Seasonal & Holidays

VA 4th Of July 2021: Where To See Fireworks Plus Cancelations

Which Virginia communities plan to hold 4th of July fireworks shows this year? Find out on Virginia Patch.

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VIRGINIA — Last year the coronavirus pandemic took a toll on all facets of life, including 4th of July celebrations. While some Independence Day events are canceled for a second year, parades and fireworks shows will resume in many Virginia communities.

This year, the 4th of July falls on Sunday, and some celebrations are scheduled for July 3.

The city of Fairfax kicks off its 55th Annual Independence Day celebration with a parade Saturday morning in Old Town. This year's parade includes nine high school marching bands and inflatable parade balloons, as well as floats and clowns. The parade route runs from 4100 Chain Bridge Road and continues, rain or shine, around downtown Fairfax, along Chain Bridge Road, Main Street, University Drive and Armstrong Street.

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On Sunday, the city will hold an Independence Day Evening Show and Fireworks at Fairfax High School. The on-stage entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. In case of rain, only the fireworks will be presented on Monday, July 5.

The town of Herndon will once again be celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks, after canceling last year's event due to COVID-19 restrictions. No food concessions or entertainment will be part of this year's celebration. Fireworks will launch from Herndon Centennial Golf Course.

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Dale City is holding its annual Independence Day Parade and Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 3, at 10 a.m. The parade begins at Dale Boulevard, from Kirkland Drive to Center Plaza. Businesses from around the area will march in the parade, organized by the Dale City Civic Association.

The city of Manassas is once again holding its Celebrate America in Historic Manassas festivities starting at 3 p.m.on July 4, with fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m. The celebration is centered in the heart of Manassas's historic district, near the visitor's center, museum and Harris Pavilion. Bicycle and house decorating contests will showcase who can best embody this year's "Americana" theme.

The city of Falls Church canceled its Fourth of July fireworks again this year, but the city will hold a one-day Independence Day-themed Scavenger Hunt on July 4.

And if you want to travel across the Potomac to the District of Columbia, fireworks will again be shot off July 4 on the National Mall.

Scroll down to see which towns are having fireworks as usual this Fourth of July or July 3 and which have called it off. If you do go see fireworks, authorities may ask you to practice social distancing and wear a mask or face covering.

Plus: 4th Of July Fireworks 2021: What's Legal, What's Not In NoVA, DC

Which Fireworks Shows Are Canceled And Which Are On?

If you want to create a DIY fireworks display for Independence Day, be sure to check the law. Virginia law allows residents to light up sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols, or pinwheels, but localities can ban them entirely.

Generally possessing, selling or using illegal fireworks results in a fine up to $2,500 or up to one year in jail, so be careful where you buy fireworks and make sure you can use them.

In some local jurisdictions, the sale and use of fireworks — even sparklers — is prohibited. For instance, residents can purchase certain types of fireworks in Fairfax County and in Arlington County, but not in the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

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