Happy birthday, America. If our country is a wonderful cake, that means it needs candles — fireworks, in other words. And there are big displays ready to go for the Fourth of July.
Here’s where and when to see fireworks in Northern Virginia.
July 1
Lake Fairfax Park: The Fairfax County Park Authority is throwing an Independence Day bash at Lake Fairfax Park. Expect a day of fun family activities, food trucks, music, and fireworks. Ticketed entry starts at noon. Don’t be too late: The park will close to new arrivals at approximately 8:45 p.m. Parking fees are $15 per vehicle in advance or $20 per vehicle at the gate. Bicyclists and pedestrians are free. More information, registration is online. 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston
Workhouse Arts Center: The Workhouse Arts Center says it has “the region’s largest pre-Independence Day Fireworks show” launched from its 55-acre campus. General admission is free and includes a concert, food trucks, access to art studios and galleries, and those fireworks. On-site parking is $40. More information is online. 9518 Workhouse Wy., Lorton
July 2
Great Meadow: Fauquier County’s Great Meadow is bringing back its famous fireworks show with fun and games. Gates open at 5 p.m. Then there’s the Flying Circus Air Show, plus polo exhibitions and hat and tailgate competitions with prizes. You can bring some grub or get food there at food trucks and the beer garden. Fireworks kick off at dusk. Tickets are $50 per car (up to five passengers) in advance or $60 at the gate. More information is online. 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains
July 3
Lovettsville Independence Day Celebration: Come together to cool off and celebrate at Lovettsville Community Center and Park. The Independence Day celebration will have music, games, and family-friendly fun for all. The celebration begins with a parade before the pool party kicks off at 6:30 p.m. The pool party costs $5 per person. The free fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. will wrap up the night. 57 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville
July 4
Franklin Park Arts Center: The arts center is hosting a free July 4 celebration starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon artists, food, and music before the fireworks. The Loudoun Symphonic Woods plays through the fireworks, which start at 9 p.m. More information is online. 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcellville
Fredericksburg: For family-friendly fun this holiday, check out Fredericksburg’s free Festival of the Streets at Riverfront Park from 10–4 p.m. At the Festival of the Streets event, the arts and craft show is the star. Food vendors will also be present, along with children’s activities, including a moon bounce. There will live music by Patsy’s Country Classics and Michael Hoover, who will be performing Memories of Elvis. The fireworks kick off at 9 p.m. at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Festival: 713 Sophia St., Fredericksburg, free; Fireworks: 42 Jackie Robinson Wy., Fredericksburg, $5, plus $10 parking
Leesburg: There’s a whole day of events planned for the Fourth in Leesburg. It starts with the Independence Day parade at 10 a.m., which runs from Ida Lee Park, down King Street, and ends at Fairfax Street. Later, at 6 p.m., there’s the concert and fireworks at Ida Lee Park where there will be a full food court with funnel cakes, ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, and more. The fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. at the park. More information is online. 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg.
Manassas: Historic Downtown Manassas holds its Celebrate America party at the Harris Pavilion, starting at 3 p.m. That’s when the bicycle decorating contest is held, followed by the bubblegum blowing contest at 4 p.m., and the watermelon eating contest at 5 p.m. Then, look for the fireworks to light up the night at 9:15 p.m. More information is online. 9431 West St., Manassas
Middleburg: Middleburg is throwing a free Independence Day bash at 6 p.m. at the Middleburg Community Charter School. There will be a kids’ parade, food, music, and fireworks. Activities will be at the basketball court and then viewing of the fireworks will be on the ball field, so bring blankets and chairs. The fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. More information is online. 101 N. Madison St., Middleburg
Mount Vernon: Guests at Mount Vernon’s Independence Day celebration will get to meet George Washington before a day that includes people from across the world becoming U.S. citizens, a performance by National Concert Band, and daytime fireworks over the Potomac River at 1 p.m. It’s free for members and is included with admission ($26 per adult, $13 for those 6–11, under 6 get in free). More information is online. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon
Featured photo courtesy Tony Gibson
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