Richmond, Virginia, ignites with vibrant celebrations and dazzling July 4th fireworks displays. Fireworks and Fourth of July shows are vibrant celebrations in the United States, marking the country's independence with spectacular displays of pyrotechnics. These events bring communities together for a night of excitement and patriotic fervor. Here's a comprehensive guide to the top places to catch fireworks in Richmond, complete with details on timings, costs (if any), and what makes each location special.

Where to Watch Fireworks in Richmond, VA: A Spectacular Display Guide

Here are some fantastic spots to catch Fourth of July fireworks displays in Chesterfield, Henrico, Hopewell, and Hanover, Virginia:

Chesterfield County, Virginia Fireworks:

Chesterfield County Fairgrounds - 10300 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.Chesterfield County Fairgrounds Chesterfield Fourth of July celebration presented by Virginia Credit Union. This fireworks display and Central Virginia based event includes a Kids' Zone, food vendors, live music, special entertainment, spectacular fireworks and more! A Kids Zone will be back this year with bounce houses, slides and more. The Kids Zone typically closes at 8:30 p.m. Additional entertainers (juggler, magician and hula-hooper) will be moving throughout the Kids Zone for additional fun! Live music entertainment is available for 2 hours on stage as well. A DJ will provide musical entertainment when the band is not on stage.
Time: Gates open at 5 p.m.; fireworks will begin at dark. There is no rain date as this is a rain or shine event on July 4th.
Cost: This event is free but parents will want to have money for the kid zone entertainment costs. Attendees can leave and return at any time. Wristbands will be $5. Cash or card.
Parking: Limited parking will be available at lots at L.C. Bird High School, Chesterfield Technical Center and O.B. Gates Elementary School. All traffic should enter parking areas via Krause Road. Roads leading to the fairgrounds will be closed when lots are full. View the parking map (PDF) for helping manage the traffic. There are no pets allowed at this family-friendly event. Attendees can bring blankets and chairs to get comfortable at this firework event hosted by Chesterfield County Parks.

Colonial Heights, Virginia Firework Display

The City of Colonial Heights will hold a Fourth of July Fireworks Show on Independence Day. The fireworks will start around 9:15 p.m. and can best be seen around the Southpark Mall area. This event is free and open to the public with a rain date of July 5.
In Colonial Heights, the Tri-City Chili Peppers’ baseball game followed by a post-game fireworks show. The party starts at 5:45 p.m., and game time is 7 p.m.

Goochland County, Virginia Firework Display

Hardywood West Creek will celebrate the Fourth a little early on July 1 with its Let Lagers Ring Independence Day Celebration. The festivities at the brewery start at 2 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m. The entertainment lineup features Three Sheets to the Wind, Circus Mutt, The Hot Seats, Crystal Ship and Mother’s Little Helpers. In addition to the music, there will be face painting, outdoor games, craft lagers on draft and local food trucks to feed your crew. No outside food or drinks allowed. Fireworks start at dusk. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children under 10.

Goochland County is displaying fireworks on July 4 at the Goochland Sports Complex. Parking areas will open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. Parking will be located at Goochland Elementary School, the Goochland Middle and High School Complex, and the Goochland Administration Complex. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Be prepared for extensive traffic delays before and after the event. Local road closures will be enacted based on traffic conditions and event parking capacity.

Hanover County Firework Display

Town of Ashland Fourth of July Celebration

Details: Experience small-town charm with a delightful fireworks display. A parade, live music, food vendors, and fireworks create a vibrant celebration. For more than 40 years, the Rotary July Fourth Fireworks have lit up the Ashland night skies in celebration of the nation’s birth. The fireworks display, which will be launched from its usual site outside Community Stadium, will be provided by a new vendor, Zambelli Fireworks International, which is the nation’s largest fireworks vendor.

