« Back to Blog

July 4th, 2015 Celebrations, Events, and Military Discounts/Freebies!

28 June 2015 by

The 4th of July is a great time to enjoy family, friends, BBQ's, parades, fire works, and celebrations!  It doesn't get much better than celebrating our nations birthday here in Hampton Roads where many battles were fought and Independence was won.  We are surrounded by history which allows for amazing venues to enjoy parades,celebrations, music, reenactment, and of course Fireworks!  Enjoy, be safe, and please share this list of 4th of July celebrations in Hampton Roads with others! 

There are many celebrations and fireworks around town and if we miss any please feel free to add to the list in the comments section.

Peninsula Area 4th of July Celebrations:

Newport News 4th of July Stars in the Sky
Saturday, July 4, 2014, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Victory Landing Park:  Everyone is invited to the Virginia Peninsula's biggest Fourth of July party - Fourth of July Stars in the Sky at Victory Landing Park. This waterside park, which offers spectacular views of the James River, is filled with 30,000 people who come to celebrate our nation's birthday. The evening begins as crowds gather to enjoy summer's favorite foods from a variety of vendors and children check out the rides and crafts. As dusk approaches, the stage comes alive with the music of a nationally-known entertainer. As the last note from the concert ends, the sky over the James River explodes with a kaleidoscope of color in a spectacular fireworks show.

Newport News 4th of July Spirit of America at The Virginia Living Museum

July 4 Laser 4th in the Virginia Living Museum’s Abbitt Planetarium  Raining outside? Can’t stand the mosquitoes? All the good viewing spots taken? No worries! Come enjoy the most amazing4th of July laser displays in the nice cool theater at the Virginia Living Museum!  “Spirit of America” mixes great patriotic music with America-inspired rock & roll and songs that have defined American music. Rock on to great artists like John Fogerty, Garth Brooks, Lee Greenwood and many more combined with dazzling laser displays. Don’t miss out on some Independence Day fun! Recommended for ages 6 and up.  Shows at 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.  $6 per person, museum members $3.  Learn more about The VLM on MB. 

Hampton  Fourth at the Fort at Fort Monroe

10am-9:45pm a full day of FUN activities at Fourth at The Fort 

Music by the Bay Summer Concert at Wherry Quarter—US Fleet Forces Four Star Edition Ensemble will perform many of today’s latest hits, country, and classic rock and roll as well as patriotic favorites for our special start time of 7:30 pm and location in the Wherry Quarter. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and park in designated areas only. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Food vendors will be onsite selling a variety of different styles of food.

Fireworks—this year, Fort Monroe will present a new twist on Fourth of July fireworks! Instead of a traditional aerial fireworks show, a 12 minute close proximity show will be launched from the top of the fortress wall at 9:15 pm. This show, presented by Pyrotecnico of New Castle, PA, will highlight the unique features of the stone fort. Close proximity fireworks offer a more entertaining show and use less space. They are intended to be viewed within a close distance so that the pyrotechnics can be seen from the ground up. The ideal location to view the fireworks is just north of Outlook Beach, along Fenwick Road from the East Gate to Stillwell Road.

There is a full line up of activities at Fort Monroe for the 4th of July.  To learn about events click here!

Williamsburg 4th of July Fireworks and Celebration at Colonial Williamsburg

All Day Celebrations at Colonial Williamsburg a Revolutionary City (10am-10pm)! 

Schedule of Events:

10 a.m. Salute to the States behind the Courthouse
11 a.m. Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Courthouse steps
11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Colonial Faire at various locations including tomahawk throwing, cannons, drills, 3-legged races, quoits, and crafts (admission ticket or wristband required, see event page for details)
1:30–3 p.m. Colonial Auction at Market Square
5–9 p.m. Historic Tavern dining available
Reservations required
8:15–8:45 p.m. Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Perform
8:45–9:15 p.m. Illuminations of Market Square and Palace Green
9:10 p.m. Salute to the Nation: A special tribute to our Armed Forces
9:20 p.m. Fireworks begin

Gather on Market Square or Palace Green to celebrate our nation's birthday with an exciting fireworks display at 9:20-9:40pm. Afterward, enjoy the pageantry of a torchlit Fifes and Drums march from Palace Green, down Duke of Gloucester Street, ending on Botetourt Street.  There are multiple locations and this is FREE and open to the public. 

