Independence Day Events - From Parades to Fireworks & More
It’s time to celebrate like it’s 1776! Fourth of July fireworks are ready, so prepare to ooh and aah at the skies this Independence Day. Parades, fairs, and family 5ks are all part of the many local Charlottesville area celebrations.
Charlottesville 4th of July Celebrations
The Fourth of July is one of the greatest occasions for families to enjoy summer in Charlottesville. The entire city takes on a celebratory atmosphere, and it’s the ideal reason to spend the entire weekend seeing everything Charlottesville has to offer. Explore river floats and parades, fireworks, music and culinary festivals and a variety of other Fourth of July events and activities in Charlottesville. Some of our favorite 4th of July Events for families and kids are listed below. Specific dates and times can be found in our popular Charlottesville Events Calendar.
1. Monticello Independence Day and Naturalization Ceremony
July 4 at 9:00am
This is, without a doubt, THE Fourth of July celebration you shouldn’t miss! The annual “Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony” and the “Great Birthday of Our Republic” are held at President Thomas Jefferson’s house from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Numerous international citizens are addressed by well-known guest speakers as they fulfill a dream that has been a longtime ambition for many of them: becoming citizens of the United States! The 2025 speaker is award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns.
2. C’Ville Spectacular
Enjoy a dazzling 18-minute fireworks display launching from the top of Carter Mountain. Whether you’re watching from a local park, a downtown rooftop, or your own backyard, you’ll be able to enjoy the show from all over the region! Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:00pm. Can’t view the show outside? Tune into CBS19 for live coverage.
3. Happy Birthday America from Carter Mountain Orchard
July 4, 5:30–9:30pm
Observe America’s birthday with a traditional family outing! Savor fireworks while admiring Carter Mountain’s breathtaking view of Charlottesville. This entertaining, family-friendly 4th of July event features a range of activities for everyone throughout the afternoon. At dusk, there will be fireworks and live music along with food, wine, and both sweet and hard cider for sale (alcohol from outside is prohibited by state ABC legislation)!
4. July 4th Celebration in Scottsville
July 4 at 9:00am
The town of Scottsville, which is located just south of Charlottesville, has a long history of holding parades, and its annual “Fourth of July Parade” down Main Street is a great example of small town charm. Folk music concerts, the Virginia Log Chopping Championships, an indoor and outdoor antique exhibition and flea market, fireworks, and, of course, candy throwing for passersby have all been part of previous celebrations. With the parade in the morning, music, food, and games in the afternoon, and fireworks over the James River in the evening, there will be a strong sense of small-town warmth and “slice of Americana” throughout the entire event.
5. Independence Celebration at Boar’s Head Resort
July 4, 3:00–9:00pm
Enjoy an extra dose of “fun for the fourth” while celebrating Independence Day during the ongoing Summer Celebration Series at Boar’s Head. Bring the entire family to jam to live music from Koda and Marie of Chamomile & Whiskey and Friends followed by an electrifying display of fireworks that will illuminate the sky.
6. Happy Birthday America at Gypsy Hill Park
July 3–4
Make your way over to Staunton for this 3-day 4th of July celebration featuring a concert series, food, fun, a parade, a Beauty Pageant, a Country Music show, and of course some end-the-night-light-up-the-sky fireworks.
7. Red, Whites & Bluegrass at Keswick Vineyards
July 4, 12:00–4:00pm
The name says it all. Enjoy wine, beer, and bluegrass music at this popular event. There will be food vendors including Cousins Main Lobster, Kona Ice and Keswick Vineyards’ own Barrel and Board. There will also be face painting and fun for the kids.
8. Free Fourth of July at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Garden admission will be free on July 4th to celebrate the holiday. The universally-accessible Klaus Family Tree House will be open for all to enjoy, as will Waterway splash pad in the Children’s Garden. The air-conditioned Library is also available for cooling off. Visitors can also explore our outdoor art exhibition, Homes & Habitats, with installations located throughout iconic areas of the Garden.
9. Crozet Independence Day Celebration with Fireworks
July 5, 4:00–10:00pm
Enjoy an evening filled with live music, local food trucks, wines from King Family Vineyards, a local beer trailer, and a spectacular fireworks display! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, gather with friends and neighbors, and celebrate Independence Day weekend. Gates open at 4:00pm, and the fireworks are set to begin at 9:30pm.
4th of July Event Safety Tips
Each year, thousands of children under the age of 19 are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries involving fireworks.
Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. It’s advised to teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire—‘stop, drop and roll’—and how to call 911 in an emergency.
Where permitted by law, fireworks should be handled and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all warning labels. In addition, here are some recommendations for adults using fireworks:
Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces, and aim them away from buildings, dry leaves, flammable materials and spectators.
Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction.
Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.
Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the pyrotechnic devices you are using are not subject to any safety recalls. Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.
Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.
Finally, keep all children under active supervision—in sight and in reach at all times with your undivided attention focused on them.
How to Grill Safely
Among all accidental injuries, fires/burns remain as one of the top causes of death for young children—in part because young children cannot recognize heat-related hazards quickly enough to react appropriately. A child will suffer a full-thickness
burn (third-degree burn) after just three seconds of exposure to 140-degree water and will need surgery and skin grafts.
Keep children away from the grill area while preheating and cooking, and as the grill is cooling.
Keep matches, candles, gasoline, lighters and all other flammable materials locked away and out of children’s reach.
Award-winning and community-rooted since 1998, CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine celebrates town & country living in Virginia with stories that make parenting easier and growing up more fun. From schools and health to arts, events and home design—we cover what matters most to families.
1. Monticello Independence Day and Naturalization Ceremony
4. July 4th Celebration in Scottsville
