This is not just any Fourth, it is America's 250th birthday, and our corner of Virginia is celebrating in style. From Marines lighting up the sky to rubber duckies racing down the Rappahannock, we rounded up the best ways to celebrate across Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania. One heads up: the Fourth lands on a Saturday this year, so crowds will be big and parking will fill fast. Arrive early, stay late, and soak up every sparkle.

Thursday, July 2

🎆 Independence Day Celebration at Marine Corps Base Quantico
Location: Lejeune Field, Marine Corps Base Quantico
Time: 5pm, fireworks at 9:15pm
Celebrate 250 years of freedom with food trucks, yard games, a performance by the Marine Corps Band, and a fireworks show.

🎆 Revolutionary Pub Tour
Location: Downtown Fredericksburg (Rising Sun Tavern, Richard Johnston Inn, and Billikens)
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Take a walking tour through some of downtown's 250-year-old buildings with a complimentary glass of wine along the way.

Friday, July 3

🎆 Libations and Liberty: A Toast to Independence
Location: Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline Street
Time: 10am to 4pm
Enjoy a free, history-filled celebration with beer and wine tastings, tavern tours, hourly toasts, and colonial activities (suggested donation of $2.50 for the 250th).

Saturday, July 4: Daytime

🎆 Fallen Heroes 5 Miler
Location: Starts at James Monroe High School
Time: 7:30am
Run a patriotic 5K through downtown that supports local veterans and first responders.

🎆 Children's Roll N' Stroll
Location: Line up at the VRE parking lot, Caroline Street and Frederick Street; procession to Market Square
Time: Line up at 9:30am, rolling out at 10am
Join a festive costume and decorated-bike parade hosted by the Blue Star Mothers, with prizes and leashed dogs welcome.

🎆 A 250th Fourth of July at George Washington's Ferry Farm
Location: 268 Kings Highway
Time: 10am to 2pm
Step into hands-on history at George Washington's boyhood home (entrance fee may apply for non-residents).

🎆 Fourth in Fredericksburg Festival in the Streets
Location: Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street
Time: 10am to 4pm
Browse an art and craft show with children's activities, food vendors, and live music, plus a noon Presentation of the Colors and welcome from Mayor Kerry Devine.

🎆 FXBG Rubber Ducky Derby
Location: Riverfront Park
Time: 12pm
Cheer on 2,000 rubber ducks racing down the Rappahannock to benefit Friends of the Rappahannock.

🎆 Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Location: In Front of Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020, Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg
Time: 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Hear the words that started it all read aloud in historic downtown.

🎆 Downtown Sounds Concert featuring LADIA
Location: Market Square
Time: 3pm to 5pm (bar opens at 2:30pm)
Enjoy live music from LADIA in the heart of Market Square.

Saturday, July 4: Evening and Fireworks

🎆 4th of July Spectacular in Stafford
Location: Pratt Park, 120 River Road
Time: Gates at 6pm, fireworks around 9:15pm
Settle in for food trucks, lawn games, and live music by the Fredericksburg Concert Band leading into a riverside fireworks display.

🎆 FredNats Patriotic Palooza
Location: Virginia Credit Union Stadium
Time: Gates at 4pm, fireworks after the stadium closes at 8pm
Enjoy family fun, vendors, and live music headlined by Virginia Man, capped by the biggest fireworks show of the year (general admission $5, parking $8).

Since details can change, we recommend visiting each event's website to confirm times, locations, and any last-minute updates before you head out.

However you celebrate, we hope your Fourth is full of sparkle.