July 4th celebrations are gearing up for great family fun and you need to plan ahead to enjoy as many events as possible. Be sure and visit website to confirm event times, locations, and other information since it may change after posting.

Celebrate Independence Day and stay safe!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

RVA Fireworks on the James. RVA Fireworks on the James is a FREE “Patriotic Family Fun” event that will feature performances by SPARC (School of Performing Arts in the Richmond Community), the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Richmond Ballet’s “Minds in Motion.” Food Vendors will be on Brown’s Island and the public is invited to bring a picnic (alcohol and pets not permitted) and a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy music.

Genworth Independence Day Celebration. Join Genworth on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 to celebrate freedom with the Heritage of America Band. The concert will begin at 6:30pm at Genworth Financial’s World Headquarters located at 6620 West Broad Street. The concert will be immediately followed by our 7th annual fireworks display. Children and adults of all ages are welcome, but please, leave your pets at home. We will have face painting, balloons, giveaways, food vendors and much more.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Dogwood Dell Fourth of July Fireworks. Live music, cannons and fireworks and it’s all FREE! Starts at 5:45pm until dark. Family fun for all ages.

Brandermill 4th of July Parade. Starts at 10am.

Children’s Museum of Richmond is open until 5pm (closing early).

Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park. Free concert: Three for All (Rock ‘n Roll).

Ashland July 4th Celebration. It is time once again for our small town, one of a kind July 4^th celebration here in the Center of the Universe. The Hanover Arts & Activities Center, sponsor of the event, has many activities to entertain you and start off your patriotic celebration with a bang. Enjoy the Walking Parade with dancing, music, and some surprises too. There’s an apple pie contest, sing-a-long on the lawn, and much more.

Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration at Meadow Park. The festivities kick off with a flag raising ceremony. Then take a step back in time and listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Living History Associates, Ltd. over traditional drum and fife music followed by a musket salute. Uncle Sam (on stilts!) will also be in attendance, as well as Jonathan Austin who will be thrilling the crowd with his mesmerizing magic and juggling.

Summer Concert Series at Short Pump Mall. July 5th celebration at 6pm-8pm.

Chesterfield County July 4th Celebration. The event, held at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds (across from L.C. Bird High School), includes an activity area for children and special entertainment. No alcohol, glass bottles, pets or personal fireworks, please. Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended. Limited parking; roads leading to fairgrounds will be closed at 9 p.m. or when parking lots are full. Don’t miss this fun-filled event for all ages.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Fourth of July Celebration. Free from 9am-5pm. Guests are invited to wear red, white and blue and bring wagons and strollers to decorate for a “parade.” Enjoy music, WaterPlay and fun activities in the Children’s Garden.

Flying Squirrels July 4th. Celebrate Independence Day at The Diamond and enjoy one of the 24 Firework Extravaganza following the conclusion of the game.

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon (Alexandria, VA). The home of our first commander-in-chief celebrates George Washington’s contribution to America’s independence and freedom on July 4th with its annual Red, White and Blue Celebration from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. All events are included in regular Estate admission.

Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks at Market Square North. Fun all day 10am – 9:35pm – Salute to the States at 10am; Join the Runaway String Band at 1:30pm; 4th of July Parade of Flags at 3:30pm; and Independence Day Celebration with food, fanfare, and fireworks at 5pm. Fourth of July fireworks at 9:20pm.

Colonial Downs Fireworks and Racing to the Stars ‘n Stripes. Racing to the Stars ‘n Stripes with fireworks, the York River Concert Band & an after party with magician Jonathan Austin & concert with Proverbial. Purchase tickets.

Goochland County Celebrates Independence Day. From 4pm-7pm, enjoy fun at the Goochland Sports Complex FB Field. Come join in the fun or watch the family friendly Ultimate Frisbee Tournament. Ultimate Frisbee is a cross between football, soccer and basketball. Games will be held prior to the July 4th Fireworks Celebration!

Colonial Heights July 4th Fireworks and Family Fun. Free event – Begins at approximately 9:15 pm. Viewing locations for the fireworks will be off Interstate 95, Exit 53 or 54 in the Southgate Square/Wal-Mart Area. Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs.

July 4th at Monticello. Just a short drive for lots of fun. Monticello is the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Each Fourth of July since 1963, Monticello has honored America’s Declaration of Independence with an inspirational Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony. Gates open at 7 a.m. and attendees should plan to arrive at least one hour in advance of the 9 a.m. ceremony. Dave Matthews, best known as the lead vocalist/guitarist for Dave Matthews Band, will be the featured speaker at Monticello’s 51st annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony-the oldest continuous naturalization ceremony outside of a courtroom in the United States.

