Watch the fireworks explode over the land of the free!
Happy Birthday, America! Watching fireworks explode on Independence Day has been a tradition for centuries, and every July 4th we look for the best local place to watch the beautiful light show! We've compiled a list of the best local places in Hampton Roads to watch the fireworks!
Virginia Beach
Stars and Stripes Explosion | Virginia Beach Oceanfront
The best part about this location is that you can either sit on the beach in your lawn chair or on your blanket or take your boat out to the water to watch the show! (We recommend the boat!) There will also be live music provided by the Virginia Beach Chorale, Chester B’s Motown Tribute Show, the Doorway Singers, Symphonicity, and there will be a tribute to Billy Joel! Fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m. – check it out here!
Courtesy of Visit Virginia Beach
July 4th Celebration | Mount Trashmore Park
Come to the park starting at 4 p.m. for live music, food, and fireworks! Admission to the event is free and open to the public, but there will be onsite parking for $10 per car – learn more here!
Courtesy of Visit Virginia Beach
Norfolk
4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks | Town Point Park
Set down the spatula and take a break from grilling all that food yourself because they will be providing hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ, seafood, watermelon, buttered corn on the cob, and lemonade to drink! All that delicious food will be available for purchase and so worth every penny. Enjoy live entertainment as you rest on the lawn for some can't-miss fireworks that begin at 9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public – check it out here!
Courtesy of Festevents
Chesapeake
Celebrate Freedom Concert and Fireworks | Chesapeake City Park
The U.S. Fleet Forces Band will be providing live patriotic sounds to go along with the fireworks! There will also be plenty of activities including family entertainment, children's activities, concessions, a DJ dance party, and more! Admission to the event is free, but parking is $5 per car – find out more here!
Courtesy of Chesapeake
Annual South Norfolk Parade & Picnic in the Park | Lakeside Park
Looking for a 4th of July event with more than just live music and fireworks? Then be sure to check out the Annual South Norfolk Parade and Picnic in the Park! Here, you will experience a parade, entertainment, food, games, paddleboat rides, children's crafts, and family fun! Admission is free – learn more here!
Courtesy of Chesapeake
Newport News
4th of July Stars in The Sky | Victory Landing Park
This event is about more than just fireworks. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for you to enjoy some delicious food from local vendors, get your face painted, play with inflatables like bouncy houses, and then rest on the lawn for some beautiful fireworks starting at 9 p.m. The event will be giving away free light-up giveaway items to use and parking and admission to the event are both free. Find out more, here!
Courtesy of Newport News
Hampton
Fourth at the Fort | Outlook Beach, Fort Monroe
For one night only, civilians can get onto the base to watch the fireworks in the sky. This will be an all-day event so head on out to the beach with your towel until noon and hang out in the water or go to visit the Casemate Museum. Enjoy live music by U.S. Fleet Forces Four Star Edition Ensemble who will be sure to play your patriotic favorites until the show begins. Check it out here!
Courtesy of Fourth at the Fort
Suffolk
Stars and Stripes Spectacular | Constant’s Wharf Park
Fourth of July is about more than just the fireworks, so celebrate with an event that will celebrate it all! There will be plenty of entertainment, children's activities, local vendors to shop, and plenty of delicious food to eat. The show begins at 9 p.m., and there will be live music to entertain you while you wait for the fireworks over the Nansemond River. Tickets for the children's area are only $5 each – see the event here!
Courtesy of The Suffolk Coast
Yorktown
Yorktown Fourth of July | Various Locations
Independence Day doesn't have to be limited to the nightly fireworks show; it can be celebrated all day long! Begin our day of independence with an 8K or 5K run at 8 a.m. and ending the day at 9:15 p.m. for a fireworks show! There will be plenty of activities including a parade, family activities and games, live music, and more! Check out all of the fun, here!
Courtesy of Visit Yorktown Virginia
Williamsburg
Fireworks at Palace Green | Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg has reserved the day for some special activities including a casual breakfast with Thomas Jefferson, Salute to the States, reading of the Declaration of Independence, a fireworks show, and much more. Cancel all of your plans for the day and head on out for a fun day of festivities in the city of Colonial Williamsburg! The fireworks show is free and open to guests with a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket! Check out the other festivities here!
Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg
Where will you be watching the fireworks? Which location is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!