Name: Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Start: 2026-07-04T11:00:00-04:00
Location: Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop

Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop

Join Washington Heritage Museums for a moving annual live reading of the Declaration of Independence by living historians on the steps of an 18th-century building. The reading itself is a free community event, with full museum tours available for purchase via admission ticket.

Local Event: Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Fredericksburg city

Michael O'Connell

Washington Metropolitan Area

Fredericksburg

Virginia

Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Join Washington Heritage Museums for a moving annual live reading of the Declaration of Independence by living historians on...

James Monroe High School

Join the annual Fallen Heroes 5 Miler to run through the beautiful streets of downtown Fredericksburg in honor or memory of a local hero. Participant awards will be given across multiple age groups, and attendees are encouraged to wear patriotic gear for a chance to win best outfit prizes.

Local Event: Fallen Heroes 5 Miler

Fallen Heroes 5 Miler

Join the annual Fallen Heroes 5 Miler to run through the beautiful streets of downtown Fredericksburg in honor or memory of a...

Old Dominion Humane Society

Saturday Strolls-July 4, 11, 18, 25
Join ODHS dogs on easy, weekly Saturday Strolls at 7:45 a.m. Meet volunteers at the facility, where they’ll pair a dog with participants and head in a caravan to a different spot each week. The strolls are on flat, simple paths with an indoor backup for wet weather. Don’t miss the chance to get exercise, socialize with fellow dog lovers and give the pups a chance to explore.
Meet at ODHS at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, Va., 22408.

Local Event: Weekly Saturday Strolls with Old Dominion Humane Society Rescue Dogs

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Saturday Strolls-July 4, 11, 18, 25
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Weekly Saturday Strolls with Old Dominion Humane Society Rescue Dogs

Vre Parking Lot

Join this patriotic July 4th procession where children and adults are invited to showcase their creativity for a chance to win prizes for best costumes and decorated bicycles, wagons, or strollers. The event features a morning line-up and judging session before the parade rolls out through the streets of Fredericksburg.

Local Event: Children's Roll N' Stroll

Children's Roll N' Stroll

Join this patriotic July 4th procession where children and adults are invited to showcase their creativity for a chance to win...

George Washington's Ferry Farm

Be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! This family-friendly Americana-themed Independence Day event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation in a setting rich with Revolutionary history. Join us for a day filled with games, hands-on activities, crafts, living history demonstrations, reenactors, and engaging programs presented by community organizations from across the region. Fabulous Fourth offers a meaningful and memorable way to honor our shared heritage and the enduring spirit of independence.
Celebrate our nation’s 250th along with the area’s historic sites and educational entities. With dozens of things to see and do, guests will be entertained by performances by the Wil Gravatt Band, Colonial Faire, and Riverside Theater, demonstrations by the Patawomeck Indian Tribe, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the Fredericksburg Area Museum, James Monroe Museum, National Park Service, Washington Heritage Museums, Art Cart for Kids, Civil War reenactors, historic food preparers, James Ingram of Colonial Williamsburg, FACES of the 18th Century, the Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild, and many others!
Returning performers include Enduring Freedom, the 23rd USCT, and the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society.
Also witness a live archaeological excavation, watch living history in action, take a Washington House tour, and grab a bite from food trucks. Kids can enjoy a hands-on dig of dinosaur and other fossils, play colonial games, make crafts, and more.
11:00 am – Inspiring Speeches and Flag Retirement Ceremony
Just $3 per person, ages 3 and up. Purchase tickets on-site, no advance ticket sales.
Free shuttles will run between the Eagles Lodge parking lot on Cool Springs Road and the Ferry Farm and Fourth in Fredericksburg events. Handicap parking only available on-site at Ferry Farm.
Event is rain or shine. No pets, no weapons, no coolers, and no alcohol permitted.
Questions? Email <a href="mailto:learn@gwffoundation.org">learn@gwffoundation.org</a>&nbsp;or call 540-370-0732.
FREE PARKING Eagles Lodge Lot 21 Cool Springs Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405

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A 250th Fourth of July

Be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, at George Washington’s...

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Celebrate Independence Day at Riverfront Park with a full day of family-friendly festivities, including an Art &amp; Craft Show along Sophia Street and live music. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food vendors, children's activities, and a formal Presentation of the Colors featuring a welcome speech by Mayor Kerry P. Devine.

Local Event: Fourth of Fredericksburg Festival in the Streets

Fourth of Fredericksburg Festival in the Streets

Celebrate Independence Day at Riverfront Park with a full day of family-friendly festivities, including an Art & Craft Show...

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s freedom with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop. Living historians will read live from the steps in front of the 18th century building at 11am, 1 pm &amp; 3 pm. Join us for this FREE community event as we honor the enduring legacy of the Declaration. It’s a fun Fourth of July tradition for the entire family!

Local Event: July 4th Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

July 4th Public Reading of the Declaration of...

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s freedom with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Hugh...

July 4th Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Virginia Credit Union Stadium

Celebrate July 4th with an incredible lineup of live music featuring performers like Virginia Man and Goodtime Alibi at the ballpark. This family-friendly event offers bounce houses, yard games, and local vendors, culminating in the year's biggest and brightest firework show presented by F.H. Furr.

Local Event: Saturday's Patriotic Palooza

Saturday's Patriotic Palooza

Celebrate July 4th with an incredible lineup of live music featuring performers like Virginia Man and Goodtime Alibi at the...

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Falmouth

Spotsylvania County

Spotsylvania Courthouse

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Quantico Base

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PNH Plumbing And Wells We Do Water  PNH = People Need Help

PNH Plumbing and wells

PNH Plumbing and Wells has been serving Stafford, Fauquier, King George, Spotsylvania and Caroline County for 20 years. We take care of your well water, whether it's flow isues,  no water, dirty water or bad tasting water. We filter it, we replace pumps, tanks, filter service, wells, cleaning, flushing, jetting of water lines, eradicate iron and sulpher taste. We also install and maintain water heaters be it gas, electric tank or tankless. We also deal with septic, including sump pumps, alarms, controls, garbage disposals. Inside fixtures, including sinks, toilets, tubs. Basically if water runs through it, we can help you. 

Fauquier County

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PNH Plumbing and Wells has been serving Stafford, Fauquier, King George, Spotsylvania and Caroline County for 20 years. We take care of your well...

South Garden Service Dogs

South Garden Service Dogs: Built on Purpose At South Garden Service Dogs, Kevin’s lifelong commitment remains: producing balanced, confident dogs—whether for service, protection, companionship, or competition. Anyone with a service dog who needs help with a training issue is welcome to a free lesson. We train all breeds. But we don’t just train dogs—we transform lives. Training dogs is the easy part; the true purpose is fostering healing and connection for every family. With decades of experience and a philosophy of healing through connection, we guide families—including veterans and first responders—from puppy to fully trained companion. Embracing the I Am Underdog spirit, we are proud to serve those who served us, delivering peace, purpose, and life-changing connection. Please support our GoFundMe to help Kane find his forever home. We are donating Kane to a veteran or first responder in need—your support makes this life-changing partnership possible. https://gofund.me/48da32e67 Peace &amp; Love, Kevin k9kevin.dog

South Garden Service Dogs: Built on Purpose At South Garden Service Dogs, Kevin’s lifelong commitment remains: producing balanced, confident dogs...

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Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

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