July 4th 2025 in Hampton Roads: Your Guide to Fireworks, Festivals, and Freedom
By John Womeldorf, Mr. Williamsburg
Ready to light up your weekend with red, white, and boom? Independence Day 2025 lands on a Friday this year, making it the perfect excuse for a long weekend of patriotic celebration. Whether you’re looking for fireworks on the beach, historic reenactments, family-friendly concerts, or small-town parades, there’s something for everyone across Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina.
I’ve rounded up a detailed guide to the best happenings across the region — from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach, from Corolla to Suffolk. Scroll down to find your town (or one you’d love to visit), pack your lawn chair and sunscreen, and get ready to celebrate America’s birthday in style.
WILLIAMSBURG
Colonial Williamsburg
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free admission with online tickets. Enjoy a day filled with historic activities, street performances, and patriotic spirit.
YORKTOWN
Town-Wide Celebration
Friday, July 4
8 a.m.: Yorktown 8K/5K 9 a.m.: Parade on Water and Main Streets Daylong activities include a hot dog eating contest, cupcake decorating, and more 9:15 p.m.: Fireworks over the York River Event Info
American Revolution Museum Liberty Celebration
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free for locals (York, JCC, Williamsburg)
CHESAPEAKE
Celebrate Freedom at Chesapeake City Park
Thursday, July 3, 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Free admission, $10 parking. Patriotic music followed by fireworks.
South Norfolk Parade & Picnic
Friday, July 4 – Parade at 10 a.m., Picnic at 3 p.m. at Lakeside Park
Great Bridge Battlefield Museum Celebration
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
HAMPTON
Fourth at the Fort (Fort Monroe)
Friday, July 4, 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
All-day events. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
First Friday in Phoebus
5 – 8 p.m. on East Mellen Street
Art, music, and merchant galleries
NEWPORT NEWS
Stars in the Sky at Victory Landing Park
Friday, July 4, 6 – 9:15 p.m.
Fireworks at 9 p.m.
NORFOLK
Town Point Park’s Great American Picnic & Fireworks
5 – 10 p.m. | Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. | Free
Shore Thing at Ocean View Beach Park
6 – 9:30 p.m.
Live music by “Wonderland,” fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate Early in New Kent!
Join the fun at New Kent High School on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 7–10 PM for fireworks, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, a car show & more!
Details: www.newkent-va.us
PORTSMOUTH
Shaggin’ 4th of July at High Street Landing
5 – 9:30 p.m. | Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Cradock’s 107th Patriotic Salute
Saturday, July 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
SMITHFIELD
Concert on Main Street
Friday, July 4, 7:30 p.m.
Peninsula Concert Band presents a patriotic musical evening.
SUFFOLK
Stars and Stripes Spectacular
Friday, July 4, 6 – 9 p.m.
Fireworks at 9 p.m. at Constant’s Wharf Park
Crittenden/Eclipse/Hobson All-Day Celebration
10 a.m. parade, daylong games and races, fireworks at dusk
VIRGINIA BEACH
Stars and Stripes Celebration on the Oceanfront
Friday, July 4, 7 – 11 p.m.
Live music at 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks
Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Mount Trashmore Fireworks
8 – 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
NORTH CAROLINA OUTER BANKS & BEYOND
Corolla Historic Park Celebration
5 – 9 p.m. | Fireworks at dusk
Town of Duck Parade
Starts at 9 a.m. – unique one-mile community route
Elizabeth City Mariners’ Wharf Park
4 – 10 p.m. | Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Manteo Downtown Celebration
Starts at 4 p.m. | Live music by The Deloreans | Fireworks at dusk
Winton NC Community Celebration
6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Fireworks at dusk
🚗 Heads Up
Expect road closures and traffic delays near event sites — especially in Yorktown, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk. It’s a good idea to arrive early and check local municipality websites or social media for updates on parking, shuttle service, and detours.
🎆 Celebrate Safely
Whether you’re watching fireworks over the York River or jamming out at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, stay safe and plan ahead. And again, don’t forget that 757 Sober Ride is offering free Lyft rides throughout the weekend for Hampton Roads residents.
Meet Your Local Guide: Mr. Williamsburg
Pssst! I’m going to let you in on a little secret… While I am a real estate agent, I’m not your average one.
I’ve built my reputation on being a local ambassador first and a Realtor second. Known throughout the region as Mr. Williamsburg, I’ve made it my mission to help people fall in love not just with a house, but with the lifestyle of Greater Williamsburg, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just daydreaming for now, I bring a blend of deep community insight, honest advice, and creative marketing that helps buyers and sellers get exactly where they want to go.
Want to know what it’s like to work with me? Don’t take my word for it — check out what my past clients have said here.
Looking to sell your home or curious about neighborhoods across the region? I’m here to help. Call or text me anytime at 757-254-8136 or email me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com.
Thanks for stopping by — enjoy your Fourth of July weekend!
Warmly,
John Womeldorf
A.K.A. Mr. Williamsburg