Stars, Stripes, and Celebrations: Your Guide to 4th of July in NOVA
Get ready to wave your flags and feel patriotic pride! Northern Virginia is the place to be this 4th of July, with festivities that light up the day and night. From festive parades to jaw-dropping fireworks and family-friendly events, NOVA offers endless opportunities to celebrate Independence Day in true red, white, and blue style. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, this guide will take you through the top ways to make this year’s celebration unforgettable.
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July 4 Event at McCall Gallery!
Friday, July 4 · 6 – 9pm EDT
9409 Battle St.
Blue Middle Door Manassas, VA 20110 United States
About the Event
Celebrate summer in style at the McCall Studio Gallery in Manassas! Join us on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 6 PM – 9 PM for an unforgettable evening at our “July Art Show!” Immerse yourself in stunning original artworks, savor complimentary wine and cheese, and explore diverse fine art exhibits. Take a guided tour through our museum, shop unique treasures in our gift shop, and maybe even take home a beautiful piece of art!
Don’t miss this chance to mingle with fellow art enthusiasts and enjoy an evening of creativity and culture.
July 4th Skat3 Out- with Th3 Soci3ty, LLC & Massiv3 Roll3r Rink & Vib3z
Friday, July 4 · 10am – 2pm EDT. Doors at 9:30am
4395 Dale Boulevard Woodbridge, VA 22193 United States
Tickets: $7.18 – $20
About the Event
Get ready to roll this July 4th with The Society, LLC and Massive Roller Rink & Vibes! Whether you’re 5 or 55, this all-ages event is the perfect way to vibe, skate, and celebrate. Bring your friends, your family, and your energy as we turn up the holiday excitement. Don’t miss out on making unforgettable memories on the rink. Let’s roll, vibe, and make this Independence Day one for the books!
IMDC Freedom Firecracker 5K and Sparkler 1-Mile
Friday, Jul 4 at 8:30AM – 10:00AM
Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center
9100 Freedom Center Blvd Manassas 20110
Tickets: $20.00 – $40.00
About the Event
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with a bang! Join on July 4, 2025, for the newly rebranded IMDC Freedom Firecracker 5k and Sparkler 1 Mile at the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, located at 9100 Freedom Center Blvd, Manassas, VA.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to kick off your 4th of July, this family-friendly event has something for everyone! Starting at 8:30 AM for the 5K and 9:30 AM for the 1 Mile, you’ll enjoy a festive and active celebration of our nation’s independence. Plus, every runner gets some serious swag, including a custom race shirt, medal, bib, and a digital finisher’s certificate!
Don’t miss out on the fun extras:
- Photobooth Fun: Strike a pose with your family and friends in front of our patriotic “photo booth” or show off your sparkling smile with complimentary red, white, and blue tattoos!
- Cool Treats: Thanks to IMDC, all participants will receive a FREE 8 oz. Kona Ice to cool down after the race!
- Exciting Awards : The top 3 overall male and female 5K finishers will snag gift cards from The Running Store, along with prizes for age group winners!
- Friendly Pacers : Aiming for a 20, 25, or 30-minute 5K? We’ve got pacers ready to help you hit your goal!
But wait, there’s more! This year’s course is stroller-friendly, and our dedicated water stations will keep you hydrated along the route. To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, we’re following all local health guidelines to keep this event safe and smooth.
THE BIG BOOM | Annual 4th of July Celebration at Great Meadow
FridayJul 4 at 5:00PM – 10:00PM
Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road The Plains 20198
Tickets: $62.00
About the Event
Get ready for the ultimate Independence Day celebration in the DC/Metro area! The Big Boom is back at Great Meadow in 2025, promising an unforgettable day filled with energy, excitement, and community spirit. Imagine over 10,000 attendees coming together to enjoy live music that gets you moving, mouthwatering bites from local food vendors, refreshing drinks at the vibrant biergarten, and one-of-a-kind shopping from local artisans. From tailgating with your crew to games, activities, and even a petting zoo for the little ones, there’s something for everyone. And when the sun sets, prepare to be amazed by a breathtaking, 20-minute fireworks extravaganza synchronized to music! Pack your picnic blankets, grab your lawn chairs, and join us to celebrate Independence Day in style. Don’t miss the biggest celebration of the summer—secure your tickets now!
Firecracker 5K for the Troops presented by Leidos
Friday ,Jul 4 at 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Reston Town Center
11900 Market St Reston 20190
Tickets: $35.00 – $40.00
About the Event
Get ready to ignite your patriotic spirit at the Firecracker 5K for the Troops, proudly presented by Leidos! This isn’t just your average 5K—it’s a chance to celebrate, honor, and support our troops while enjoying an electrifying community event. Whether you’re sprinting to the finish line, walking with friends, or cheering from the sidelines, this is the perfect way to kick off your day with a burst of energy and pride. Don’t miss out on the excitement, camaraderie, and opportunity to show your support for our heroes. Join us and light up the course like never before!
