It’s time to celebrate like it’s 1776! The Fourth of July is almost here, and this year it’s extra special as we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation!
Fourth of July fireworks are ready, so prepare to ooh and aah at the skies this Independence Day. Parades, fairs, and family 5ks are all part of the many local Charlottesville area celebrations. Here are some of the top family-friendly Fourth of July events happening in Charlottesville
At a Glance: Charlottesville 4th of July
- Popular Fourth of July events in Charlottesville are hosted at Monticello, Keswick Vineyards, and Carter Mountain Orchard.
- Charlottesville spots with fireworks include the Boar’s Head Resort and Carter Mountain.
- In Albemarle County, you’ll find parades and local celebrations in Scottsville and Crozet.
- Entry to Shenandoah National Park is free Independence Day weekend.
- Staunton is hosting a two-day Fourth of July celebration in Gypsy Hill Park.
Charlottesville 4th of July Celebrations in 2026
The Fourth of July is one of the greatest occasions for families to enjoy summer in Charlottesville. The entire city takes on a celebratory atmosphere, and it’s the ideal reason to spend the entire weekend seeing everything Charlottesville has to offer.
From river floats to parades, fireworks to music festivals, here are our favorite 4th of July Events for families and kids. Don’t forget to check the Charlottesville Events Calendar for more details. Happy Fourth!
1. Monticello Independence Day and Naturalization Ceremony
July 4, 2026 • 9:00 am
This is, without a doubt, THE Fourth of July celebration you shouldn’t miss! The annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony and the Great Birthday of Our Republic are held at President Thomas Jefferson’s house from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Numerous international citizens are addressed by well-known guest speakers as they fulfill their dream of becoming citizens of the United States! The 2026 speaker is Governor Abigail Spanberger.
2. C’Ville Spectacular
July 4, 2026 • 9:00 pm
Enjoy a dazzling 18-minute fireworks display launching from the top of Carter Mountain. Whether you’re watching from a local park, a downtown rooftop, or your own backyard, you’ll be able to enjoy the show from all over town!
Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:00 pm. Can’t view the show outside? Tune into CBS19 for live coverage.
3. Happy Birthday America from Carter Mountain Orchard
July 4, 2026 • 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Observe America’s birthday with a traditional family outing! Savor fireworks while admiring Carter Mountain’s breathtaking view of Charlottesville. This entertaining, family-friendly 4th of July event features a range of activities throughout the afternoon. At dusk, there will be fireworks and live music along with food, wine, and both sweet and hard cider for sale.
4. July 4th Celebration in Scottsville
July 4, 2026 • 9:00 am
The town of Scottsville is located just south of Charlottesville, and its annual Fourth of July Parade down Main Street is a great example of small town charm. Folk music concerts, the Virginia Log Chopping Championships, an indoor and outdoor antique exhibition and flea market, fireworks, and, of course, candy throwing for passersby have all been part of previous celebrations.
With the parade in the morning, music, food, and games in the afternoon, and fireworks over the James River in the evening, there will be a strong sense of small-town warmth and slice of Americana throughout the entire event.
5. Revolutionary Printing at UVA’s Small Special Collections Library
July 4, 2026 • 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Create history you can hold at UVA’s Special Collections!
Print your own copy of the Declaration of Independence, and view demonstrations of handmaking paper and mixing iron gall ink. Sign a giant copy of the Declaration, hear music of the American Revolution, or make a printer’s hat. Create a custom silhouette, beadwork, sewing sampler, or screen print a keepsake to take home.
6. Independence Celebration at Boar’s Head Resort
July 4, 2026 • 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Boar’s Head Resort already has their ongoing Summer Celebration Series happening. But on the Fourth of July, you can enjoy an extra dose of fun!
Bring the entire family to jam to live music from Koda and Marie of Chamomile & Whiskey and Friends. The performance will be followed by an electrifying display of fireworks. If you can’t make it to the resort, find a nearby hilltop and watch the display!
