The best thing about staying in town for the long July 4th weekend is that you can’t wave a sparkler without hitting a parade, concert or fireworks display. What follows is a list of some our favorite Independence Day happenings.
July 1-4
July 4th Jubilee: The United States is having a birthday, and Wintergreen Resort is hosting a four-day celebration with live music, a bonfire, arts and crafts, stargazing, a movie under the stars, beach olympics, chairlift rides, games and, of course, fireworks—on July 3 at 9:30pm. Prices and times vary. Route 664, Wintergreen. 325-2200, wintergreenresort.com/July-4th-Jubilee/.
July 2
Crozet Independence Day Parade and Celebration Parade to Claudius Crozet Park through downtown for a celebration that includes live music, kids’ games and rides, bounce houses, laser tag, food and fireworks. Free, 5pm. Crozet Avenue. facebook.com/Crozet.Independence.Day.Celebration/.
July 3
Free Union Independence Day Parade Decorate a wagon, bicycle, scooter, dog, horse or float and join the parade from the Church of the Brethren to Free Union Baptist. Free, 4pm. Millington Road, Free Union. 973-7361.
July 4
4th of July in Scottsville The city of Scottsville hosts its annual 4th of July parade, complete with floats, musical performances and the Scottsville Volunteer Fire Department, followed by a party in Dorrier Park that includes more music, food and fireworks at dusk. Free, 9am. James River Road, Scottsville. 531-6030.
Independence Day at James Monroe’s Highland Celebrate the nation’s birthday at the home of President James Monroe, a Revolutionary War veteran who died July 4, 1831. Activities include live music, children’s crafts and historic games. Free, 9am. 2050 James Monroe Parkway. 293-8000, highland.org/event/independence- day-celebration/.
Independence Day Celebration at the Frontier Culture Museum This annual 4th of July celebration includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, games, contests, crafts and historical reenactments. Free, 9am. 1290 Richmond Rd., Staunton. (540) 332-7850.
July 4th at Monticello Monticello hosts its 54th annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony, which features guest speaker Dr. Larry J. Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Free, 9am. 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. 984-9800, monticello.org/site/visit/events/july-4th-monticello.
Nelson County Fourth of July Parade Nelson County kicks off Independence Day with a children’s bicycle parade at 10am, followed by the main parade, which begins at 11am with floats, marching bands, antique cars and more. Free. Front Street, Lovingston. 906-1200.
Stanardsville Independence Day Celebration This year’s parade down Main Street includes two grand marshals: Tom Hayes and Haywood Lawson, Greene County’s last-known surviving World War II veterans. After the parade, enjoy games, concessions, live music, a living history exhibit, tethered balloon rides, a car show, water balloon battle, raffle and fireworks. Free, 10am. Main Street, Stanardsville. thestanardsvilleparade@gmail.com.
Earlysville 4th of July parade The 20th annual parade features floats, bicycles, antique cars, wagons, horse-drawn buggies, scout troops, music, food and more. Free, 3pm. Earlysville Road.
Patriotism in the Park Local bands, food and family-friendly activities precede the annual fireworks display over McIntire Park. Free, 5pm. (Parking is available at the Albemarle County Office Building and Walker Upper Elementary School, and shuttles are provided.) 970-3260.
Tom Sox vs Waynesboro Generals The Tom Sox take on the top-ranked Waynesboro Generals under the lights of C-VILLE Weekly Ballpark. When the game’s over, remain in your (nearly) front-row seat for the fireworks at nearby McIntire Park (see above). $2, 6 pm 1400 Melbourne Rd. tomsox.org.