Friday, July 3
Keith Morris and the Crooked Numbers An original singer-songwriter with deep roots in the South. He plays on the lively feelings of rock ‘n’ roll and the desire to road trip in an old convertible through dusty and sprawling roads. Free, 5:30pm. nTelos Wireless Pavilion, 700 E. Main St., Downtown Mall.
The Astronomers and Shagwuf Local rock band with a taste for pop blends the progressive mainstream melodies with out of this world orchestral and dance-rock that makes them the stars that their name claims. Accompanying them is the punky Shagwuf who invokes the harder parts of rock to embrace a quirky way of looking at the world through unique guitar riffs and exciting vocals. $5-7, 7pm. The Southern, 103 S. First St., Downtown Mall. 977-5590.
LUV Murray Schisgal’s dark but exciting comedy is a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. Two old college friends are reunited when Milt saves his friend Harry from plummeting from a bridge. But the thought of death causes Harry to rethink his life with his wife Ellen and whether or not jumping is better than the misery they have together. $15-30, 8pm. Ruth Caplin Theater, 109 Culbreth Rd. 924-3326.
2 Wishes A duo comprised of Southerner Joy Kuhar and the New Orleans native Mike D’Antoni are known for their tight harmony, classic favorites and jazzy melodies. The pair will be accompanied by band members Joe Tucker, a bassist and pianist, drummer Mike Barnes, and Deloy Moore on dobro and mandolin. Free, 6pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. 975.0094.
Saturday, July 4
The Annual Newsplex Fireworks Food, fun, local bands, and games for all will end the patriotic celebration of our nation’s freedom. Free, 6pm. McIntire Park. 970-3260.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream A classic Shakespearian comedy set in the faerie world tells the story of fantasy, love and magic wrapped up in confusion and disaster that evokes laughter and suspense at every turn. $20-46, 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. (540) 851-1733.
Twerk-Off Part II The 4th of July holiday bash features performances by Black Odyssey and music by DJ Flatlinelay and DJ B-Easy for an Independence Day blow-out. 21-plus. $10, 11pm. Main St. Annex, 219 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. 284-8561.
Delta Junctions Hailing from Crozet, Virginia, this original trio resurrects old delta blues into a living embodiment of funk, soul and rock with compelling vocals, driving guitar, powerful bass, and a harmonica snapping up attention. Free, 3pm. Mountfair Vineyards, 4875 Fox Mountain Rd., Crozet. 823-7605.
53rd annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony Monticello hosts its 53rd annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony, honoring the genius of Thomas Jefferson and welcoming new citizens to the United States. Governor Terry McAuliffe joins as guest speaker. Open house walking tours follow the ceremony. Free, 9am. Monticello, 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. 984-9800.
Independence Day at Ash-Lawn Highland Ash-Lawn Highland, which was home to United States President James Monroe, will host an Independence Day celebration and commemoration of Monroe’s death, who died on July 4, 1831. Activities include live music, children’s crafts, and historic games. Picnics are welcome, and visitors can bring their own food or purchase sandwiches and salads from the Museum Shop. Events run from 9am-6pm, and all activities are free. Ash-Lawn Highland is located on 2050 James Monroe Parkway. For more information, call 434-293-8000.
Old-timey fun The Frontier Culture Museum will put on a 4th of July celebration with events including readings of the Declaration of Independence, music, games, and contests. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Activities begin at 9am and end at 5pm. Concessions will be available for purchase. The Museum is at 1290 Richmond Road in Staunton. For more information, call 540-332-7850.
4th of July celebration in Scottsville The town of Scottsville will host its annual 4th of July Parade on Saturday, complete with musical performances and new floats. The parade begins at 9am and will be followed by a fireworks show over the river that can be viewed from the bridge. Vendors will be at Dorrier Park during the day, and music will be played from 6-9pm. The fireworks show will begin at dusk. The Independence Day activities are free, and all ages are welcome. Scottsville is 20 minutes south of Charlottesville on Rt 20. For more information, call 434-531-6030.
Stanardsville parade A “small-town-America” 4th of July parade will be held in downtown Stanardsville on Saturday. A parade down historic Main Street will be followed by Independence Day festivities on the Court House Square, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence and musical performances. Food, ice-cream, and soft drinks will be available for purchase. 10am-3pm. Stanardsville is located in Greene County, about 40 minutes north of Charlottesville. For more information, email thestanardsvilleparade@gmail.com.
Friday-Sunday, July 3-5
4th of July Jubilee Wintergreen Resort is holding a weekend-long festival featuring music, a block party, a movie under the stars, chairlift rides, family games and a firework show. Space is limited. 855-699-1858.
Sunday, July 5
Crozet’s Independence Day Parade & Celebration The fun west of town starts with a parade to Claudius Crozet Park through downtown at 5pm. The parade will be followed by a community celebration from 6-10pm with events including: live music from LockJaw, kids’ games, bounce houses, laser tag, and pony rides. Traditional Fourth of July fare will be on sale, and fireworks begin at 9:30pm in the park. Claudius Crozet Park.
Free Union Independence Parade People of all ages are encouraged to decorate a wagon, bike, scooter, dog, or float to participate in the Free Union Independence Parade on Sunday. The parade will feature music by local artists as well as appearances by Ms. Liberty, Uncle Sam, fire engines and horse people, and folks in costume. The parade begins at the Free Union Church of the Brethren at 4pm and ends at the Free Union Baptist Church on Millington Road. Free. 434-973-7361.