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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 falling on a Saturday this year, there are many fireworks shows and celebrations taking place over the entire holiday weekend. There are multiple days of fireworks shows, patriotic events, family-friendly festivals, carnivals, and fairs that make for a great summer vacation.
The following is a guide to 4th of July fireworks events and other celebrations in Virginia’s Blue Ridge for 2026.
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 & Franklin County Mullet Competition - July 2
Franklin County High School
Franklin County will host its 43rd annual Independence Festival and fireworks show on Thursday, July 2 at Cy Dillon Football Stadium on the campus of Franklin County High School. The free event, sponsored by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, will feature live crafts, entertainment, food, games, and an exciting fireworks display. There will also be a special Mullet Competition prior to the fireworks, with categories for both kids and adults to compete for the best mullets.
Rotary Independence Festival >
Independence Celebration at Mountain Lake - July 2
Mountain Lake Lodge
Mountain Lake Lodge will host an Independence Celebration featuring food, music, and a fireworks display. The show begins at dusk, promising an exciting evening of vibrant, patriotic displays. Stick around for the entire weekend to take part in various other 4th of July celebrations, as well!
Independence Celebration at Mountain Lake Lodge Details & Packages >
Freedom Festival & Fireworks 2026 - July 3
River’s Edge North
PLAY Roanoke will host the City of Roanoke’s fireworks display and festival on Friday, July 3, at River’s Edge Park. The free, family-friendly event will feature numerous kids' activities and live music until 9:30 p.m., followed by the fireworks show, which will begin at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks show will last for approximately 20 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, featuring Empty Bottles and members of other local bands.
Freedom Festival & Fireworks Details >
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 Travis Reign at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
In addition to the fireworks, the Salem Fair, open from July 1 to 12, is a great summer activity in the City of Salem.
Salem Fair Website & Schedule >
Buchanan Community Carnival - July 3 & 4
Buchanan Town Park
The Buchanan Community Carnival began in 1953 and continues today as one of the most notable summer events 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 Friday, July 3rd.
NOTE: The 2026 Buchanan Community Carnival is open from June 25 to July 4 (closed on June 28).
Buchanan Community Carnival Facebook Event >
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 6:00 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 Celebration Details >
4th of July Fireworks Party with GAK on the Twin Creeks Stage - July 4
Twin Creeks Brewing
Enjoy live music by GAK and great craft beer with the 4th of July Fireworks Party at Twin Creeks Brewing in Vinton. The patio will also offer views of the Town of Vinton’s fireworks display.
Fincastle Fireworks - July 5
Breckenridge Elementary
Finish the holiday weekend with a Sunday night fireworks show in the Town of Fincastle in Botetourt County. The free event takes place at Breckenridge Elementary School, with festivities starting at 6:00 p.m. and the fireworks display scheduled for approximately 9:00 p.m.
Fincastle Fourth of July Fireworks >
Celebrations, Parades, Performances
1776 The Musical - June 25-27
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, making it a great way to get ready for the holiday.
Gwynn's Island Weekend - June 27-28
Salem Museum & Historical Society
Commemorate Andrew Lewis and other local patriots by celebrating the anniversary of when Lord Dunmore was expelled at Gwynn's Island in 1776. See living historian displays, chat with experts, and watch documentary screenings all for free and open to the public.
See the Full Weekend Schedule >
VA 250 Celebration - Resolved to Live Free or Die - July 1
Grandin Theatre
Chat with revolution reenactors and artists before a live dance performance and screening of PBS's "Resolved to Live Free or Die" at the historic Grandin Theatre. After the documentary, sit in on a panel discussion moderated by Garrett Channell of the Salem Museum & History Society, along with a brief Q&A.
RSVP for Resolved to Live Free or Die >
Four on the Fourth - July 4
Downtown Vinton
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 a Kids Fun Run is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.
Four on the Fourth 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 July 4th Parade 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 Tickets >
Craig County Independence Day Parade - July 4
Downtown 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.
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.
- Buchanan Community Carnival - Buchanan Town Park | June 25 - July 4
- Salem Fair - Salem Civic Center | July 1 - 12
- Washington's Greatest Victory: Yorktown and American Art - Taubman Museum of Art | July 2 - November 8 (Thursday - Sunday only)
- The Broken Hearts: Tom Petty Tribute - Dr Pepper Park @ The Bridges | July 3
- Molly Tuttle & Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country - The Coves Amphitheater | July 3 & 4
- Annual Roanoke River Floatilla to Starr Hill Pilot Brewery - Roanoke Mountain Adventures | July 5
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.