Henrico County, Virginia Firework Display:

Red, White, and Lights Celebration Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road.
Henrico County's show featuring food trucks, entertainment, and various family activities. The free event, produced by the Division of Recreation & Parks, will begin at 4 p.m. and provide an evening of family entertainment, including a performance by the Richmond Symphony featuring a repertoire of patriotic and America-themed selections with associate conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin and a laser-light show finale. Gates will be open from 4 to 8:45 p.m. Guests will need to be in the event area to see and hear the show. Independence Day event to again feature Richmond Symphony, laser light show finale. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs and to arrive early to enjoy live music by Soul Expressions and the Henrico Police Acoustic Blue Band and entertainment by juggler Jonathan Austin and Uncle Sam on Stilts. A kids’ zone will include inflatables, games, face painting and balloon art. History displays will also be available. Antoinette Essa, a reporter for WTVR CBS 6, will serve as emcee for the evening. Food trucks will be onsite to offer a meal or snack. Cost: Free admission; some activities may have fees. Ample spots for picnics, lawn chairs, and great views of the fireworks.

Hopewell, Virginia Firework Display:

Don't miss Hopewell's annual Independence Day Celebration on the Appomattox River! The event is always held on the Saturday before July 4. A dazzling fireworks display will be fired from a barge on the river. The display is best viewed from TriCities Hospital, the Hopewell Riverwalk, the Hopewell City Marina, and City Park. Much of the display will be visible from points in historic downtown Hopewell also. Concessions will not be available. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food or drink to the show. The fireworks are scheduled to detonate at 9:30 p.m. This may seem late but total darkness is required for the most effective show. The show will last approximately 15 minutes.

Fourth of July fireworks at the Appomattox Regional Park, providing a stunning view by the riverside. Fireworks can be viewed from the rear parking lot of the TriCities Hospital. The show can also be seen from most vantage points at the Hopewell City Marina (please note that some views from the marina will be obstructed by the State Route 10 bridge) and City Park Beach area only (Trees may obstruct view if viewing from top of City Park). The Riverwalk will be open as a viewing location with limited capacity. Please remember to respect private property and that all Hopewell public parks close at dusk.

Petersburg, Virginia Firework Display:

The City of Petersburg is sponsoring and co-hosting (along with Trapezium Brewing Company) the second annual Petersburg Independence Day Fireworks Show on July 3 at the Petersburg Harbor. Food trucks and live music begin at 6 p.m., and fireworks start at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Fireworks can be seen best in the area from Trapezium Brewing to Petersburg Harbor. This event is free and open to the public. In addition to local parking areas, the city will run shuttles from 5:45 to 10 p.m. between the Park and Ride and Union Train Station.

City of Richmond Firework Display:

Dogwood Dell in Byrd Park: Dogwood Dell is a beautiful park in Richmond that often hosts a Fourth of July celebration with fireworks. The park itself is a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the festivities. Dogwood Dell will once again host Fourth of July festivities with fireworks, music and other performances at its 2,400-seat amphitheater on July 4. Bring blankets and chairs and a picnic dinner to enjoy. Events are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. with the Richmond Concert Jazz Band, followed by the Richmond Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. The grand finale is a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.
Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Richmond, Virginia minor league baseball team has a firework display that has been well loved by generations of baseball lovers in Richmond, VA.. The Flying Squirrels host Fourth of July events that include fireworks that always sells out. It's a fun option for baseball fans.
Richmond Kickers - City Stadium in Richmond, VA is home to firework display as well that soccer fans will enjoy!
Rocketts Landing - Rocketts Red Glare is a two-day event on July 3rd and 4th that takes place in Rocketts Landing. Admission to the event is free and there are plenty of food trucks, craft beers, and vendors to keep you occupied.

Kings Dominion: While not in Richmond itself, Kings Dominion, an amusement park located about 20 miles north of Richmond in Doswell, often hosts Fourth of July firework display as part of their Independence Day celebration. Celebrate Independence Day at Kings Dominion with an AMAZING fireworks display! As the fourth of July is filled with family, friends, great food, and of course, dazzling fireworks, Kings Dominion will be the perfect place for you and your loved ones to celebrate.

