*UPDATED JULY 2019*
It’s almost Independence Day! Even though it falls on a weekday this year, there’s plenty of celebrations going on around the greater Fredericksburg area! We’ve compiled all the firework shows and festivals happening near Fredericksburg and a couple that are just a short drive away so you can start planning how you’ll celebrate our country’s 243rd birthday!
Fredericksburg-Area Festivities
Heritage Festival & Parade
July 4th, 7:45am-10pm
A good old-fashioned small-town parade and festival! Watch the early-morning race and kids’ parade or browse the craft show and classic cars while you wait for the fireworks to start! The parade, hosted by the Blue Star Mothers of Fredericksburg, will feature children in costume with decorated bicycles. The parade will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Lafayette VRE lot and go first to Caroline Street and on to George Street, along Princess Anne Street and back to Lafayette Boulevard. Awards will be presented for the best costume and most decorated bicycle.
The Festival of the Streets with around 150 craft show merchants and artists will be set up along Sophia Street, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other activities, centered around Old Mill Park, will include a moon bounce, face painting and a photo booth. There will also be a gyroscope ride. The Misfit Acres Petting Zoo will be at the Festival of the Streets. Live music will be playing throughout the day, specifically Patsy and the Country Classic Band and Mike Gill! Don’t miss the Presentation of the Colors at noon by the American Legion with a special welcome by Mayor Greenlaw!
Ferry Farm 4th of July
July 4th, 10am-5pm
Peek inside the newly-completed, interpretive 18th-century replica of the Washington house where the Washington family lived from the beginning of 1738. Kids can learn to churn butter, watch archaeology presentations and even visit with “Gen. George Washington,” members of the Patawomeck tribe and Revolutionary and Civil War re-enactors. Only $1 admission and you can catch the bus or trolley from Downtown!
Fredericksburg Fireworks
July 4th, 4:30pm-10pm
Head on down to John Lee Pratt Memorial Park for the July 4th Spectacular! There’ll be live music by E3 at Celebration Stage as well as plenty of games, food trucks and face painting to keep the kids busy until the fireworks start! The show starts at 9:30pm and the fireworks should be visible from John Lee Pratt Memorial Park and Old Mill Park! Bring a lawn chair if you’d like, but no grills, sparklers, tents or alcohol is allowed and dogs must be on leashes!
A Short Drive from Fredericksburg
July 4, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Every year Stratford Hall, the home of four generations of the Lees of Virginia, hosts its free Family Fun Festival to celebrate Independence Day. Colonial games, a scavenger hunt for children and self-guided tours of the Great House, at 483 Great House Road in Stratford, will be among the activities offered during this year’s July 4 festival!
National Independence Day Parade
July 4, 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW: Marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white and blue celebration of America’s birthday.
A Capitol Fourth
July 4, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Symphony Orchestra, join Jimmy Buffett and the Broadway cast of Escape to Margaritaville, pop superstars the Temptations and the Beach Boys, country music star Luke Combs, host John Stamos, and many more as they honor our country’s 242nd birthday. Gates will open at 3 p.m on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
DC Fireworks Display
July 4, 9:09 p.m. – 9:27 p.m.
Independence Day culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over the National Mall. The fireworks will be launched from the area of the Reflecting Pool, and will be visible from many locations throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia. The fireworks will be cancelled in case of heavy rain, thunderstorms or high winds.