If you are a procrastinor like most of us when it comes to celebrating Independence Day in the United States, have no fear– you are not alone.
We’ve done a little research to help you know where to see Richmond fireworks, the best breweries hosting 4th of July parties and historical American Revolutionary War reenactments, plus parks and activities to get you outside on July 4th in Richmond, VA this year.
Time to dive in and start celebrating America’s independence with a Richmond twist.
Fireworks
If you’re looking for the best spots to catch a spectacular show, fireworks in Richmond, VA has plenty of viewing spots throughout the city.
The rolling hills around Richmond make the perfect spot for plenty of hilltop views across the James River. Check out these top spots to catch the city’s best fireworks displays.
Dogwood Dell
Dogwood Dell is an outdoor amphitheater located in William Byrd Park and is Richmond’s most popular, longest running fireworks display in the city.
The central location of this display makes it easy to see from many points throughout the city, but the best spot is just across the Boulevard Bridge (or the Nickel Bridge as some locals remember it).
Bring a picnic blanket, cooler, and some snacks then head down the neighborhood street to find a spot where you can see across the river.
You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you find the crowd of people gathered and waiting for the show.
The fireworks generally start around 9:15pm and this spot fills up fast, so make sure you get there early!
The Diamond
Every July 4th, the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team hosts a home game and Independence Day celebration.
This annual family-friendly event starts with a baseball game packed with all different types of activities for the crowd to participate in, then make sure you stay after the game to catch one of the biggest fireworks displays in the city!
All you need is a ticket to the game and you’re in. Tickets start at $8 and the game usually starts around 6pm with fireworks starting at the conclusion of the game.
Chesterfield County Fairground
Located about 20-30 minutes outside the city, you can find the Fourth of July Celebration at the Chesterfield County Fairground.
The celebration offers live music, plenty of food options for sale, and of course, fireworks! The event is free to the public and gates open at 5pm with fireworks starting at dark.
There is limited capacity within the festival grounds, but there is plenty of space in the parking lot if you’re just going to catch the fireworks show from the car.
Independence Day Events in Richmond VA
There’s always something new and exciting in store for 4th of July in Richmond, so keep your eyes peeled for different events happening throughout the city each year!
If you’re looking for a full day packed with festivities, check out one of these three 4th of July events happening around the city.
Hardywood Crushfest
Hardywood is one of the most popular breweries in Richmond, and this year they’ll be celebrating Fourth of July with live music, food trucks, craft beer, and a fireworks display. Their West Creek location will be selling tickets to the festival with prices starting at just $6. Bring a picnic blanket, chairs, and all your friends to grab a spot on their lawn to watch the show. The celebration starts at 2pm and ends with a fireworks display around 9pm.
Fourth of July at Isley Brewing Company
Every July 4th, Isley Brewing Company hosts a 4th of July event featuring live music, food trucks, patio games, and a dunk tank!
Bring your own lawn chairs and pick a spot on their urban patio to enjoy drink specials, craft beer releases, and fun!
This free event starts at noon and ends with a view of the fireworks display from The Diamond after dark.
Rocketts Red Glare
Rocketts Red Glare is a two-day event on July 3rd and 4th that takes place in Rocketts Landing and features the Richmond Volleyball Club’s semi-pro beach volleyball tournament.
There are several men’s and women’s teams from across the country participating in the event, so there’s sure to be some heavy competition!
Admission to the event is free and there are plenty of food trucks, craft beers, and vendors to keep you occupied.
More Richmond VA Breweries
Get Outside!
Summers in Richmond are notoriously hot and humid, so 4th of July is the perfect time for everyone to get outside and get some sun! Check out some of these popular Independence Day outdoor activities to ring in the celebration!
James River
Fourth of July is one of the most popular days to hit the water on the James River!
Whether you’re tubing down the river with your friends and a cooler of ice cold beer or just sunbathing on the rocks listening to music, you’re sure to find plenty of other people there too.
Head over to Belle Isle or Pony Pasture to claim a rock early in the day and bring plenty of food, drinks, and friends to spend the day on the water and catch the fireworks at night.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter offers FREE admission for all patrons on the 4th of July from 9am to 5pm – no tickets required! Make sure you bring plenty of water and sunscreen and get ready to explore the gardens and see all of the beautiful flowers in bloom.
Throw on your best red, white, and blue outfit, bring the family and decorate the kids’ strollers and wagons to join in the festivities.
Classic Cookout
Who doesn’t love a good cookout? If you’re looking for a more relaxed 4th of July activity, why not grab your friends and family and have a cookout at one of Richmond’s parks or even in your own backyard!
Don’t feel like cooking? You can always grab some burgers and fries to go from Carytown Burgers and Fries, Burger Bach, or Boulevard Burger and Brew.
Byrd Park has plenty of picnic tables surrounding the lake and you’ll have one of the best seats in the house to catch the fireworks show from just around the corner at Dogwood Dell.
Historical Independence Day Events
Virginia was one of the first colonies to dissent against the British government, so it’s no surprise that there are numerous historical landmarks, sites, events, and museums centered around the American Revolution and our nation’s independence.
If you’re a big history buff, check out some of these history packed ways to celebrate the 4th of July.
Independence Day Reenactment
This annual reenactment takes place at the historic St. John’s Church in downtown RVA every 4th of July.
Tickets to the event are free with a suggested $5 donation and there are two time slots available for the show.
The reenactors perform a recitation of Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” speech as a reminder of American’s fight from freedom and the origin of this national holiday.
Liberty Celebration (Yorktown, VA)
You’ll have to head about an hour east of the city of Richmond to catch this historical Independence Day celebration.
The Liberty Celebration is a special event of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and is included in the price of a ticket. The celebration features reenactments of life during the American Revolution and gives you a glimpse into some of the trials and tribulations of that time.
Historical interpreters reenact military artillery drills including firing muskets, cannonballs, and 18th century medical and surgical practices.
Monticello (Charlottesville, VA)
About an hour west of the city, you’ll find the home of our third president, Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson was an integral member of the committee responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence and you can immerse yourself in the history of his estate at Monticello.
You can participate in one of their highlight tours, behind the scenes pass, or self-guided tour with tickets starting at $31 for adults.
Fun for Everyone!
Virginia is home to two amusement parks that celebrate Fourth of July in their own special way! Check out one of these two family-friendly places for a whole day of fun and a night full of celebration.
Kings Dominion
This amusement park is located about 30 minutes north of the city of Richmond and they host an annual 4th of July celebration called the Star Spangled Celebration.
From June 30th to July 4th, you can enjoy all of your favorite rides plus performances by military bands and a nightly fireworks display.
You’ll have to purchase a ticket to the park to gain entry, but active and retired military personnel get in for free.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens amusement park Summer Nights celebration begins on June 25th and goes through July 4th. This special event features nightly fireworks displays, laser light shows, and performing arts demonstrations.
Tickets to the park start at $80, so make sure you get there early to enjoy a full day of family-friendly fun on their thrill rides, water rides, and more!