After a day of riding roller coasters and having a splashing good time in Soak City, sit back, relax and enjoy our colorful display of fireworks set to patriotic tunes. Watching Kings Dominion’s fourth of July fireworks spectacular will be a celebration you and your family won’t want to miss!The perfect spot for fireworks is in Candy Apple Grove by the Drop Tower, International Street by the Eiffel Tower, or in Jungle X-Pedition by the Backlot Stunt Coaster.

Kings Dominion’s Fireworks Display

This Kings Dominion season pass is FREE for unlimited visits for children 3-5 years old and is a great opportunity to allow your family to visit Kings Dominion for tons of fun year-round for complimentary admission to special events through the preschool pass too! Do not wait any longer, activate your Kings Dominion FREE Pre-k pass and take your little ones at no extra cost on your next visit for fun for the whole family. This is a great way to have a family friendly firework event and your younger children get in for free.

Soak City and Kings Dominion opened up a new and expanded water park area that your family will absolutely LOVE. Your Pre-K child will have an amazing time at Lighthouse Landing, Sand Dune Lagoon, and sliding over and over! We cannot wait to return soon!

We know planning a water park trip can be overwhelming with small children so I wanted to share all of my tips and review to help your family plan an amazing and fun Kings Dominion Soak City trip as well! Soak City is one of the best parts of visiting Kings Dominion, especially on a really hot summer day! Read more about what we loved about Soak City in this blog summarizing everything you need to know about Soak City before visiting with a preschool aged child.

Richmond, VA, offers a variety of family-friendly daytime activities on the Fourth of July. Here are some enjoyable options:

Parades and Festivities:

Fourth of July Parades: Check local listings for parades in Richmond or nearby communities. Many towns organize parades with floats, bands, and community participation, offering a festive atmosphere.
Community Celebrations: Explore local parks or community centers hosting family-friendly events with live music, food vendors, and games during the day.

Outdoor Adventures:

Picnics in Parks: Pack a picnic and head to one of Richmond's beautiful parks like Maymont Park, Byrd Park, or Deep Run Park. Enjoy a day of outdoor relaxation and family time.
James River Activities: Consider riverfront activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or river cruises available along the James River.

Cultural and Historic Exploration:

Museums and Historic Sites: Visit museums like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or the Science Museum of Virginia, which might have special Fourth of July exhibits or activities.
Historic Tours: Explore Richmond's historical sites like the American Civil War Museum or the Virginia Capitol for a learning experience about the nation's history.

Family Entertainment:

Family-Friendly Movies: Some theaters or outdoor venues might host special screenings of family movies during the day.
Local Events: Check local event calendars for family-centric activities like fairs, craft shows, or workshops happening on the Fourth of July.

Special Community Events:

Neighborhood Gatherings: Some neighborhoods organize family-friendly gatherings with cookouts, games, and activities during the day.
Community Pools or Splash Parks: Beat the summer heat by spending time at local pools or splash parks if they are open to the public.

Sporting Events:

Baseball Games: If there are baseball games scheduled on the Fourth of July, attending a local minor league baseball game can be a fun family outing.

DIY Celebrations:

Backyard Barbecues: Host a family barbecue or cookout in your backyard. Get together for a day of grilling, outdoor games, and relaxation.

Nature Exploration:

Hiking or Nature Trails: Take advantage of Richmond's scenic beauty by exploring hiking trails or nature parks with family-friendly trails.

These daytime activities offer a range of options for families to celebrate the Fourth of July in Richmond, catering to various interests and ages. Check local event listings or community websites for specific details and schedules for Fourth of July family events in the area.

While it is not fireworks, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers Free admission all day 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Celebrate Free Fourth of July by enjoying the gardens and feel free to wear red, white and blue and bring your decorated wagons and strollers. The line to Butterflies LIVE! will close at 3:30 p.m. to ensure all visitors in line are able to see the exhibit. This is a great way to have a festive Fourth of July outing for FREE with small children.

Each of these locations promises an unforgettable Fourth of July experience with dazzling fireworks illuminating the skies, accompanied by various entertainment and activities for a day of patriotic celebration.

