It should come as no surprise that a region so rich in American history knows how to throw a party (parties, actually!) in celebration of Independence Day. Here are some highlights of the Fourth of July festivities scheduled in the Hampton Roads region.
Fireworks over the York River. Photo: York County Tourism DevelopmentChesapeake
The city of Chesapeake will kick things off on July 3 when it holds its “Celebrate Freedom” event at Chesapeake City Park. Free and open to the public, the celebration will feature music from the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, children’s activities, food trucks, and fireworks by Pyrotechnico. The Chesapeake Public Art Committee will be there to take donations for the city’s 9/11 Memorial and raise money for the Fine Arts Commission. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. Parking is $5. For more information, click here.
Yorktown
The home of the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War, Yorktown will toast the nation’s independence during its 39th annual “Fourth of July Celebration” on July 4. There will be an Independence Day 8K & 5k Run/Walk at 8 a.m., a parade with live music beginning at 9 a.m., and family activities at Riverwalk Landing starting at 1 p.m. The evening will bring special events and music to be capped off by a fireworks display over the York River at 9:15 p.m. Learn more here.
Norfolk
The city’s 36th annual “4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks” event will dazzle visitors at Town Point Park on the fourth. The event is free and open to the public and will include food for purchase (think BBQ, seafood, corn on the cob, and hot dogs), and plenty of entertainment before the big fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. More information can be found here.
Newport News
On the evening of the fourth, Newport News will light up the night with its “4th of July Stars in the Sky” event, which begins at 7 p.m at Victory Landing Park. There’ll be plenty of fun for the whole family including free children’s activities (moon bounces, bubble soccer, and obstacle courses) and music from the Tomcats Dixieland Band and the Tidewater Drive Band. Tasty treats from local food vendors will be for sale, and early bird visitors will receive free light-up items. The fireworks show over the James River will begin at 9:30 p.m. For more information, click here.
Virginia Beach
Visitors can show off their pride for the red, white, and blue at the free “Stars & Stripes Explosion” event in Virginia Beach on July 4. Between the beach at 24th street, the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill 17th Street Park, and the 31st Street Park, the oceanfront will be rocking with an eclectic variety of music. From patriotic to pop, Big Band to 80’s tribute tunes (from local favorites the Deloreans), Stars & Stripes will have you singing along, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. will provide a great ending to a night of dancing and fun on the beach. For more information, click here.
–Laura Boycourt
Â
Â
