As America gets ready to celebrate its 249th birthday, Independence Day events are preparing to take place across Virginia and North Carolina.
There’s a wide range of July 4 celebrations to enjoy, from live music and fireworks to parades and apple pie contests! Take a look at the events happening near you:
NORFOLK
VIRGINIA BEACH
CHESAPEAKE
- Celebrate Freedom
- What: Live concerts and fireworks
- Where: 900 City Park Dr.
- When: July 3. Children’s entertainment and concessions start at 5 p.m.; Concerts start at 7 p.m.; Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
- Annual South Norfolk July 4th Parade & Picnic in the Park
- What: Parade, picnic and performance from a “featured musical artist”
- Where: Parade starts at South Norfolk Baptist Church. Full route can be viewed here; Picnic will be at Lakeside Park
- When: July 4. Parade starts at 10 a.m.; Picnic starts once parade ends, around 11 a.m.
- Independence Day Celebration
- What: Family-friendly event featuring crafts, an encampment, reenactors and readings of the Declaration of Independence
- Where: Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum
- When: July 4 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SUFFOLK
- Stars & Stripes Spectacular!
- What: Food trucks, bounce houses, games and fireworks, with music by Popwire
- Where: Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina
- When: July 4. Music starts at 6 p.m.; Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
PORTSMOUTH
HAMPTON
NEWPORT NEWS
- Stars in the Sky
- What: Fun activities, live music featuring DJ Nykylla and Kustom Made Band and fireworks
- Where: 50 26th St.
- When: July 4. Music starts at 6:00 p.m.; Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
- Celebrate the 4th with a Bang—Laser Style!
- What: Daytime and evening laser shows
- Where: Virginia Living Museum
- When: July 3-6 at 12:30 p.m.; July 4 at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
OUTER BANKS
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Avon Fishing Pier 4th of July Fireworks Show
- What: Radio shows and fireworks
- Where: 41001 Hwy. 12
- When: July 4. Fireworks begin 9:00 p.m.
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Independence Day at Island Farm
- What: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy the festivities, including traditional games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and more
- Where: 1140 N US Hwy. 64
- When: July 4 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Town of Duck Annual 4th of July Parade
- What: One mile parade
- Where: Begins at Scarborough Lane and ends at Pamela Court
- When: July 4. Parade starts at 9:00 a.m.
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Town of Kill Devil Hills Fireworks Show
- What: Fireworks
- Where: 2111 North Virginia Dare Trail at Milepost 6
- When: July 4. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
- The Town of Manteo 4th of July Celebration
- What: Bike parade, apple pie contest, live entertainment featuring The Deloreans, fireworks and more
- Where: George Washington Creef Park along the downtown waterfront
- When: July 4. Celebration starts at 4 p.m.; Live music starts at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks start at around 9 p.m.
EASTERN SHORE
- Town of Cape Charles 4th of July Celebration
- What: Parade, street fair, live music, food, youth basketball tournament, fireworks and more
- Where: Parade starts at Bay Avenue and ends at Mason Avenue; Street fair will be held at Bay Avenue; Basketball tournament will be at Washington Avenue; Fireworks are at the Harbor and beach
- When: Parade starts at 10:00 a.m.; Street fair opens after the parade around 11:00 a.m.; Basketball tournament starts at 11:30 a.m.; Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
WILLIAMSBURG
- Fourth of July at Colonial Williamsburg
- What: Six noteworthy events, with the night ending in a fantastic display of fireworks
- Where: Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg; Fireworks at Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg, Va. 300 Palace Green St.
- When: July 4. Festivities start at 9:30 a.m., with multiple events occurring throughout the day; Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
JAMES CITY CO.
- Independence Day Celebration
- What: Visit one of James City County’s outdoor pools to celebrate this patriotic holiday
- Where: Chickahominy Riverfront Park; Upper County Park
- When: July 4 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
YORK CO. & POQUOSON
- Independence Day Celebration
- What: 8K/5K run/walk, parade, games, fireworks and more.
- Where: 8K/5K run/walk will take place at York High School; All other festivities are at River Walk Landing on 3311 Water Street
- When: July 4. 8K/5K run/walk starts at 8 a.m.; Parade starts at 9 a.m.; All other festivities start at 11 a.m.; Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
- Liberty Celebration
- What: Interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations and more
- Where: American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
- When: July 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA
- The Fabulous 4th of July Celebration
- What: Food trucks, music, vendors, entertainment and fireworks
- Where: Downtown Colonial Waterfront Park in Edenton, N.C.
- When: July 4. Festivities start at 4 p.m.; Fireworks begin at dusk
FRANKLIN & ISLE OF WIGHT CO.
- Independence Day Celebration
- What: Fireworks are still happening, but all other festivities are canceled, according to the City of Franklin
- Where: Barrett’s Landing at 100 Barrett St., Franklin, Va.
- When: July 2. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
GLOUCESTER CO.