Vera’s Kitchen 4th of July Dinner Event
Friday, July 4 · 6 – 9pm EDT. Doors at 5:30pm
Vera’s Kitchen
9255 Center Street Manassas, VA 20110 United States
Inside Seating (tip not included) : $39.19
incl. $4.19 Fee
Outside Firework View seating (tip not included): $49.87
incl. $4.87 Fee
About the Event
Get ready for a 4th of July to remember! Vera’s Kitchen invites you to an unforgettable evening of delicious food, great company, and front-row seats to the fireworks. Join us on July 4, 2025, at 6 PM for a special 4th of July Dinner Event where every dish is made with love by our talented chefs.
Enjoy a lavish three-course dinner that includes two glasses of beer, wine, or soda to toast the night. Start with shareable welcome dishes like irresistible Lentil Hummus with Injera Chips and Martini Bites. For the first course, you’ll get to choose mouthwatering options like Sambusa (flaky pastry stuffed with lentils and mushrooms), Buffalo Chicken Dip, or crowd-favorite Deviled Eggs.
The main course promises something for everyone! Whether you’re craving Tibs BBQ Beef with mixed veggies, indulging in burgers and hot dogs (ALL YOU CAN EAT!), or savoring our hearty Vegetarian Burger with collards, carrots, cabbage, and chickpeas, there’s a plate that’ll leave you smiling. Plus, enjoy creamy Mac and Cheese, Garlic Potatoes, Buttered Corn, and more right at your table. Need a little extra? Quinoa, Rice, and Injera are available upon request.
And the grand finale? Desserts made by Vera’s own hands! Choose from fluffy Pistachio Cake, decadent Tiramisu, creamy Cheesecake, or a scoop of Ice Cream to end your night on a sweet note.
With the perfect spot to watch the fireworks and an easy exit afterward, this is your ultimate 4th of July destination. Let’s celebrate independence, good food, and good vibes together at Vera’s Kitchen. Don’t miss it!
Children’s Class – An Intro to Mexican Folkloric Dance Traditional & Contemp
Saturday, July 5 · 1 – 2pm EDT
3700 S Four Mile Run Dr
Arlington, VA 22206 United States
Ticket: $15
About the Event
Looking for a fun and exciting way for your kids to connect with vibrant traditions and cultures? Join our Children’s Mexican Folkloric Dance Class on Saturdays at 1:00 PM! With Los Quetzales, your child will explore the colorful world of Mexican folk dances from different states, experiencing both traditional and contemporary styles.
Here’s the best part! Once enrolled in the Saturday class, students can also join additional practice sessions on Fridays at 7:00 PM for free! The more they dance and practice, the faster they’ll perfect their footwork, routines, and choreography. And when they’re ready, they’ll even have the chance to perform for an audience if they’d like to! Unleash the rhythm, the culture, and the joy of dance for your little one!
Arlington Murder Mystery: Death in the Shadows
Saturday, July 5 · 11am – 12:30pm EDT
Welburn Square
901 North Taylor Street Arlington, VA 22203 United States
Ticket: $10 – $20
About the Event
Arlington is gripped by terror once again as another murder strikes the streets! Bella Wanderlust, the beloved travel blogger, has been found dead during a ghost tour led by the eccentric Percy Shadows, and now it’s up to you, Arlington’s top detective, to crack the case. Can you uncover whether it was Walter, the obsessed boyfriend, Percy, the overly dramatic guide, or someone lurking in the shadows before the killer strikes again? Immerse yourself in a thrilling city-wide role-playing game combining the intrigue of a murder mystery, the challenge of an outdoor escape room, and the excitement of a scavenger hunt. Use your smartphone as your guide, interrogate quirky suspects, uncover hidden clues, hit 12 locations across a 1-mile radius in under 2 hours, and solve the mystery of a lifetime. Are you ready, Detective? The streets of Arlington are depending on you!
Floppy-eared Goat Cuddles!
Saturday, July 5 · 1 – 1:45pm EDT
12750 Chatter Brook Drive Catharpin, VA 20143 United States
Early Bird Goat Cuddles: $23.18
About the Event
Get ready for the most joyful day with the cuddliest, most lovable goats around! Join us at 12750 Chatter Brook Dr. for an unforgettable experience filled with snuggles, laughter, and heart-melting moments. These gentle, floppy-eared friends are waiting to make your day extra special, so grab your family and friends and come share the fun. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind chance to bond with the sweetest goats you’ll ever meet!