To learn about the scheduled events visit Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg - Busch Gardens 4th of July Celebration-Star Spangled Nights 

Busch Gardens® celebrates America with a bang during a patriotic summer spectacular,Star Spangled Nights, every Friday, Saturday and  Sunday, July 3 through Sept. 6. This event inspires park-goers through fireworks, moving original soundscapes and unforgettable environments. Unique merchandise and culinary offerings blend seamlessly with rich musical traditions, creating a fun red, white and blue event that can only be found at Busch Gardens.  You can also hop aboard the Rhine River Fireworks Cruise or have a drink at our Americana-inspired bar.  Learn more about Busch Gardens Military Discount offers and The Waves of Honor Program on MB.

Yorktown 4th of July Fireworks and Celebration

Saturday, July 4 - Independence Day Celebration, 9 am. Come to historic Yorktown and salute America along the waterfront beginning with a 9 a.m. patriotic parade on Water Street and during its evening Independence Day Celebration, featuring a bell-ringing ceremony at 7 p.m. and patriotic entertainment at 8 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing, followed by spectacular fireworks on the York River at 9:15 p.m. Free.  Learn more!

**THREE DAYS OF PATRIOTIC FUN JULY 4-6 AT YORKTOWN VICTORY CENTER’S ‘LIBERTY CELEBRATION’ ~Tactical drills, military exercises and role-playing demonstrations salute the anniversary of America’s independence. Visitors can see in museum galleries a rare broadside printing of America’s Declaration of Independence dating to July 1776.  Learn More!

Southside Area 4th of July Celebrations:

Chesapeake  Chesapeake City Park Friday, July 3, 2015.  Event is FREE to the public. $5 on-site Parking Fee.  Celebrate America's Birthday with the U.S. Army TRADOC Command Band, from Fort Monroe, providing stirring patriotic sounds. Following the concert, fireworks by Pyrotechnico will illuminate the dark sky after sunset.  Parks, Recreation and Tourism also brings you the best in children's activities and family entertainment: face painting, a 3-years-and-under play area, giant lawn games, inflatables and more.

Chesapeake 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks ~ 35th Annual South Norfolk Parade & Picnic in the Park  Fun day of activities from a Parade, entertainment, food, games, petting zoo and paddleboat rides. – Parade starts at 10am and is FREE and open to the public.

Norfolk 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks  Annual AT&T Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks (5pm – 10pm)  Leave the grilling to us on the 4th of July and bring your family and friends down to Town Point Park. Guests can buy traditional All American Fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, buttered corn on the cob, juicy watermelon, lemonade... with all the fixin's and much more available for purchase!  Relax on the lawn and enjoy patriotic sounds by United States Army Training and Doctrine Command Band. Then watch as the sky lights up with the fireworks display at 9:30pm!   FREE to the public.

Portsmouth 4th of July Fireworks Annual Independance Day Celebration - Fireworks light up the sky in celebration of our Nations birthday at 9:00pm Free and open to public.

Suffolk 4th of July  Stars and Stripes Spectacular  (5:30pm – 9:30pm) Bring your friends and family, beach blankets and lawn chairs, to Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina for an evening of live music, fest food and most importantly, terrific fireworks! –  FREE

Surry July 5  Fourth of July Fireworks and Entertainment  (4pm – 11pm)  Celebrate the 4th with fireworks and entertainment.

Virginia Beach July 4  4th of July Celebration at First Landing SP (10am – 9pm)  Come out for a day full of fun events celebrating our Independence Day! All activities will begin under the big tent at the end of the main boardwalk on the beach. This fantastic day of fanfare will end with our annual fireworks display.

Virginia Beach July 4  July 4th Celebration at Mount Trashmore (4pm -10pm) Celebrate America’s independence with live music by local musicians, delicious foods, and of course, booming fireworks! *$5 parking fee; When parking lots at Mount Trashmore Park are full, Edwin Drive between Independence Boulevard and South Boulevard may close.  Rain Date: July 5; fireworks only Mount Trashmore Park

Virginia Beach July 4  Stars and Stripes Explosion (8pm – Close)  Multiple performance venues at the oceanfront attract thousands of out-of-town visitors and local residents for a “star-spangled” salute to this great country of ours!  Musical acts offer something for everyone with tribute bands dedicated to stellar acts like Bruce Springsteen, Journey, and U2.  A stage erected on the beach at 20th Street becomes the focal point for a performance by Symphonicity (the symphony orchestra of the City of Virginia Beach) and the Virginia Beach Chorale.  With a program that encompasses patriotic songs, Broadway standards, movie themes, and folk music, nostalgia reigns as the presentation segues into a magical fireworks show that explodes over the oceanfront in brilliant colors and patterns.  Stars & Stripes Explosion is an unabashed tribute to the ideals, personalities, history, and music of the United States.

