Celebrate Freedom and Fireworks in Virginia Beach for Fourth of July

With Independence Day upon us, Virginia Beach is getting ready for the holiday with free fun and fireworks at Mount Trashmore and the Oceanfront. Join in on the fun Tuesday, July 4. Note there are no rain dates scheduled for either location.

July 4th Celebration
July 4, 6 p.m., Mount Trashmore Park

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation’s annual event begins at 6 p.m. Enjoy food vendors, live music from BJ Griffin and fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. Limited parking will be available for $20 beginning at 2 p.m. and Edwin Drive may close to traffic once the parking lots are full. Visitors should arrive early and expect traffic delays and heavy pedestrian traffic along Independence Boulevard, Edwin Drive and South Boulevard.

Stars & Stripes Celebration
July 4, 7 p.m., Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Performances for the Fourth of July Stars & Stripes Celebration begin at 7 p.m., with fireworks launching at 9:30 p.m. at 24th Street and the Boardwalk. The performances for the evening are as follows: Strictly Bizzness at 17th Street Park, The Tidewater Winds Concert Band at 24th Street Park (beginning at 7:30 p.m.) and Good Shot Judy at 31st Street Park.

People are encouraged to arrive early in the day to minimize traffic congestion. Visitors who arrive later in the afternoon or early evening should expect extremely slow-moving traffic as well as heavy pedestrian traffic and be advised that a modified traffic plan may be implemented.

As we have done in years past, to facilitate traffic and accommodate the larger-than-normal crowds at the Oceanfront, vehicles traveling eastbound on I-264 may be redirected westbound at Parks Avenue beginning at 7 p.m. The eastbound exit at South Birdneck Road and the westbound exit at First Colonial Road may be closed. Routes to the Resort Area that will remain open include Shore Drive and Laskin Road. If implemented, this traffic diversion may be in place until around 11:30 p.m.

The City’s partnership with WAZE provides real-time traffic updates, which can assist with planning for traveling and potential traffic delays. Residents can also opt in to receive text updates and emergency alerts during the holiday by texting JULY423 to 67283. Notifications will automatically end after July 4.

Stay in the know about schedule changes or updates:

• Visit VirginiaBeach.gov/EventInfo
• Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Please note, most City of Virginia Beach offices will be closed July 3 and July 4 in observance of the holiday. Waste collection services will be suspended on July 4 as well. Residents who normally receive waste collection on Tuesday will instead have their cans serviced on Monday, July 3. All other collections for the week will remain the same. For a complete listing of closures, visit virginiabeach.gov.

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!