This Fourth of July is extra special! In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th birthday — also known as the Semiquincentennial — marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Families across Virginia will find plenty of opportunities to celebrate with fireworks, parades, patriotic activities, historical reenactments, and special America250 events. Whether you're staying close to home or looking for an easy day trip, here are some of the best celebrations happening within a short drive of Fredericksburg.
Local Celebrations
Fredericksburg, Stafford & Spotsylvania
June 27: Stars and Stripes Spectacular 🎆
July 3: Fallen Heroes 5 Miler
July 3: Libations and Liberty: A Toast To Independence
July 4: A 250th Fourth of July at Ferry Farm
July 4: Fourth in Fredericksburg
- Festival in the Streets: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park
- FredNats Game & Fireworks: Game at 5:05 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Historic Sites & Activities: All-day events at Ferry Farm, Patawomeck Museum, Apothecary Shop, and Rising Sun Tavern
- Free Shuttle Service: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. from Eagles Lodge, Ferry Farm, Patawomeck Museum, and Downtown Visitor Center
July 4: FXBG Rubber Ducky Derby - POSTPONED DUE TO HEAT. Follow us for the rescheduled date which is TBD
July 4: Patriotic Palooza ($5/pp + $8 parking) at Fred Nats Stadium from 4pm to 8pm. (then watch fireworks from your cars)
July 4: Downtown Sounds
July 4: Stafford 4th of July Spectacular
- Goodiebags for the first 3000
- Fredericksburg Concert Band
- Circus Stilt Walkers and balloon twisting
- Yard games
- 9:15 pm fireworks
July 11: Fireworks Show at Tim's II 🎆July 11, 2026
Be sure to check our event calendar regularly as additional celebrations are announced.
Worth the Drive: Historic Virginia Celebrations
Colonial Williamsburg
If there is one place in Virginia to celebrate America's 250th birthday, it's Colonial Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg is hosting a multi-day celebration from July 2-5 featuring public readings of the Declaration of Independence, appearances by historical interpreters portraying George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Patrick Henry, and other Founding Fathers, military demonstrations, concerts, family activities, and fireworks. Free admission to the Historic Area will be offered on July 4.
In partnership with Virginia's VA250 Commission, Colonial Williamsburg will also host "America Made In Virginia: 250 Years Together," a special Independence Day program featuring live entertainment, patriotic performances, a drone show, and fireworks.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Celebrate Independence Day at the home of America's first president.
Mount Vernon's annual "An American Celebration" includes daytime fireworks over the Potomac River, military demonstrations, family activities, patriotic music, and a naturalization ceremony welcoming new American citizens. The event is designed specifically to honor America's 250th anniversary.
Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital is expected to host some of the largest America250 celebrations in the country. Events throughout the National Mall area will include patriotic displays, historical exhibits, concerts, and large-scale fireworks as part of the Freedom 250 celebration. Visitors should expect significant crowds and increased security.
6/30/26 Capital Police posted on social: Please note if you're coming to the Capitol or National Mall this Independence Day weekend:
The 2026 "A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration" will take place on Friday, July 3, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
The "Salute to America Fireworks" will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 around 10:30 p.m. and last about 40 minutes.
Fireworks will not be displayed at the Capitol on Friday. Saturday's show can be viewed from public spaces on the National Mall.
Please bring plenty of water for both events! (Metal and plastic bottles are allowed, glass is not.)
Make It a Family History Adventure
The 250th birthday of the United States is a once-in-a-generation celebration. Consider turning Independence Day weekend into a family history adventure by visiting some of Virginia's most important Revolutionary-era sites.
Talk with your kids about:
- What life was like in 1776
- The signing of the Declaration of Independence
- Virginia's role in the founding of our nation
- The responsibilities of citizenship today
Whether you're watching fireworks in your hometown or walking the same streets once traveled by America's founders, this year's Fourth of July offers a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation's history together.
Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🎆
We'll continue updating our calendar with local fireworks displays, parades, festivals, and family-friendly Independence Day events throughout Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania. Check back often and start planning your family's patriotic adventure!
