With cheery music, family-friendly activities, and exciting floats, NoVA’s Fourth of July parades draw large crowds on the national holiday. Here are some options to watch and participate in.
Star Spangled South Riding
June 28, 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Fourth of July early with this parade that begins at 5 p.m. at Town Hall and marches to the South Riding Golf Club course for fireworks. Food and drink vendors line the streets — try a local brew from Solace Brewing Company. 43055 Center St., Chantilly
Lovettsville Independence Day Celebration
July 3, 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Lovettsville Community Center Advisory Board, this hometown parade and celebration includes a family-friendly pool party, a DJ, food vendors, and carnival games. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Lovettsville Community Park, the pool bash begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Lovettsville Community Pool, and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. 12565 Milltown Rd., Lovettsville
Bellevue Forest Citizens’ Association 4th of July Parade
July 4, 9:15 a.m.
Beginning at 9:15 a.m., this dog-friendly parade starts at the intersection of Roberts Lane and Oxford Street and ends at the Kenmore cul-de-sac. Children are encouraged to decorate bikes, wagons, and strollers. Snow cones and other treats will be available at the parade’s end. N Oxford St. & Roberts Ln., Arlington
Children’s Roll N’ Stroll
July 4, 9–9:30 a.m.
Wear patriotic costumes at this event hosted by Blue Star Mothers of Fredericksburg. There will be prizes given out for best costumes in adult and child categories as well as best decorated bicycle and wagon or stroller. Participants line up at 9 a.m. in the VRE parking lot B and march down Caroline Street to Market Square. Prizes follow. Caroline St. & Frederick St., Fredericksburg
City of Fairfax Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 10 a.m.–noon
The City of Fairfax hosts the largest parade in the Commonwealth of Virginia, running since 1967. It runs from 10 a.m. to noon and features prizes and food vendors. From marching bands and floats to motorcycles and old fire engines, there’s something for everyone. Fireworks and a show are later that evening at Fairfax High School Stadium. Route 236/Main St., Fairfax
Dale City 4th of July Parade
July 4, 10 a.m.–noon
Join the Dale City Civic Association for a parade beginning at 10 a.m. A Family Fun Day follows at noon in the VDOT Commuter Lot on Gemini Way featuring food vendors and children’s games. Dale Blvd. & Kirkdale Dr., Dale City
Leesburg Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Showcase your patriotic spirit at this annual Historic Downtown Leesburg event beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will travel down King Street and conclude at Fairfax Street. Entertainment will include the American Originals Fife & Drum Corps and the 15th annual Patriot’s Cup Competition for the best parade entry. Music by Old Skool Cleveland, a full food court, and fireworks at Ida Lee Park are set to start at 6:00 p.m. Downtown Leesburg: King St. to Ida Lee Dr., Leesburg
Feature image courtesy of the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation
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