Fourth of July – Independence Day Guide for Families

fourth of july 3The Fourth of July 2015 is almost here!  Take a look at all the great events around town.

If you see anything missing – send the details to email@completelykidsrichmond.com

For other kinds of family and kid fun – visit our monthly calendar.

Friday, July 3rd

Genworth Independence Day Celebration.  Genworth Financial’s World Headquarters, 6620 West   Broad Street. Celebrate freedom with the 29th Infantry Division Band, Virginia Infantry Division National Guard. The doors open at 6:30pm and the concert will begin at 7:30pm,  immediately followed by the fireworks display (about 9pm). Children and adults of all ages are welcome, but please, leave your pets at home. There will be face painting, balloons, giveaways, food vendors and much more. Plenty of free parking and there will be transportation between the parking lot and the event site for those who need assistance. This event is free and open to the public.

RVA Fireworks on the James.  Grounds open at 6pm, Fireworks to begin at approximately 9:15pm.  Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond.  Food Vendors will be on Brown’s Island and the public is invited to bring a picnic (alcohol and pets not permitted) and a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy music simulcast on WRIR-FM, 97.3 during the evening and see the state’s largest fireworks show.  The Grucci show will be designed for 360-degree views. In addition to Brown’s Island, excellent viewing sites will be available in surrounding areas such as Oregon Hill, Manchester, and Chimborazo Park.

Saturday, July 4th

Reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention.  11am and 1:15pm.  St. John’s Church, 2401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, 23223.  The Patrick Henry Committee invites you to bring your friends and family to a reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775. In the presence of Washington, Jefferson, and other notable Virginians, Patrick Henry delivered his passionate call for liberty, uttering the immortal words, “Give me liberty or give me death!” These events are free and open to the public. Doors open at 1 pm for seating on a first-come, first-served basis, Music program begins at 1:30pm, and the reenactment begins at 1:45 pm.  Please call 804-648-5015 for more information.  Free to the public, with a suggested $5 per person donation.

Star Spangled Fourth of July Celebration.  1pm-5pm.  Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park.   Stars are shining and stripes are flying during our annual Fourth of July Celebration! Deck yourself out in red, white and blue and join us for a patriotic parade of color! Wow your senses with Circus Stella and their amazing acrobatic tricks. Cool off in our water-themed “starfish station!” Enjoy pony rides, crafts, face-painting and more in an area just for kids. Go back in time and listen to a historic reading of the Declaration of Independence or visit nearby Courtney Road Gas Station. Music, games, entertainment and so much more are waiting for you! Concessions will be available for purchase.

Chesterfield County Fourth of July Celebration.  Gates Open at 5pm; fireworks at dark.  Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds (across from L.C. Bird High School), 10300 Courthouse Road.  Celebrate independence with a spectacular fireworks display at dark! Includes an activity area for children and special entertainment.  New this year will be the Active Living Area with various booths that include active things to do, nutrition information and health screenings. Interactive booths will be fun for the whole family.  No alcohol, glass bottles, pets or personal fireworks. Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended. Limited parking; roads leading to fairgrounds will be closed at 9 p.m. or when parking lots are full. Don’t miss this fun-filled event for all ages.  No rain date.  Free.

CarMax Free Fourth of July.  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  FREE admission to the garden from 9am-5pm.  Activities in Children’s Garden 1 – 4pm.  Guests are invited to wear red, white and blue and bring wagons and strollers to decorate for a “parade” in the Children’s Garden at 2 p.m. Enjoy music by the Happy Lucky Combo, WaterPlay and fun activities.  The free admission includes entrance to the popular Butterflies LIVE! exhibit.  The line to see Butterflies Live! will close at 4pm so that  guests get through the exhibit by the 5pm closing time.  Free.

Dogwood Dell Fourth of July Fireworks.  Independence Day Celebration with live music, cannons and fireworks. Featuring a Carillon Bell Concert at 6pm, the Declaration of Independence at 6:30pm, the Bellini Sisters at 7pm, and music from Richmond Concert Band at 7:30pm.  Fireworks at 8:45pm.  Free.

Goochland County Fireworks.  9pm.  Goochland Sports Complex.  Park and watch the fireworks from the Goochland County Administration Building, Goochland Elementary, Middle & High School Complex. Admission is FREE!  No alcohol.  Pack a picnic and bring a blanket.   Rain date July 5th.  Free.

Ashland July 4th Celebration.  Includes a walking parade, patriotic concert, lawn games, an apple pie contest and the ever-popular patriotic pet contest.  Following the parade, will be a patriotic concert and sing a long on the lawn of the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, featuring the Hanover Concert Band. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic lunch or buy from a local food vendor.  Free.

Beaverdam Independence Day Parade and Celebration.   10am-2pm.  18002 Teman Road, Beaverdam, VA 23015.  The parade starts at 10 am.  There will be children’s activities, Face Painting, 3-Legged Races, Egg Spoon Races, Cornhole, and more.  Miss Beaverdam Competition.  Free.

Colonial Heights Fireworks Display.   In the vicinity of Charles Dimmock Parkway in Colonial Heights.   Viewing for the fireworks will be off Interstate 95, Exit 53 or 54 in the Southgate Square/Wal-Mart Area. Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs. Rain date July 5th.  Free.

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game and Independence Day Celebration.  6:05.  The Diamond. Post-game Fireworks Celebration.  Limited General Admission Seating Available – Call Today.  Fee.

Sunday, July 5th

Reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention 1:15pm.  St. John’s Church, 2401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, 23223.  The Patrick Henry Committee invites you to bring your friends and family to a reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775. In the presence of Washington, Jefferson, and other notable Virginians, Patrick Henry delivered his passionate call for liberty, uttering the immortal words, “Give me liberty or give me death!” These events are free and open to the public. Doors open at 1 pm for seating on a first-come, first-served basis, Music program begins at 1:30pm, and the reenactment begins at 1:45 pm.  Please call 804-648-5015 for more information.  Free to the public, with a suggested $5 per person donation.

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game.  6:05pm.  The Diamond.   Post-game Fireworks Celebration.  Post-game Kids Run the Bases.  Fee.