As 4th of July weekend approaches, you may be trying to choose the best place in Hampton Roads to watch fireworks. We’ve got you covered with not only some fantastic firecracker spots but fun activities for the whole family as well. Check out these Independence Day events near you and make it a wonderful weekend. Be sure to pack bug spray, a blanket or folding chairs and ear plugs if you have children who are frightened by the sound of fireworks.
Chesapeake
Celebrate Freedom Concert
July 3:Â Celebrate freedom with your family at Chesapeake City Park with a concert from the U.S. Army TRADOC Command Band. Kids will enjoy face painting, lawn games and inflatables. Hear music from Astro DJ and local entertainment as you try out food trucks and other concessions. The Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission will be sponsoring a silent auction and raffle. Event starts at 5 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Free. $5 on-site parking. Chesapeake City Park, Chesapeake. 757-382-6411.
35th Annual South Norfolk Parade & Picnic in the Park
Watch a parade, enjoy live entertainment, partake in delicious edibles, play games and go on paddleboat rides at this family-friendly event. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Lakeside Park, Chesapeake. 757-382-5411
Hampton
Fourth at the Fort
July 4: Spend the day on Outlook Beach and check out the Casemate Museum with free admission. Enjoy music from the U.S. Fleet Forces Four Star Edition Ensemble (7:30 p.m.) and then watch the fireworks over Fort Monroe starting at 9:15 p.m. Food and drinks will be for sale onsite. Event is free. Fort Monroe, Hampton. 757-637-7778
Newport News
4th of July Stars in the Sky
July 4:Â Spend the evening on the James River with a free concert and fireworks display at Victory Landing Park. Enjoy food and drinks for sale, plus rides and crafts for kids. Free. Victory Landing Park, Newport News. 757-962-1400
Norfolk
33rd Annual 4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks
Leave the grilling to Festevents on the 4th of July and bring your family and friends down to Town Point Park. Guests can buy traditional all American fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, buttered corn on the cob, juicy watermelon, lemonade and much more available for purchase! Relax on the lawn and enjoy the live entertainment by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band, then watch as the sky lights up with the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.!
Portsmouth
Independence Day Fireworks
July 4: Watch the fireworks on the water in Portsmouth.  Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. following a special concert from the Tidewater Concert Band at Portside Park at 6:30 p.m. Free. Crawford Parkway, Portsmouth. 757-393-5111
Suffolk
July 4: See the fireworks in Suffolk at Constant’s Wharf Park! Event starts at 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Hear music by Affirmative Groove and enjoy food and drinks for sale onsite. Event is free. Constant’s Wharf Park, Suffolk. 757-514-7250
Virginia Beach
July 4th Celebration
July 4: After your barbecue, head over to Mount Trashmore from 4–10 p.m. for food, live music and fireworks. There is a $5 parking fee to park onsite. Event is free. Mount Trashmore Park, Virginia Beach. 757-385-2990
Stars and Stripes Explosion
July 4: Watch fireworks on the beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Enjoy live music by the Virginia Beach Chorale, Chester B’s Motown Tribute Show, the Doorway Singers, Symphonicity, and a tribute to Billy Joel. A fireworks show over the Atlantic starts at 9:30 p.m. Free. Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach. 757-491-7866
Williamsburg
July 4: Celebrate Independence Day in historic Colonial Williamsburg. Start the day with a salute to the states at 10 a.m. and stay to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy colonial-themed activities throughout the day, such as three-legged-races, crafts and tomahawk throwing. Hear performances by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums and The Jangling Reinharts. There will be sumptuous food as guests feast on a come-and-go as you please buffet dinner at the Williamsburg Lodge. Fireworks start at 9:20 p.m., and reserved seating is included. Tickets available online, $85 for adults and $55 for children ages 6–12. Free parking available. Colonial Williamsburg. 888-965-7254
Yorktown
Yorktown Independence Day Celebration
July 4: Come salute America along the Yorktown Waterfront with a patriotic parade on Water Street at 9 a.m. Evening activities feature a bell-ringing ceremony at 7 p.m., live musical entertainment at 8 p.m. and spectacular fireworks on the York River at 9:15 p.m. Free. Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown. 757-890-3500. YorkCounty.gov