Kings Dominion Nights of Fire – Also Pays Tribute to Military. Kings Dominion pays tribute to our brave military service men and women by offering free park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D. on July 4 and July 5, 2013.

Busch Gardens IllumiNights. Join Busch Gardens® in celebration of summer at IllumiNights — a nightly extravaganza featuring live performances, music and special effects that culminate in a park-wide firework spectacular. July 1 through Aug. 11, journey through the park as each village celebrates IllumiNights in its own way with multiple performances throughout the evening.

Fourth of July Celebration at Sunday Park. Picnic Buffet available from 6-9pm. Fireworks over the reservoir at 9:15pm. VIP ticket includes picnic buffet with snow cones and popcorn, photobooth, live music, and a seat for the fireworks

Friday, July 5, 2013

Flying Squirrels Independence Day Celebration Continues! Patriotic Jersey auction benefits Special Olympics of Virginia. Enjoy one of our 24 Firework Extravaganza following the conclusion of the game.

Kings Dominion Nights of Fire – Also Pays Tribute to Military. Kings Dominion pays tribute to our brave military service men and women by offering free park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D. on July 4 and July 5, 2013.

Have an event to add to our calendar? Email us at christa@richmondmom.com! Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!

Visit our Richmond Summer Camps and Summer Fun 2013 links for a huge listing of camp options and things to do all summer long.

Are you planning ahead for July 4th celebrations? Then be sure to click here and see our great listing of July 4th celebrations, fireworks, parades, shows, and more.

Boost! is now open at the Science Museum of Virginia too. Check out our Real Richmond Review by Christa Donahue and plan a visit to see this incredible, interactive exhibit!

Now Through August 18

SYMMETREES at The Science Museum of Virginia. Photographer and sculptor John Moser shares his unique view of fallen trees in Central Virginia forests by capturing their photos, then enhancing them so that the images take on a life of their own. Included with exhibit admission. Free for members.

Now Through September 6

Flight of the Butterflies – The Science Museum of Virginia: Read our Real Richmond Review.Migrate with hundreds of millions of Monarch butterflies across North America! Discover the hideaway of these magnificent creatures – a secret that was unlocked after 40 years of research by Dr. Fred Urquhart. Immerse yourself in this compelling adventure as you find a super generation of butterflies who miraculously travel to a new and remote destination. Experience firsthand the beauty of the migration cycle of butterflies spanning not only thousands of miles but generations!

To The Arctic at The Science Museum of Virginia: Through September 6, 2013. Venture across floating ice with a mother polar bear and her two cubs as you take an extraordinary journey into the Arctic.  Discover the constant struggle for survival as they face natural predators and a rapidly changing climate.  Travel with a herd of caribou to their calving ground and plunge into the ethereal underwater world of waltzing walruses!  Gaze across an exquisite spectacle of sapphire white as you see hundreds of miles of snow-bound peaks in this breath-taking film!

Now Through September 29

Robots + Us at The Science Museum. The Museum is open 9:30am-5pm on Memorial Day. What differentiates humans and robots?  Explore what it means to be human by examining how lifelike machines emulate four major categories of human capabilities: moving, sensing, thinking and being.  Take a closer look into robotics, computer science and biomedical engineering as you encounter interactive components, videos and much more! It’s here now through September 29, 2013! And BOOST! opens this weekend so don’t miss it!

ALL WEEK

Take advantage of CMoR’s extended summer hours with fun activities each weeknight! All Summer Nights activities are free with museum admission. A variety of food options are available at the Seymour Snack Shack including frozen yogurt, popcorn, snow cones and a variety of hot and cold beverages like coffee and juice.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Brave at Westover Hills Branch Library at 10:30 a.m.

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game.  6:35pm.  The Diamond.  Bike Night & $1 Hot Dogs presented by Reader’s Digest Best of America Tour & Rock 96.5.  For more information on Bike Night, contact the Flying Squirrels front office.  Game time 6:35pm, gates open at 5:35pm.

Henrico Concert Band in the Park. Free for all ages from 7pm-8pm at Dorey Park.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a casual evening in the park by the lake listening to favorite band music. No rain date.

Tuesday, June 25

Westchester Commons Kid’s Club. Crafts, games and story time. Free fun for parents and kids.

MOVIELAND AT BOULEVARD SQUARE

Regal Summer Movie Express offers $1 movies again this summer – 2013!

