Though Fairfax County set off some Fourth of July fireworks prematurely, with displays in Lorton, McLean and at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston last weekend, residents who are sticking around for the holiday will still have plenty of options for celebrating.
Coming up first, the Town of Vienna will host its annual celebration with fireworks at Yeonas Park (1319 Ross Drive SW) from 6-10 p.m. tonight (Wednesday).
The 15-minute fireworks display will start around 9:30 p.m., or once the skies turn dark. It will be preceded more than three hours of live entertainment, including 2000s cover band So Fetch as the headliner and the “Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Vienna Youth Players performer Sunday Moran.
Food and drinks will be available throughout the event from food trucks and Vienna Little League’s concession stand.
Closures of Ross Drive and Patrick Street will start around 4 p.m., and drivers are encouraged to park at Thoreau Middle School and the Cedar Park Shopping Center, though accessible spots will be available on Patrick Street and Patrick Circle. Attendees can bring blankets and lawn chairs, but sparklers, alcohol and pets are all prohibited.
For purists who prefer to celebrate Independence Day on the actual anniversary of the Declaration’s signing, this Friday (July 4) will bring a variety of festivities, from more fireworks to ceremonial readings and a visit by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Fireworks Shows
- Herndon’s 4th of July: The Town of Herndon’s celebration at Bready Park (814 Ferndale Avenue) will feature music, family games, crafts, food and more starting at 6:30 p.m., capped by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Road closures will begin at 7:30 p.m., so brace for traffic delays before and after the event.
- Fairfax City Evening Show and Fireworks: The fireworks show at Fairfax High School’s stadium (3501 Lion Run) will be bookended by band performances with the Vienna-Falls Chorus singing the National Anthem. The festivities will last from 6:30-10:30 p.m., and a shuttle will operate from Woodson High School starting at 5:30 p.m. A rain date of Saturday (July 5) at 9:30 p.m. is planned, but the fireworks won’t be accompanied by a concert or shuttle service.
- Great Falls 4th of July Fireworks: The Celebrate Great Falls Foundation will host a fireworks show at Turner Farm (925 Springvale Road). Gates open at 6 p.m. for a cornhole tournament, food trucks, inflatables and other family-friendly activities. The event is free, but premium viewing spots can be purchased, and donations are encouraged to support the nonprofit.
- All Day 4th of July Celebration: Shipgarten in Tysons (7581 Colshire Drive) will have two daytime fireworks shows at 3 and 6 p.m. as part of its day-long celebration. Other activities range from family-friendly fun — including moon bounces, crafts and a water balloon fight — to a Red, White and Blue Booze Party with DJ Maskell at 8 p.m. for patrons 21 and older.
Ceremonial Readings
- Reading of the Declaration of Independence: Pohick Episcopal Church (9301 Richmond Highway) in Lorton is inviting community members to a reading of the Declaration by a historical reenactor, who will be portraying Rev. Mr. Massey, the church’s rector in 1776. Starting at 1 p.m., the reading will be followed by free docent tours of the colonial-era church, whose vestrymen included George Washington and George Mason.
- Foundational Documents of American Democracy: As part of its Liberty Amendments Month celebrations, Vienna will lead a round-robin-style reading of key documents that helped shape democracy in the U.S., including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Emancipation Proclamation. The reading will start at 11 a.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Other
- Independence Day Parade: Before its evening concert and fireworks, Fairfax City will host the largest Fourth of July parade in Virginia. Started in 1967 and organized by the Delta Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the parade will kick off at 10 a.m. with a Flying Circus flyover and continue through Old Town Fairfax, ending around noon.
- An American Celebration: George Washington’s Mount Vernon will open the day at 10 a.m. with a naturalization ceremony, led by a keynote address from actor, body-builder and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Other activities include a wreath-laying at Washington’s tomb, daytime fireworks over the Potomac River at 1 p.m., live music, 18th-century magic shows and a recreation of a Revolutionary War military encampment. All events are free with admission.
- Firecracker 5K For the Troops: The local contractor Leidos is sponsoring a morning run at Reston Town Center in support of the USO National Capital District. Registration is still open with a $40 entry fee that drops to $35 for military service members and $30 for those under 14. The race starts at 8 a.m. with awards going to the top three male and female finishers.