Kid & Me: Cookout Cupcakes Mini Class
Saturday, July 5 · 2:30 – 3:30pm EDT
Fran’s Cake & Candy Supplies
10927 Main Street Fairfax, VA 22030 United States
Ticket: $71.21
About the Event
Get ready to whip up some summer fun with our Cookout-Inspired Cupcakes Class! Perfect for beginner bakers aged 6 and up, this hands-on experience pairs one adult and one child to create cupcakes that look like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and French fries. Guided by expert cake decorator Laura Larson of Laura’s Custom Cakes, you’ll learn creative tips and tricks for baking cupcakes and decorating with sweet treats. All supplies are provided, and you’ll even take home your tasty creations to wow your family and friends! Plus, enjoy a 5% discount on supplies at Fran’s Cake and Candy on the day of class. Remember to tie back long hair and wear something you don’t mind getting a little buttercream on. Spaces are limited to 9 teams, so grab your spot now and make delicious memories that will last long after summer ends!
Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Chantilly, Virginia
Saturday, July 5 · 11am – 1:30pm EDT
Holiday Inn Chantilly-Dulles Expo (Arpt) by IHG
4335 Chantilly Shopping Center Chantilly, VA 20151 United States
Tickets: $99 – $139
About the Event
Step into a world of creativity and color at our Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Chantilly, Virginia! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a total beginner, this hands-on experience is perfect for everyone. Picture this: you’ll design and craft your own unique lamp, placing vibrant glass mosaics and dazzling beads to create a masterpiece that is uniquely yours. Indulge in Turkish tea and delights as you bring your vision to life, and leave with a lamp that will light up your home and your spirit. With all materials provided and every step guided, it’s an unforgettable artistic adventure waiting just for you!
I Want My 80’s Tour: Rick Springfield with John Waite, Wang Chung and Paul Young
Sunday, Jul 6 at 7:30PM
Wolf Trap Filene Center
Vienna 22181
About the Event
Get ready to relive the magic of the 80’s! The “I Want My 80’s Tour” is bringing your favorite decade back to life with an unforgettable night of live music featuring Rick Springfield, John Waite, Wang Chung, and Paul Young.This is more than just a concert–it’s a trip back in time to the golden era of feel-good hits and legendary rockstars. Sing along to iconic anthems like Jessie’s Girl, Missing You, Everybody Have Fun Tonight, and Everytime You Go Away. Each artist will light up the stage with the energy, passion, and music that defined a generation.
Perfect for fans of 80’s music, this event promises non-stop fun, electrifying performances, and a trip down memory lane that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing these classics for the first time, this tour is the ultimate way to celebrate the sounds that shaped pop and rock history. Don’t miss your chance to see these icons live!
Ghost Tour
Sunday, July 6 · 8 – 9:30pm EDT
601 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 United States
Tour Ticket: $32.03
About the Event
Dive into the haunted heart of Fredericksburg with our thrilling 90-minute walking ghost tour! Explore eerie downtown streets as chilling tales of restless spirits, Civil War soldiers, and spine-tingling local legends come to life around you. Visit the city’s most haunted sites, feel the whispers of history beneath your feet, and experience a mix of history and mystery at a relaxed, captivating pace. Whether you’re a firm believer or a curious skeptic, this tour promises goosebumps, unforgettable stories, and a deeper connection to the shadowy past of Fredericksburg. Are you ready to uncover what lingers in the night?
An Epic Scavenger Hunt! – Locust Grove‘s Lively Loot Hunt
Sunday, July 6 · 8am – 5pm EDT
96J9+QX Lignum, VA 22726 United States
Tickets: $14.99
About the Event
Are you ready to uncover the secrets and stories hidden within Locust Grove, Virginia? Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt through the charming downtown neighborhood that blends fun, excitement, and intrigue! Explore fascinating historic landmarks, like a fairytale-like castle, learn the majestic tales of tall ships, and discover the impact of German settlers who helped shape this incredible town. Test your wit, honor commemorative markers, and immerse yourself in the rich backstory of Locust Grove.
Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and prepare for an unforgettable adventure! Solve riddles, answer questions, and complete playful photo challenges as you stroll through captivating streets full of charm and history. Compete, laugh, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Getting started is easy:
- Start whenever it suits you with our self-guided, app-led hunt.
- Simply download the “Let’s Roam” app, redeem your tickets, and set off on your quest!
- The activity lasts about 1.5-2 hours, and the app will guide you step-by-step as you unlock challenges, discover plaques, statues, art, and more.
This is your chance to turn a casual outing into an epic, photo-worthy adventure. No guides, no reservations needed—just you, your crew, and the thrill of discovery! Are you ready to ROAM ON? Purchase your tickets today, and let the adventure begin!
Northern Virginia comes alive every 4th of July with events that honor our nation’s independence and bring communities together. How will you celebrate this year? Share your plans or favorite traditions in the comments below, or tag us in your festive photos. Here’s to a safe, joyful, and star-spangled 4th of July! 🇺🇸
KATIE WEDGE
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