The DC fireworks are great, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave Virginia for a dazzling Fourth of July celebration. There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the holiday throughout NoVA, with stunning fireworks shows, tailgates, and fun activities for the whole family. This year, the festivities will be spread out across several days, with many displays taking place in the week leading up to the holiday itself.
Be sure to check the rules of each celebration — many prohibit items such as sparklers, personal fireworks, and alcohol — and plan to arrive early to snag a parking spot.
June 28
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
6–9:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
What could be more patriotic than celebrating the nation’s independence at George Washington’s home? Enjoy a fireworks show at Mount Vernon, accompanied by a concert from the National Concert Band and 18th century entertainment. There will also be a wreath-laying event at the Washington Tomb. An optional tour of the mansion can be added for an additional fee. You’ll need to purchase tickets ahead of time. The June 29 event is already sold out. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $38–$53 for adults, $25–$41 for kids
June 29
Workhouse Arts Center
6–10 p.m.
The Workhouse Arts Center will host a day of activities at its 55-acre campus. There will be lawn games on the quad, live performances including an Irish dance performance and a magic show, food trucks, and family-friendly activities like face painting and balloon animals. 9815 Workhouse Way, Lorton, parking $40 per vehicle in advance, $45 per vehicle on site
Lake Fairfax Park
Starts at noon, fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Head to Lake Fairfax Park for a day of family fun, topped off with a fireworks show in the evening. There will be food trucks and live performances in the park beginning at noon, with the fireworks beginning at 9:15. It’s in the same location as the Water Mine Swimmin’ Hole, but tickets to the water park are not included. 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston, parking $15 in advance, $20 on site
July 2
Vienna
6–10 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Vienna’s town event celebrates both Independence Day and Liberty Amendments Month, which acknowledges the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 19th amendments to the Constitution. There will be food trucks with Venezuelan food, hot dogs, ice cream, and more, plus two bands playing everything from Caribbean tunes to rock hits. The event ends with a 15-minute fireworks show that kicks off at 9:30. 1319 Ross Dr. SW, Vienna
July 4
Great Meadow
5–10 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Don’t miss the 35th year of this popular Independence Day event at Great Meadow’s steeplechase course. There will be family activities like tug-o-war, stick pony races, and polo demonstrations, plus awards for best hat and best tailgate. The show itself, which Great Meadows dubs “the largest fireworks show in Northern Virginia” will wow the crowd with a mixture of fireworks and drones, set to a live musical score. 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, parking starting at $50 per car in advance, $60 on site
Franklin Park
5–10 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Loudoun County’s Franklin Park will be home to giant inflatables, games, face painting, balloon art, and more fun activities for the whole family. A DJ will be on site for entertainment, and the fireworks will be accompanied by a live performance from the Loudoun Symphonic Winds. Parking is not guaranteed after 7:45 p.m. 17501 Franklin Park Dr., Purcellville
City of Fairfax
6:30–10 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
The City of Fairfax will host a fireworks show at Fairfax High School, following a performance from area Latin pop-rock band Ocho de Bastos. The Vienna-Falls chorus will perform the National Anthem, and fireworks will illuminate the sky at 9:30. 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax
Herndon
6:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Herndon will launch fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from the Herndon Centennial Golf Course, to be viewed from Bready Park. Before the show, visitors can enjoy live music, bingo, and other family games in the park. 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
Fredericksburg
6 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Stafford County will offer lawn games, food trucks, and a DJ at the John Lee Pratt Memorial Park beginning at 6 p.m. At 6:30, the Fredericksburg Concert Band will take the stage for a show, followed by a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display. 120 River Rd., Fredericksburg, $10 per car, $5 per walk-in
Ida Lee Park
6 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
After the Independence Day Parade sweeps through downtown Leesburg, head to Ida Lee Park for a concert and fireworks. Old Skool Cleveland will entertain the crowds with hip-hop hits from the ’80s and ’90s, then the choreographed fireworks show will begin at 9:30. 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg
Manassas
3–10 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Manassas will pull out all the stops for its Fourth of July festivities. There will be kids’ rides, face painting, a caricature artist, and food vendors. Visitors can gather on the lawn of the Manassas Museum in chairs or on blankets. 9101 Prince William St., Manassas
Editor’s note: This post has been updated to correct the date of the Independence Day celebration at Franklin Park.
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Feature image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon
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