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Join the fun of 4th of July fireworks and related Independence Day special events and celebrations throughout the Roanoke Region in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
With July 4th being on a Tuesday this year, there are many fireworks shows and celebrations taking place over the weekend prior to the holiday. There are multiple days of fireworks shows, patriotic events, and family-friendly festivals, carnivals, and fairs that are great for a summer vacation.
The following is a guide to 4th of July fireworks events and other celebrations for 2023 in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
NOTE: All times and events are subject to change, particularly as it relates to cancellations or postponements due to weather. We will try to keep this list as up-to-date as possible, but we recommend checking the event websites and social media pages for the most current info.
Fireworks Shows
Rotary Independence Festival - June 30
Franklin County High School
Franklin County will host its annual Independence Festival and fireworks show on Friday, June 30 at Cy Dillon Football Stadium on the campus of Franklin County High School. The free event is sponsored by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club and will feature live crafts, entertainment, food, games, and an exciting fireworks display.
Independence Festival Details > | Places to Stay in Franklin County >
2023 Freedom Festival - July 2
River’s Edge Park
PLAY Roanoke will host the City of Roanoke’s fireworks display and festival on Sunday, July 2 at River’s Edge Park. The free, family-friendly event will have lots of kids activities and live music until 9:30 p.m., when the fireworks show will start. The fireworks show will last for approximately 15 minutes.
Freedom Festival Website > | Places to Stay in Downtown Roanoke >
Salem Fair - July 4
Salem Civic Center
Watching the fireworks light up the sky over the Salem Fair is one of the best ways to celebrate Independence Day in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The fair will be open, featuring all its signature games, entertainment, and delicious food, and the July 4 schedule includes live music by Vinyl Nation at 6:30 and 8:30, followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Salem Fair Website > | Places to Stay in Salem >
Buchanan Community Carnival Fireworks - July 4
Town of Buchanan
The Buchanan Community Carnival began in 1953 and continues today as one of the signature events of the summer in Botetourt County. On July 4, the carnival will open (around 6:30 p.m.) after the town’s Independence Day Parade and you can enjoy a fun night of games, great food, and entertainment, which will conclude with a fireworks show at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Buchanan Carnival Details > | Places to Stay in Botetourt County >
Town of Vinton 4th of July Celebration - July 4
Vinton War Memorial
The Town of Vinton will host its annual 4th of July Celebration on the front lawn of the Vinton War Memorial. The free event takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will feature music, food trucks, and other activities. The fireworks show will begin around 9:30 p.m.
Vinton 4th of July Facebook Event > | Town of Vinton >
Celebrations and Performances
Roanoke County - 17.76 Savings - July 1-4
Various Locations
To celebrate the holiday, Roanoke County will be offering special savings at Roanoke County Recreation Facilities. From Saturday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 4, daily admission will only be $7.76 at Green Ridge Recreation Center, Splash Valley Water Park, and the T-Rex Trail at Explore Park. Guests can also save $7.76 off admission at Treetop Quest at Explore Park.
17.76 Savings Details & Times > | Camping & Cabins at Explore Park >
1776 The Musical - June 29 - July 1
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Join the revolutionary spirit with special performances of 1776 The Musical at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. The Tony Award winning comedy presents the story of the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence and is a great way to enjoy the holiday weekend.
Spirit of America: Independence Day Celebration - July 1
Historic Smithfield
The Historic Smithfield Plantation in Blacksburg will host a special Independence Day Celebration that features house tours, live history demos and blacksmith demonstrations, and artillery displays. There will also be a cannon fire salute and readings of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and Frederick Douglass.
Independence Day Boat-In Concert - July 2
The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake
The Coves Amphitheater will host a special free boat-in concert at channel marker B29 at Smith Mountain Lake. The show will be accessible by boat only and there will be live music by Dell Iron Project.
Independence Day Boat-In Concert Details > | Places to Stay at Smith Mountain Lake >
Buchanan 4th of July Parade - July 4
Town of Buchanan
Set up your chairs along the charming Main Street of the Town of Buchanan and be part of the 69th annual Independence Day Parade. You’ll see festive fire trucks, floats, marching units, and other organizations that come together to celebrate our nation’s independence. Following the parade, make your way to the nearby Buchanan Town Park for the Community Carnival.
Buchanan Parade Details > | Places to Stay in Botetourt County >
Poplar Forest Independence Day Celebration - July 4
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by visiting the retreat of the author of the iconic document. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest will showcase a day of fun activities and colonial style entertainment, including demonstrations by local artisans and craftspeople, pony rides, archaeological displays, and more.
Independence Day Celebration Details & Tickets >
Other Events over Independence Day Weekend in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Independence Day Weekend is a great time for a summer getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge. In addition to the fireworks displays and celebrations, there are lots of other fun events on the calendar that you can also check out in the region.
The following is a list of other events and things to do over the holiday weekend.
- All Starr Kickball Tournament - River’s Edge Park | June 30
- Ashley McBryde - Elmwood Park | June 30
- Grandin Chillage - Grandin Village | June 30
- The Dead Reckoning: Grateful Dead Tribute - 5 Points Music Sanctuary | June 30
- Miss Virginia 2023 - Berglund Center | June 30 - July 1
- T-Rex Trail - Roanoke County’s Explore Park | Through August 6
- Lavender Festival - Beliveau Farm Winery - July 1-2
- LITZ & The Kind Thieves - 5PTS Outdoors at The Dog Bowl (pictured above) | July 1
- Haze & Dacey - Virginia Mountain Vineyards | July 2
- Lost in Space Camp, Times Tables, Ultra Deluxe, MirrorxLake - The Spot on Kirk | July 3
- Four on the 4th - Vinton War Memorial | July 4
For a complete list of upcoming events in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, visit our main Calendar of Events, and book your stay by checking out or selection of hotels & lodging options.
You can also learn more about fun things to do in the region by following us on social media and signing up to receive our free e-newsletter.