7. Happy Birthday America at Gypsy Hill Park
July 3 & 4, 2026
Make your way over to Staunton for this FREE multi-day 4th of July celebration. The party features a country music concert series, as well as food and activities throughout the day.
Families can enjoy a parade, beauty pageant, and of course, some end-the-night fireworks that will light up the sky all around town.
The only thing you need to bring is a lawn chair!
8. Red, Whites & Bluegrass at Keswick Vineyards
July 4, 2026 • 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The name says it all. Enjoy wine, beer, and bluegrass music for the Fourth of July at this popular Charlottesville event. There will be food vendors including Cousins Main Lobster, Popitos Pizza and Keswick Vineyards’ own Barrel and Board. You’ll also find face painting, fairy hair, and other fun for the kids.
9. Free Fourth of July at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
July 2, 2026 • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Garden admission will be free all day on July 4th! Families can wander around the gardens, enjoying special interactive exhibits like the universally-accessible Klaus Family Tree House and the Waterway splash pad in the Children’s Garden.
Explore the new outdoor art exhibition, Homes & Habitats throughout iconic areas of the Garden. And since it is July, the air-conditioned Library is also available for cooling off.
10. Crozet Independence Day Celebration with Fireworks
July 4, 2026 • 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Enjoy an evening filled with live music, local food trucks, wines from King Family Vineyards, a local beer trailer. And don’t forget the spectacular fireworks display! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, gather with friends and neighbors, and celebrate Independence Day weekend.
Gates open at 4:00pm, and the fireworks are set to begin at 9:30pm.
11. Free Entrance Day at Shenandoah National Park
July 3 – 5, 2026 • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
To celebrate Independence Day, entry into Shenandoah National Park is free all weekend! Enjoy the beauty of Skyline Drive from your car or bike or climb Old Rag Mountain. Take in an exhibit at the Visitor’s Centers and go on a guided walk with a ranger. Love hiking? Blackrock Summit, Lands Run Falls, and Millers Head are great excursions for all ages!
Family Safety Tips for the Fourth of July
Planning to stay home to celebrate instead? From pool parties to cookouts to running through the yard with sparklers, there are many Fourth of July traditions for Charlottesville families enjoy. But when the party is going, the best way to have a good time is to make sure everyone stays safe.
Whether you’re playing in the pool, grilling burgers, or setting off fireworks with the neighbors, keep children under active supervision. They should be in sight and in reach at all times, and adults should pay active attention without being distracted by their phones.
Here are more tips for Fourth of July safety.
Firework Safety Tips for Cville Families
Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns. They can also cause blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Each year, thousands of children under the age of 19 are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries involving fireworks.
Freworks should be handled and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all warning labels. Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire: stop, drop and roll. Make sure everyone in the house knows how to call 911 in an emergency.
You should also:
- Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces. Aim them away from buildings, dry leaves, flammable materials, and spectators.
- Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction.
- Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.
- Visit www.recalls.gov to check for any safety recalls.
- Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.
- Keep a phone and fire extinguisher handy, and know first aid for burns.
Grilling Safety Tips for Cville Families
Grilling is another classic Fourth of July activity that families love to enjoy. But adults should always make sure children are safe when grilling is happening at home.
Young children often cannot recognize heat-related hazards quickly enough to react appropriately. A child will suffer a full-thickness burn (third-degree burn) after just three seconds of exposure to 140-degree water and will need surgery and skin grafts.
To keep kids safe during your Fourth of July cookout:
- Keep children away from the grill area while the grill is preheating, cooking, and cooling down.
- Keep matches, candles, gasoline, lighters and all other flammable materials locked away and out of children’s reach.
- Never leave the grill unattended when it is in use.
Stay safe, have fun, and happy Fourth of July, Charlottesville!
Find more great family festivals and fun at Virginia’s best theme parks and water parks or one of Charlottesville many summer festivals. Don’t miss the County Fairs in Central Virginia, and be sure to try this great 4th of July recipe for strawberry shortcake with blueberry sauce. Check out our CharlottesvilleFamily Summer Bucket List for even more fun with the kids!