To enjoy fireworks in Richmond, Virginia for the Fourth of July, you have several great options. Keep in mind that event details can change, so it's a good idea to check the latest information closer to the date. Here are some popular places in Richmond where you can typically catch Fourth of July fireworks:

Best age for fireworks:

The enjoyment and appreciation of fireworks can vary for individuals based on personal preferences, sensory tolerance, and developmental stages. While there isn't a specific "best age" for fireworks, here are general considerations:

Young Children (Under 5 Years):

Supervision is Key: Children in this age group may find fireworks loud or overwhelming. They might enjoy simpler, quieter displays from a distance.
Safety Measures: Ensure strict adult supervision, and consider using noise-canceling headphones or ear protection.

Children (5-12 Years):

Excitement and Wonder: Many children in this age range tend to enjoy fireworks and are fascinated by the bright colors and displays.
Safety Education: Teach them about firework safety, the importance of keeping a safe distance, and never handling fireworks themselves.

Teens and Preteens (13-18 Years):

Appreciation and Safety: Older children may enjoy fireworks more comprehensively, understanding safety protocols and appreciating the artistic and technical aspects of the displays.
Safety Role Models: Encourage responsible behavior and safe practices around fireworks.

Seniors:

Comfort and Safety: Seniors might have varying preferences. Some may enjoy the nostalgia and tradition, while others might prefer quieter celebrations due to sensory sensitivities or health concerns.
Comfortable Viewing: Ensure they are comfortable and have seating arrangements if needed.

Pet Care and Safety During Fireworks:

Absolutely, taking care of pets during fireworks is crucial as the loud noises and bright lights can cause distress or anxiety for many animals. Here are some tips to ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable during fireworks displays:

Prepare Ahead:

Identification: Ensure your pet has proper identification, like a collar with updated tags or a microchip, in case they get scared and run off.
Secure Environment: Keep your pets indoors in a familiar and secure environment, ideally in a quiet, interior room away from the noise.

Create a Calming Environment:

Background Noise: Play calming music or turn on the TV to provide background noise that might help mask the sounds of fireworks.
Comfort Items: Create a comfortable space with their favorite toys, blankets, or bedding for them to feel secure.

Stay With Your Pet:

Comfort and Reassurance: Be present with your pet during the fireworks if possible, offering comfort and reassurance. Your presence can alleviate their anxiety.
Distraction: Engage your pet in activities they enjoy, like playing games or providing treats to divert their attention.

Consider Professional Help:

Consult a Vet: If your pet has severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian. They might suggest medications or other techniques to help ease your pet's stress during fireworks.

Safety Measures:

Secure Doors and Windows: Ensure all doors, windows, and gates are closed and secure to prevent your pet from running away if they panic.
No Firework Exposure: Keep fireworks, matches, and other potentially hazardous materials out of reach from pets.

Training and Preparation:

Desensitization Training: Gradually expose your pets to recorded firework sounds at a low volume and reward them for calm behavior to help them get used to the noises over time.

Post-Fireworks Check:

Inspect for Hazards: After the fireworks, check the surrounding area for any debris or hazards that could be harmful to your pet.

Additional Tips:

Consider Hiring a Pet Sitter: If you're attending a fireworks event, consider hiring a pet sitter or arranging for someone to stay with your pets at home.
Stay Calm: Pets can pick up on their owners' stress, so try to stay calm and relaxed to help reassure them.

Taking these precautions can help minimize stress and ensure the safety and well-being of your beloved pets during fireworks displays.

Ultimately, the best age for fireworks enjoyment depends on an individual's comfort level, ability to handle loud noises and bright lights, and personal preferences. Safety should always be a top priority for everyone, regardless of age, when observing fireworks displays. Supervision, education on firework safety, and considering individual sensitivities or preferences are crucial for a pleasant and safe experience for all ages.

As the date approaches, keep an eye on local news outlets, event websites, and social media for announcements about Fourth of July fireworks shows and celebrations in the Richmond area.

Remember to arrive early to get a good spot and be prepared for crowds, as Fourth of July events tend to draw large numbers of spectators.

Where to see 4th of July Fireworks in Richmond, VA