Cities and counties across Hampton Roads are celebrating Independence Day this year in remembrance of the founding of our country.
Here is information on the 4th of July ceremonies and events in our area:
Chesapeake
Celebrate Freedom
When: Wednesday, July 3, 2019 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Chesapeake City Park, 900 City Park Drive
This event is free and open to the public. $5 on site parking. Celebrate America’s Birthday with the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, providing stirring patriotic sounds. Following the concert, fireworks by Pyrotechnico will illuminate the dark sky after sunset.
Schedule:
5 p.m. – Event parking opens. Music, activities.
7:50 p.m. – Presenting of the Colors – National Anthem
8 p.m. – U.S. Fleet Forces Band Concert
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks
39th Annual South Norfolk Parade & Picnic in the Park
When: Thursday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Lakeside Park, 1441 Baingridge Blvd, Chesapeake, VA
This event will feature a parade, entertainment, food, games and paddle boat rides. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. with a picnic following from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event is free to the public.
Towne Place at Greenbrier 2019 Summer Concert Series
When: Thursday, July 4 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: The Towne Place at Greenbrier, 725 Eden Way, North Chesapeake, VA
BJ Griffin & the Galaxy Groove (Pop, Funk, Soul, R&B) will be performing in the grassy area near the center’s gazebo.
Hampton
Fourth at the Fort
When: Thursday, July 4 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Fort Monroe, VA
Celebrate Independence Day at Fort Monroe. This annual ceremony is in partnership with the Fort Monroe Authority, Casemate Museum, and James Monroe Memorial Foundation.
Fun and Fireworks at Fort Monroe
When: Friday, July 5, 2019 from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Where: Fort Monroe, VA
This traditional Fort Monroe event includes live music, food vendors, family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks. The USAF Heritage of America Blue Aces Ensemble will perform at 7 p.m. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. North Beach will be closed to the public and no viewing will be allowed from atop the Fort or from the Mercury Blvd. bridge.
Isle of Wight County
July Firework Shows
When: July 3
Where: Clontz Park in Smithfield and
When: July 4
Where: Windsor High School in Windsor.
Both shows are scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m.
Portsmouth
Patriotic Salute
When: Thursday, July 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Afton Parkway, Portsmouth, VA
Celebrate the 4th of July beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the Children’s Bike Parade units. At 9:30 a.m., a fire engine will lead the parade to Afton Square. The flag-raising in Afton Square begins at 10 a.m. with patriotic music and speeches. Refreshments provided by the VFW & DAV.
Stars & Stripes Concert & Fireworks
When: Thursday, July 4 from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: High Street Landing, Portsmouth, VA
Featuring the Tidewater Concert Band playing a set of patriotic music. Fireworks start at the close of the concert at 9:30 p.m.
Newport News
4th of July Stars in the Sky
When: Thursday, July 4 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: 50 26th Street, Newport News, VA
This event will feature fireworks, live music, food vendors and children’s rides. Free light-up giveaway items will be given out during the event (while supplies last).
Norfolk
4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks
When: Thursday, July 4 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Town Point Park – Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, Waterside Drive
Norfolk, VA
Free and open to the public. Relax on the lawn and enjoy the live entertainment, then watch as the sky lights up with the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
A Star-Spangled Celebration
When: Thursday, July 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 820 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, VA
A silent movie double-feature starring comedian Buster Keaton with Stephen Z, Cook On The Mighty Organ.
The Shore Thing Concert & Independence Day Celebration
When: Friday, July 5, 2019 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Ocean View Beach Park, Norfolk
Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public. Summer brings the return of the popular Friday after-work Ocean View event series begins Friday, July 5 with the Shore Thing Concert and Independence Day Celebration and runs every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through August 23.
Suffolk
Stars and Stripes Spectacular
When: Thursday, July 4 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina, 110 East Constance Road
Suffolk, VA 23434
Enjoy the Stars and Stripes Spectacular, as the skies of Suffolk light up with the firework show over the Nansemond River at Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina. The park will open at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment, children’s activities, local merchandise vendors and food choices available. The firework show will begin at 9 p.m. Music will be provided. There will be free shuttles from the First Baptist Church, Godwin Courts, and City Hall parking lots beginning at 5:15 p.m.
Virginia Beach
July 4th Celebration
When: Thursday, July 4 from 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
Celebrate America’s independence with live music, delicious foods, and of course, booming fireworks. Admission is free; limited onsite parking is $10. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Stars and Stripes Explosion
When: July 4, 2019
Where: On the beach at 24th Street, 17th Street Park and 31st Street Park
Visitors and residents of Virginia Beach will be treated to a “star-spangled” salute to this great country at the Stars & Stripes Explosion on July 4! All concerts and the fireworks show are free and open to the public.
Schedule:
17th Street Park
7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Chester B’s Motown Review
24th Street Stage
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Red, White & Boom! with Tidewater Winds
31st Street Park
7 p.m. – 11 p.m., The Deloreans
FIREWORKS at 9:30 p.m.
Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg Lights of Freedom
When: Thursday, July 4 from 9 p.m. – 9:40 p.m.
Where:Palace Green
Experience 18th-century fireworks set to colonial and patriotic Americana musical favorites. Join in on the national anthem, and hear award-winning actress and NAACP Image Award nominee Anika Noni Rose’s reading of “Independence Day: An Invitation,” a new work by Commonwealth of Virginia Poet Laureate Henry Hart, as she speaks from the Governor’s Palace balcony. The pageantry of radiant colors, patriotic music and pyrotechnic salutes culminates in a thrilling — and thunderous — grand finale at 9 p.m.
Yorktown
Independence Day Celebrations
When: Thursday, July 4
Where: 331 Water Street, Yorktown, VA
8 a.m. – 8K & 5K run/walk – York High School
9 a.m. – Parade on Water and Main Streets
1 p.m. – Family games & activities at Riverwalk Landing
4 p.m. – Event parking opens at Cook Rd. and Ballard St.
7 p.m. – Bell Ringing Ceremony at Riverwalk Landing Stage
8 p.m. – Super Jazz Band Concert at Riverwalk Landing Stage
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks display over the York River