Happy in Two Homes (Parents of Children of All Ages).  6pm.  Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting. Many children transition between two homes when their parents are no longer together. Children do best in an atmosphere that provides consistency, structure, routine and predictability.   How can parents best help them to adapt as they navigate the process of moving from home to home?  In addition to giving parents tools to support their children, this class discusses ways for parents to interact and communicate with each other in the best interest of their children and to minimize conflict. Visit website for fees and registration.

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game.  The Diamond. Hat Giveaway presented by Ford, Richmond Publishing & 98.9 Liberty.  The FIRST 2,00 people 15 & over will receive a Flying Squirrels Hat!  Game time is 6:35pm, gates open at 5:35pm.

Wednesday, June 26

Science Museum scientists and others share easy to understand information on a wide range of science topics. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Free.Green Affordable Housing presented by Better Housing Coalition Vice President and Chief Operation Officer Bob Newman on June 26.

Flying Squirrels Baseball Game.  12:05pm at The Diamond. Business FUNN Day presented by 106.5 The Beat.  Take a break from work and come see a Flying Squirrels game!  Game time is 12:35pm, gates open at 11:35am.

COTU Food Truck Court. Have your favorite COTU brew along with a choice of 5-8 different food truck vendors all while enjoying the new outdoor beer garden at the brewery!  Fun for family.

Innsbrook After Hours. Gates open at 5:00pm, and concert-goers will be introduced to a significantly expanded food court with seating and pre show specials, as well as a marketplace with entertainment for patrons to enjoy prior to the show.

RVA Food Trucks at Chesterfield Mall. Expect trucks like Soul Ice, Boka, Mr. Softy, Habanero, Almadina, Paris Creperie, The Dog Wagon, Station 2, P&T Kitchen, Grate Pizza, Chupacabra, Super Fresh, Slideways Mobile Bistro, Croaker Spot, King of Pops, Thai Cabin, Flynn’s Foods, and The Meatball Company. Tables and chairs will be set out. Each event will be based on weather permitting. Check the mall’s Facebook every Wednesday at 3 p.m. to confirm the night’s event.

Meet the Doulas.   Have questions about what a doula does…come out to Hip to be Round and meet the RVA doulas.  Ask questions, meet other expectant moms and enjoy the refreshments.  6:30 pm.

Thursday, June 27

Dreamtime: Tales from Down Under puppet show with Heidi Rugg – at Belmont Library. Call for information. 804.646.1139.

Broad Rock Library – storytelling with Deborah Alsko at 10:30am.

How to Get Back In When Teens Shut You Out (Parents of Children 12-16 yrs).  6pm – Delivered by Commonwealth Parenting.

Nutzy storytime at the West End Library.

Deep Run Park (9900 Ridgefield Parkway Henrico, VA 23233). The Henrico Community Band will perform in a series of three outdoor concerts. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a casual evening in the park at the Nature Pavilion listening to your favorite band music! In case of inclement weather, the concerts may be cancelled. There will be no rain dates. Information: 501-5859. Check website to confirm dates as they may change.

RVA Street Foodies Court runs from 6-9pm every Thursday through the season and is a family friendly environment. All ages are welcome at the brewery.

10th Annual Summer Concert Series at Short Pump Town Center. 6pm-8pm.

Friday, June 28

American Girls Book Club. Barnes & Noble Store in Short Pump at 7pm, 11640 W. Broad Street.  For information call 360-0103.

An Evening with Casper. America’s premier party band, Casper, is based in Richmond and has a musical repertoire that covers great dance music from many decades and genres, including Motown, rock, funk, swing and country. Gates open at 5 p.m. Music from 7-10 p.m. – Pocahontas State Park – gates open at 5pm; concert 7-10pm.

Cyber Safety (for parents and teachers) – Part of the Summer Professional Institute
These days, our children and students seem to be spending more and more time engaged in online activities. This two-hour workshop explores the various kinds of activities and their associated risks. The goal is to create cyber-savvy parents and teachers who know how to monitor their children’s online activities. Livia McCoy, M.Ed.- Coordinator of Technology Friday, June 28 (6:30-8:30pm).

Susan Greenbaum plays Dogwood Dell’s Festival of Arts. A free family event starting at 8pm.

Saturday, June 29

The Mama Spa at Hip to be Round.  Enjoy a prenatal or postnatal massage or manicures and pedicures using pregnancy safe Scotch Naturals Polishes.  Treat yourself or a loved one – call today to set up an appointment. 340-1700.

Henricus Dauber Dash – 5 mile run through historic settlement. Kids can take part in muddy one-miler too! This 5.5-miler may start and finish on a historic settlement and wind through a scenic conservation area, but it is definitely NOT a walk in the park!

