoy the show from their cars in designated parking areas at the Fredericksburg Convention Center and surrounding parkways.

Cost: Free

More info: July 4th Fireworks in Fredericksburg

America's 250th Anniversary Drone Light Show

When: Saturday, June 27, 12 p.m.

Where: Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston

What to Know: Join Fairfax County for a spectacular 250th anniversary celebration featuring a massive drone light show, food trucks, and family activities. The festivities include live music from The Reflex, The Sonic Boom, and School of Rock in Herndon, with park amenities like trails, boating, and fishing available throughout the day.

Cost: Free

More Info: America's 250th Anniversary Drone Light Show

Red, White & Boom!

When: Saturday, June 27, 4 p.m.

Where: Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079

What to Know: Join the Workhouse Arts Center on Saturday, June 27, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. for Northern Virginia's largest fireworks celebration. Enjoy live music, food, family fun, and an unforgettable fireworks display as we celebrate America's 250th Anniversary.

Cost: Free

More Info: Workhouse Fireworks Festival

Additional Events

• July 4th Parade: July 4, 10 a.m.: Fairlington Fire Station, South Abingdon St., Arlington
• Celebrating Our Nation's 250th Birthday: 12 p.m., Bluemont, Arlington
• Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon: 6 p.m., George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
• Libations and Liberty: A Toast to Independence: Friday, July 3, 10 a.m., Rising Sun Tavern Museum, 1304 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
• Fallen Heroes 5 Miler: July 4, 7:30 a.m., at James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg
• A 250th Fourth of July: July 4,10 a.m., at George Washington's Ferry Farm, 268 George Washington Way, Fredericksburg
• Fourth of Fredericksburg Festival in the Streets: July 4, 10 a.m., at Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia St., Fredericksburg
• July 4th Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence: July 4, 11 a.m., Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
• July 4th - Celebrate America: Manassas: July 4, 3 p.m., Historic Downtown Manassas, 9431 West St., Manassas, VA 20110 United State

How To Add An Event

Know of another America250, Fourth of July or community history event near you? Add it to the Patch calendar.

Before You Go

Residents planning to attend July 4 events should check with organizers before heading out, as weather, parking rules, security plans and fireworks schedules may change.

Are you planning a 4th of July or other summer event? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!