Virginia Beach July 4th  4th of July Fireworks at Sandbridge Beach (6:30pm – 9pm) Theme: Celebrate Island Style and remember it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere! At 6:30 pm on July 4, the annual Boat Parade will begin. The Fireworks display will start at 9:00 pm and be set off from the Mill Pond at Sand Bend Road and Back Bay Crescent. A July 5 rain date is scheduled. FREE and open to the public.

MILITARY DISCOUNT, APPRECIATION OFFERS, & SPECIAL EVENTS FOR JULY 4TH, 2015!

Yankee Candle Village Store Williamsburg:  EVENT:  Meet Gaby Juergens, the Artist for the Homefront Girl® Collection
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

MILITARY DISCOUNT OFFER:  

All Homefront Girl candles will be 25% off for the day of the event.

Military personnel will also receive 10% military discount off the entire store as a special thank you! (Must show military ID).

Armed Services YMCA Hampton Roads :  Event: Hampton Roads, start your engines! We invite you to join us for a Poker Run on our nation’s Independence Day. Hosted by the Armed Forces Motorcycle Club of Virginia. We’ll start at their clubhouse at 9:00 am (1170 Lance Rd. in Norfolk) with free Starbuck’s coffee to get you going. Here you will register for the day and draw your first card. Kickstands up at 11:00. If you like, you can register in advance right now.  Just $20 gets you the ride, a cool t-shirt and a plate of BBQ! Can you think of a better way to spend the day? We will have some fun stops along way and end up at Grumpy’s on Kempsville Road for some delicious BBQ, good music, and final card draw. We’ll even wrap it up by 6:00 pm so you won’t miss the fireworks. You can even buy a ticket for a chance at a Harley Davidson Engine. All proceeds benefit the Armed Services YMCA and stay right here in Hampton Roads where we serve all five branches of our military. So spread the word! It’s gonna be a great event for a great cause. REGISTER HERE

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center: Events for 4th of July weekend.  July 3: FIRST FRIDAY Concert In The Courtyard: Live Music by SharkophagusFirst Friday - Free Admission.  July 4th:  THE WRIGHT WAY: The Life & Times of Frank Lloyd Wright Special Presentation by Guest Speaker Timothy Totten First Saturday - Free Admission

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum:  PATRIOT’S DAY! 4th of July Celebration: World War II Patriotism in Portsmouth First Weekend - Free Admission~Celebrate American independence 1940s style! Learn about life on the home front in World War II Portsmouth. Sign up to become a W.A.V.E., fly a target kite, or lean how to make a mock apple pie! Live 1940s music throughout the day, plus swing dancing demonstrations and beginners lessons. Sponsored by the Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum in collaboration with the Portsmouth Museums.

Lightship Portsmouth Museum: Proud to be a Blue Star Museum offering FREE free admission to military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Learn more about exploring the Lightship Museum here.

SAM'S CLUB: Special Nationwide military appreciation offer July 1-31, 2015 offering BONUS SAVINGS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES. Military members active duty, retired, dependents, and veterans receive a $15 Gift Card when you JOIN or RENEW your Sam's Club membership PLUS Free Fresh Food.  Learn more on MB.

Beach Ford:  MILITARY APPRECIATION OFFER FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY!  From now until July 6th Beach Ford are again adding another $250 dollars to our military appreciation incentive, bringing the total discount to $750.

Veterans Flag Depot: Fourth of July is right around the corner, don't forget to proudly display our American Flag.  Veterans Flag Depot is Americas # 1 online store for Made In The USA Flags since 2004.  At Veterans Flag Depot you’ll find different flags for every state, military service branch, POW/MIA, NFL/College teams, and Made In The USA stick flags.   Plus, the American Flag in various sizes.  Veterans Flag Depot is proud to offer a Military Discount off your purchase on MB.

Brides Across America:  BRIDES ACROSS AMERICA CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY BY GIVING AWAY FREE WEDDING GOWNS NATIONWIDE In collaboration with Brides Across America, over 60 Bridal Salons are participating in this annual giveaway event.

Kings Dominion: MILITARY APPRECIATION AT KINGS DOMINION  Kings Dominion shows tribute to the Armed Forces during Military Appreciation Days the 4th of July Weekend, admission is FREE for active and retired military, with valid ID.

