As the United States heads towards its 250th birthday, public displays of patriotism and celebration of all things red, white and blue can remind us what it means to be an American. We’ve been celebrating Independence Day for a long time, and the festivities have always included fireworks — and the occasional firing of cannons.
No cannons (that we know about anyway) are in the plans for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations across the region, but there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate. We’ve compiled a roundup of the top events coming to a site near you.
If you plan on visiting the sites in Stafford and Fredericksburg, take advantage of the free trolley on July 4. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the trolley travels between Eagle’s Lodge parking lot, Ferry Farm, the Patawomeck Museum and Cultural Center, and the Fredericksburg Visitor Center.
A reminder that, due to hot and dry conditions this summer, the individual use of fireworks is not permitted in any Fredericksburg parks. Never let children handle fireworks.
Thursday, July 3
History Trivia
6-8 p.m., James Monroe Museum, 908 Charles St., Fredericksburg
Test your skills at historical trivia, featuring Celebrity Quizmaster James Monroe, fifth president of the United States. Questions on a wide range of historical topics. Cash bar on site. Light snacks provided. Email [email protected] to reserve your spot.
Friday, July 4
Fredericksburg
Fallen Heroes 5 Miler
7:30 a.m., James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg
Runners honor veterans while navigating the course (in a new location) throughout the city. The event is sponsored by Fredericksburg Fallen Heroes, a local nonprofit organization that provides support to local veterans and first responders in need of assistance. Prizes will be awarded for times and best patriotic outfits. Details here.
Children’s Roll N’ Stroll
9 a.m., VRE parking lot B (corner of Caroline and Frederick), Fredericksburg
A procession of decorated bikes, strollers and wagons follows Caroline Street from the train station to Market Square. Prizes for best adult and child costumes, best decorated bicycle and wagon/stroller. Winners announced 9:25 a.m. No parking at VRE parking lot. No floats or motors. Well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m., Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
Living historians will read this historic document from the steps in front of this 18th-century building. Museum tours available, $10.
Storytime at Rising Sun
11:30 a.m. & 1:30 pm., Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
Costumed interpreters read children’s books on the American Revolution on the lawn behind the tavern. Tours of the former home of Charles Washington, George’s brother, are available at standard admission prices. Storytime is free and open to the public.
Fourth of Fredericksburg Festival in the Streets
10 a.m.– 4 p.m., Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg
Presentation of the colors and welcome speech by Mayor Devine (noon), arts and crafts along Sophia Street, children’s activities, food vendors and live music. More details here.
Sounds of Summer
6:30–8:30 p.m. Market Square, Fredericksburg
Ladia performs in this weekly concert hosted by the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Free.
Old Mill Park fireworks viewing
Gates open at 7 a.m. Entrance will be shut down to vehicle traffic once the park reaches capacity. No fireworks permitted inside the park. Portions of Riverside Drive and Caroline Street will be restricted. Non-residence entrance fee is $10/vehicle or $5/person for walk-ins; credit/debit cards only. (Fees do not apply to Fredericksburg city residents or Stafford County residents; be prepared to show proof of address). Fireworks launch from Pratt Park across the river around 9:15 p.m.
FredNats Fourth of July Fireworks
The FredNats play at home against the Delmarva Shorebirds (5:05 p.m.). After the game, patriotic fireworks light up the sky (starting around 9 p.m.). Fireworks will also follow Saturday’s game.
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Stafford County
Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm
10 a.m. – 4 p.m., George Washington’s Ferry Farm, 268 George Washington Way
Enjoy live music by the Enduring Freedom Honor Team; tour the Washington House and learn about 18th-century life on the farm; watch colonial living historians work crafts; play colonial games like chasing hoops or knocking down pins; ride a stick pony through George’s Horse Maze; talk to a George Washington reenactor; see a flag retirement ceremony (11 a.m.); talk to archaeologists at an active dig site; make crafts in the pavilion; see a glimpse of life in a Revolutionary War military encampment; visit The Quarter and Cellar House. Food trucks on site. Admission $1/person (children under age 2 free).
Patawomeck Museum and Cultural Center
10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 638 Kings Highway
Learn about the tribe from storytellers and members who will be in the village offering engaging stories and insights. Children get a free arrowhead necklace plus face painting and other crafts. Food trucks on site, plus cooling stations and air-conditioned resting spaces available.
Stafford 4th of July Spectacular
6 p.m., John Lee Pratt Memorial Park, 120 River Road
Goodie bag for the first 3,000 guests. Performances by the Fredericksburg Concert Band, Imagine Circus stilt walkers, juggling, balloon twisting, food trucks on site, plus games such as gaga pit, cornhole, Connect 4, giant Jenga, spike ball, bankshot basketball and frisbee golf. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets. No grills, no tents, no alcohol, no sparklers. Well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome.
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Caroline County
Port Royal Independence Day Celebration
10 a.m., St. Peter’s Church, 823 Water St., Port Royal
The celebration begins with a bagpipes and drums processional, invocation, pledge and anthem by the Rappahannock whalers, bell ringing, remarks and reading of Declaration of Independence.
11 a.m., meet Betsy Ross (History Warehouse’s Leigh Jameson)
Noon & 1 p.m., puppet show and musical performances
12:30 p.m., Dr. Philip Levy, George Washington historian and archaeologist
Thru 2 p.m., seafaring songs, free wagon rides, traditional trades and craftsmen demos, children’s activities, concessions.
More info: www.historicportroyal.net
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Saturday, July 5
Founding Fathers’ Independence Celebration
3-4 p.m., Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg Branch: Enjoy light non-tea refreshments and a colonial craft while exploring local history resources.
Summer 1862: The Occupation of Fredericksburg
6:30 p.m. Chatham Manor, 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg
During the summer of 1862, Union soldiers occupied Fredericksburg and experienced life around people whose perspectives on the war were vastly different from their own. For Fredericksburg’s civilians, the occupation put a spotlight on war’s ability to impact a community and be a catalyst for change. This History at Sunset program by the National Park Service explores the ways the 1862 occupation of Fredericksburg challenged the assumptions of soldiers and civilians about the nature of the Civil War and shaped how they understood their place in it. Program is outdoors and about 90 minutes long. Bring bug spray, comfortable walking shoes and water. This will be a stationary program on the Chatham lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Saturday, July 12
King George Independence Celebration
7-10 p.m., Sealston Sports Complex, 11050 Fletchers Chapel Road, King George
Celebrate with live music and food from local food trucks. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m., designed and choreographed by American Fireworks Company. Parking available at Sealston Elementary School, and accessible parking at Sealston Sports Complex. Bring lawn chairs, blankets.
