Red, white & fun: Best 4th of July events in Richmond

The 4th of July is right around the corner, and if you’re scrambling to make plans that’ll keep everyone happy—from toddlers to grandparents—you’re not alone! Between finding events that aren’t too crowded, won’t break the budget, and actually celebrate America in a meaningful way, planning the perfect Independence Day can feel overwhelming. The good news? Richmond has incredible 4th of July celebrations that’ll create memories to last a lifetime!

Spectacular Fireworks Shows You Can’t Miss

Celebrate Star Spangled Squirrel Fest at The Diamond on Friday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This will be the last 4th of July celebration at The Diamond, as CarMax Park will open in its place in 2026. Attendees can enjoy food and drink specials.

Make sure to catch King Dominion’s Star-Spangled Nights Fireworks Spectacular, July 4-6 to celebrate Independence Day with Virginia’s premier patriotic fireworks show. Experience an unforgettable fireworks display synchronized to the stirring tunes of patriotic music.

Enjoy nightly fireworks at Busch Gardens Williamsburg on July 3, 4, and 5 starting at 9:30 p.m. with park admission.

City of Richmond Fourth of July Celebration – This free event will feature the Richmond Concert Jazz Band beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Richmond Concert Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. with a patriotic and pop music concert. The evening’s fireworks display will accompany the Richmond Concert Band playing “The 1812 Overture” at 9:15 p.m. The public is welcome to bring small coolers (glass bottles or alcohol are not allowed) or can purchase food from one of the vendors on site. 

Daytime Festivities and Parades

Ashland July Fourth Parade – July Fourth will be a day of fun celebrating our country’s independence! Featuring an endearing small town walking parade and a patriotic concert by the Hanover Concert Band on our lawn. There old fashioned lawn games, a Patriotic Pet Contest, cold snow cones, hot dogs and hamburgers and of course our famous Apple Pie Baking Contest and Pie Auction all in the Center of the best little town in the Universe!

A reenactment of the famous “Liberty or Death” speech will occur at St. John’s Church Foundation on July 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Come see Patrick Henry persuade his fellow delegates to rise up against the King! The Visitor Center opens at 9:30 a.m. for walk-up ticket sales.

Family Fun at Local Parks and Recreation Areas

 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is providing free entry on the Fourth of July. The Klaus Family Tree House and the Waterway splash pad in the Children’s Garden will be open for everyone to enjoy. The air-conditioned Library is also available for those wanting to cool off. Additionally, visitors can explore the outdoor art exhibition, Homes & Habitats, featuring installations throughout the Garden.

Henrico County is hosting a Red, White, and Lights event at the Meadow Farm Museum in Crump Park. This celebration will occur from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4. Parking and admission are free. Attendees can look forward to food trucks, a fun zone featuring free watermelons sponsored by Wegmans, a car show , bounce houses and inflatables, interactive displays from the U.S.Air Force, face painting, and balloon animals. This family-friendly event promises an enjoyable evening filled with fun, music, food, and history, ending with a spectacular light show finale.

New Kent County will host an Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 3, from 7 to 10 p.m. at New Kent High School. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, children’s activities, backyard games, a pie-eating contest, a car show, live music, and more.

Chesterfield County will host its Fourth of July celebration on Friday, July 4, at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. This free event will include fireworks, food vendors, a kids zone, live music by Brass Wind, special entertainment, and more. Gates will open at 5 p.m., with fireworks starting at dark. There is no reschedule date for rain.

Food, Music, and Local Entertainment

Red, White & Tunes at James River Cellars on Friday, July 4, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy live music and food trucks; admission is free.

Red, white & bluegrass at Keswick Vineyards on Friday, July 4 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Make This 4th of July Unforgettable in Richmond

I hope this helps make your 4th of July Plans fun and unforgettable this year! The best secret to a fun holiday is spending time with those you love most. I can’t tell you how I spent every 4th of July as a child, but I can tell you the people I was with, enjoying the fireworks, hotdogs and more with my family. Whether you’re at the beach, ball park or even just at home watching fireworks from your cul-de-sac – make it a great one!

Jacqueline Burns

Jacqueline Burns is Richmond family photographer specializing in maternity, newborn and lifestyle family photography. Her work has been featured in magazine and online blogs worldwide. Jacqueline serves the Richmond, Virginia area, including the counties of Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield, as well as the cities of Bon Air, Ashland and Mechanicsville.

www.jacquelineaimeeportraits.com