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 Thursday this year, there are many fireworks shows and celebrations taking place throughout the week. 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 2024 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

Franklin County Independence Festival - June 28

Franklin County High School
Franklin County will host its annual Independence Festival and fireworks show on Friday, June 28 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 >

Independence Celebration at Mountain Lake - July 2

Mountain Lake Lodge
Pack your lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy fireworks at Mountain Lake Lodge. There will be a special front lawn BBQ at 5:30 p.m., live music that begins at 6:30 p.m., and the fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m.

Independence Celebration at Mountain Lake >

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. The July 4 schedule includes live music by Creedence Clearwater Recital at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

NOTE: The 2024 Salem Fair is open July 3-14.

Salem Fair Website > | Places to Stay in Salem >

Buchanan Community Carnival Fireworks - July 4 & July 6

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 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. There will also be fireworks on Saturday, July 6.

NOTE: The 2024 Buchanan Community Carnival is open June 27 through July 6 (closed June 30). 

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.

Fireworks at the Vinton War Memorial > | Town of Vinton >

2024 Freedom Festival - July 5

River’s Edge Park
PLAY Roanoke will host the City of Roanoke’s fireworks display and festival on Friday, July 5 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.

5 Points Music Sanctuary also has a great lineup of live music planned for the event as part of its popular 5PTS Outdoors series, with performances by Dead Reckoning and Creedence Clearwater Recital.

Freedom Festival Website > | Places to Stay in Downtown Roanoke >

July 6th Fireworks, July 4th Celebration - July 5-7

Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing
Wilderness Adventure will host a weekend of celebrating the holiday, with a special fireworks show on Saturday, July 6. The weekend will also include live music by Glam'r Kiti, home-cooked food, great beer & wine, camping, and a variety of outdoor activities for an entire weekend of fun.

Wilderness Adventure July 4th Celebration >

Celebrations and Performances

1776 The Musical - June 27-29

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 get ready for the holiday.

1776 The Musical Details >

Four on the 4th presented by Fleet Feet - July 4

Vinton War Memorial
Four on the Fourth is an annual fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of SWVA, and it's a fun tradition to kick off the holiday with a run or walk with family and friends. The run begins at 8:00 a.m. and there is also a Kids Fun Run at 9:00 a.m.

Four on the 4th Registration >

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 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. The parade begins at 5:00 p.m.

Buchanan Parade Details > | Places to Stay in Botetourt County >

Craig County Independence Day Parade - July 4

New Castle
The Craig County Independence Day Parade is a 1-mile parade along Route 311 and Main Street in New Castle. It's a classic small-town parade with lots of fun, as well as special activities following the parade, including contests for Best Beard, Most Patriotic Hat, and Fastest Watermelon Eater.

Craig County Parade Details >

Twin Creeks Fireworks Watch Party - July 4

Twin Creeks Brewing Company - Vinton
Twin Creeks Brewing Company will host a special 4th of July Fireworks Watch Party with live music by The Oddfellows on the Creekbank stage. Dress in your best patriotic attire, enjoy great craft beer and live music, and then watch the Town of Vinton's fireworks.

Fireworks Party Facebook Event >

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.

• Dark Sky Night: Independence Day Weekend Stargazing - Natural Bridge State Park | July 5
• Buchanan Community Carnival - Buchanan Town Park | Through July 6
• The Key West Band - Dr Pepper Park | July 6
• Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers - The Floyd Country Store | July 6
• Lavender Festival - Beliveau Farm | July 6-7
• 5PTS Outdoors: The Dead Reckoning - The Dog Bowl at Black Dog Salvage (pictured above) | July 7
• Equal Parts - The River & Rail | July 7
• Salem Fair - Salem Civic Center | Through July 14
• Flat Stanley: The Musical - Mill Mountain Theatre | Through July 28

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.