Learning Diagonal Conference! The Learning Diagonal conference is designed to inspire individual and collective action to change ourselves and the world. Our speakers are passionate experts and cutting-edge thinkers who push the envelope of what is possible and bring out the best in others through active participation in shared experiential learning opportunities. Our attendees are curious, energetic participants who come ready to shape the experience with their own ideas, skills and expertise. No one at our conference is a passive vessel. Everyone leaves ready to change themselves and the world.

Bags of Opportunity Cornhole Event at Rocketts Landing. 12pm. Attendees will enjoy live music, food, and drinks as well as kids activities that will take place throughout the event.

Cyber Safety (for parents and teachers) – Part of the Summer Professional Institute – These days, our children and students seem to be spending more and more time engaged in online activities. This two-hour workshop explores the various kinds of activities and their associated risks. The goal is to create cyber-savvy parents and teachers who know how to monitor their children’s online activities. Livia McCoy, M.Ed.- Coordinator of Technology  – Saturday, June 29 (10am-12pm).

The Arts and Culture Xpo, blessedly renamed from the Cultsha Xpo, is a truly fantastic event that turns you, everyday schlub, into a patron of the arts! Upon entering the Xpo, you’re given a mystery amount of XpoBucks which are redeemable for membership, classes, donations, and more at local nonprofits. You get to support the arts while your bank account takes a vacation! 10am-5pm.

CPR/AED/First Aid Certification.  9am-2pm.  Simply FIT.  Gain the skills and confidence to act in an emergency and make a difference in someone’s life! For ages 13 and up! To register or for more information, call us at (804) 262-7777 or visit us at www.livesimplyfit.com.

From Foundry to Fire.  American Civil War Center.  Come learn about the importance of the cannon manufacturing capabilities of Tredegar Ironworks, as well as, the role field artillery played in the Civil War. A costumed artillery crew will explain the process of making and testing the cannon and then demonstrate its use on the battlefield!

A family fun day event with vendors, hotdogs, hamburgers, sodas, beer, raffles, a pool for the kiddos, DJ services by C.E.B. Events, and face painting, balloon art, and a mermaid to pose with the little ones for photos by: Party It Up and Mr. TattooedTwister. Proceeds go towards the playground build) $5 donation per person for entry, one child (age 5 and under) free per paid adult admission. Rain or Shine event!

40th Anniversary Power of Spirit Dance Concert at Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen – 7pm. Come experience live drumming, joyous singing and energetic dancing as we celebrate 40 years! Attending an Ezibu performance is a cultural experience that will stimulate your senses.  This is a family friendly show for all ages that will keep your attention from the first to the last beat of the drum.

Sunday, June 30

Get ready for July 4th celebrations this coming week!

Summer in the Park with Friends. Noon-6pm. What could be much better than spending a lazy summer Sunday afternoon in Richmond’s Forest Hill Park? Richmonders have done it for decades, but for the past eight years, “Sunday in the Park with Friends” has taken on a special new meaning.In the spirit of Forest Hill Park’s former days as an early 20th century amusement park, there will be plenty of old-fashioned fun and games for kids, as well as live music, and artisan vendors. On June 30th, the park will explode with balloons, bubbles, bands and so much more! The kids will enjoy clowns, face painting, carnival games balloons, make-and-take crafts, Jonathan the Juggler, puppets by Barefoot Puppets magicians tree climbing and other activities. All activities are free.

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death! Reenactment Series. 1pm-3pm. Since 1976, St. John’s Church Foundation has presented historical reenactments at the original location of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775. Professional actors in 1770s attire portray ten delegates, including Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The delegates engage in the debates and arguments of the Second Virginia Convention, which lead up to Patrick Henry’s immortal “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech.

Drummer’s Call at Tredegar Park. 1pm-2pm. From the time to get up to the order to charge, Civil War soldier’s lives moved to the beat of the drum. Join a costumed interpreter to learn about the importance of drums, bugles & fifes to Civil War soldiers North and South.

Alice and the Mad Hatter. 1:30pm-2:30pm. Ages 4 – 6 will join Alice for a magical story, craft and garden party. Register: 804-501-7275. Armour House and Gardens.

West End Assembly of God – “Heal the Land” dance and music performance. 8:30 p.m. Free event at Dogwood Dell.

Jump-n-Jam Tween Night 8pm-11pm at Pump It Up Hanover.  Ages 10 – 15 enjoy pizza, race through the obstacle course, play basketball and dance.