Other Notable Discounts:

Operation Homefront/Six Flags:

Six Flags joins us once again to salute our military and their families in appreciation for their service to our country. When you bring a can of Coke, not only will you save on admission and enjoy exclusive ride time, but every ticket purchased with a can of Coke will provide $1 back to Operation Homefront July 1-15. Any full cans or bottles provided at the main gate over the weekend will also be donated back to the organization.(To find a park near you and information on their upcoming Fourth of July festivities, click the link above)

Cedar Point Amusement Park: All active, retired and honorably discharged members of our Armed Forces will receive free admission to Cedar Point, Friday through Sunday, July 3-5, 2015. Immediate family members can also receive a military discount for $39.99 each. These offers are only available at park ticket windows and proper ID is required. Valid forms of ID include Active Duty ID, Retired Personnel ID, VA ID and copy of DD-214 discharge papers w/photo ID. Click here for details.

Naples Zoo: In honor of those who serve our country and Independence Day, Naples Zoo is offering free admission to all active and prior service military personnel July 3-6, 2015. Military service members receive free admission at the Zoo’s ticket box by presenting military identification or a veteran's organization member card and matching name photo ID. Plus, the service member's spouse and children in the party receive $2 off regular Zoo admission during the weekend. Click here for details.

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo:  In honor of Independence Day, members of the military (active-duty, retirees and veterans) and up to three direct dependents are invited to visit the Zoo for free July 3-5. The military member will need to show a valid military photo ID at the Zoo’s ticket counter. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult with a valid military I.D. must accompany minors. Not valid with any other discounts or offers. No rain checks.

Also, during Red, White & Zoo, don’t miss the Teddy Bear Picnic on Saturday, July 4 • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Grab your teddy bear and head to the Zoo for a “beary” good time!

Carowinds Amusement Park:  July 3 through July 5, 2015, Carowinds offers free park admission  to all active, inactive or retired service members. Military discounts will also be available at various retail locations throughout the park.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden: All members of the military will receive FREE admission to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden on July 4, 2015.  The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six (6) half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family. Military personnel who qualify for the free admission ticket and discount offer for family members include active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps with government issued ID. 

Home Depot: All veterans are eligible for Home Depot's 10% military discount on July 4th with a DoD-issued ID, a DD214 or a Veterans Driver’s License.

Lowes: Lowe's is offering their 10% military discount to military personnel in active, reserve or retired status, as well as retired veterans and those receiving VA benefits on July 4th.

Kings Island:  All military members – active and retired -- will receive free admission to King’s Island, an amusement and water park in Ohio July 3-5, 2015. They are also offering discounted tickets for family members.

Seaworld Parks & Entertainment: Waves of Honor Program offering any U.S. active duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman to one complimentary admission per year for military personnel and as many as three direct dependents to many of the different Seaworld Parks & Entertainment locations nationwide.

Dorney Park:  (Allentown, Pennsylvania)  Offers free regular admission to any active or retired military personnel July 3-5, 2015. Military members can also purchase discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six).

Sun Splash Family Waterpark:  (Cape Coral, Florida)  Offers free admission for active or retired military, disabled veterans and military reservists  on July 4, 2015. A discount is also available for up to 4 family members.

ValleyFair Amusement Park (Minnesota): Valleyfair is honoring our Hometown Heroes with Military Appreciation Days during the Fourth of July Weekend - July 2-5, 2015. Any member of the armed service, active or veteran, will receive a free regular admission ticket into Valleyfair. Along with free admission, members of the military will be able to purchase discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) at a special military discount price of $29.99 plus tax per ticket. A valid military ID must be presented at a Valleyfair ticket window to receive this offer. 

Michigan's Adventure:  (Michigan) offering military personnel a free admission on July 2-3, 2015. In addition, military personnel may purchase up to six additional tickets for family members at a discounted price.

Don't forget about Blue Star Museums:  Offering FREE ADMISSION from Memorial Day (May 25, 2015) through Labor Day (September 7, 2015), thousands of museums, art centers, and exhibits are offering free admission to all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families.  Also, check out Blue Star Theaters offering FREE ADMISSION to theaters around the country.

Visiting a National State Park?  Don't forget they offer a Free Annual Pass for U.S. Military.

 

MB would like to wish everyone a wonderful Independence Day!  Please have fun and stay safe out there! 

 

 

blog comments powered by Disqus