Usually, the fourth of July is a time to enjoy an extra day or two off from work, gather with friends and family, enjoy parties and celebrations, and watch fireworks. But with COVID-19 cases on the rise across the nation, officials are encouraging people to continue maintaining social distance, which clearly changes the look and feel of our usual fourth of July celebrations. And that means that the fourth of July in Richmond is going to look very different this year.
As we all know by now, the safest bet is to simply stay home and enjoy smaller gatherings with our families. However, after months of staying home in various levels of quarantine, you might also be feeling at your creative wit’s end. After all, you’ve most likely already used up the craft supplies, exhausted your line-up of board games, and binged everything there is to binge on Netflix…right?
So today, we’re going to offer some ways that you can enjoy the fourth of July in Richmond (and don’t worry, that includes fireworks!) either from home – or in a safe, socially distanced environment.
Fireworks for the Fourth of July in Richmond
One of the most anticipated fourth of July activities is fireworks – whether it’s lighting sparklers at a family gathering or watching live fireworks shows at a larger venue. This year, you can, of course, keep the sparklers going at home, but larger venues can present a problem when it comes to social distancing. Fortunately, we’ve got some great options for fireworks from home, as well as some local displays that will still allow you to remain safe.
Fireworks at Home
This year, depending on your situation and health concerns, staying home for fireworks might be the best option. If that’s the case, don’t worry. You can still see some of the nation’s most spectacular fireworks displays from the comfort of your couch. Here are some options:
‘A Capitol Fourth’
When: 8pm ET/PT, Saturday, July 4, 2020
Where: PBS, Facebook, YouTube, NPR
Featured on PBS, this annual celebration will be aired live and hosted by John Stamos and Vanessa Williams. The special will feature live fireworks from Washington, D.C., along with performances by Patti LaBelle, John Fogerty, Renée Fleming, The Temptations, Andy Grammer, Trace Adkins, and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Macy’s ‘Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular’
When: 8pm-10pm ET/PT, Saturday, July 4, 2020
Where: NBC
In an effort to keep spectators safe, Macy’s annual fireworks spectacular will be taking a different approach this year, showcasing five-minute firework displays taped earlier this week throughout New York City. The fireworks displays will be shown throughout the special, along with patriotic performances from some of America’s top musicians.
Fireworks at The Diamond
When: 9pm – 10pm, Saturday, July 4, 2020
Where: The Diamond, 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23230
With the 2020 season cancelled, Richmond’s Flying Squirrels are still doing their best to help their fans celebrate the fourth of July in Richmond. While they will not host their annual baseball game and fireworks show this year, they have joined up with the City of Richmond, the Virginia Lottery, and CBS 6 to broadcast a live fireworks show that will air from 9pm-10pm on CBS 6. The The fun will begin at 9pm and fireworks will start at 9:30pm. The show will be visible above the Richmond City skyline, as well, but viewers are encouraged to practice the utmost safety by watching from home, or maintaining strict social distancing protocol.
Live Fireworks in and around Richmond
Chesterfield Fireworks Show
When: 9:15pm, Saturday, July 4, 2020
Where: Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832
Traditionally, the Chesterfield County Fourth of July Celebration includes a day filled with activities, entertainment, and concessions. But this year, in the interest of safety, they’ll be replacing their annual festival with a fireworks show that can be viewed from the safety of your car. Just keep in mind that parking may be limited and all social distancing rules must be strictly adhered to.
1st Annual Powhatan Freedom Festival
When: 6pm – 11pm, Saturday, July 4, 2020
Where: Powhatan Fairgrounds, 4042 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA
The first annual Powhatan Freedom Festival is being presented by the Powhatan Dental Outreach Foundation For Children. The festival will honor the locals community of business owners, healthcare workers, farmers, laborers, first responders, military members and veterans and will include food, fireworks, a “drive-in” movie, and goodie bags. The event is free, but donations are encouraged and will go towards providing free dental care for children in the community. And as always, keep safety first by wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and practicing frequent handwashing and sanitizing.
Other Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Richmond
Of course, fireworks aren’t the only way to celebrate the fourth of July. Here are a few more ways you can get in a patriotic state of mind while social distancing, either from home or out in the community.
In Person Celebrations:
Patriotic 4th of July Displays at Dorey Park & Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park
When: 7am – 8pm, July 1-5, 2020 (special presentations July 3, 4pm – 7pm)
Where: Dorey Park (2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico, VA) and Meadow Farm Museum (3400 Mountain Road, Henrico, VA)
While the Henrico Recreation and Parks had to cancel their hugely popular “Red, White, and Lights” fourth of July festival this year, they will still offer a way to celebrate the holiday. Stop by the parks anytime between now and Sunday night to see displays featuring 70 flags, artwork, and a sand sculpture.
If you’re looking for last minute plans for Friday, July 3, Uncle Sam (on stilts!) will be at Crump Park to greet guests between 4pm and 7pm. During these same hours at Dorey Park, visitors can hear the story of London Pleasants, an enslaved man who defined his own independence during the Revolutionary War. Presentations will be held on the hour and will last approximately 20-minutes. Social distancing guidelines will be in place.
July 4th Virtual Celebration in Ashland
Date: June 30-July 4, 2020
In place of their usual fourth of July celebration, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center will join the Town of Ashland to celebrate Independence Day virtually. This year, they are offering a Fourth of July Photo Contest, along with a Scavenger Hunt – both of which will offer fantastic prizes! Plus, be sure to visit their Facebook page to see a special compilation video with live music performances and a slideshow of parades from previous fourth of July celebrations.
Celebrations at Home:
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate at home, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of do. Here are a few ways that you can add some pop to your patriotic party, without ever leaving the house.
Celebrate July 4th @ Home with the New York Historical Society
When: 10am – 3pm ET, Saturday, July 4, 2020
Where: Online
What better way to kick of the fourth of July holiday than with a reminder of what it’s all about? The New York Historical Society is offering five free hour-long programs throughout the day to help kids (and their parents) reflect on the meaning of the holiday. The programs will focus on the struggles that certain populations have faced in America over the years with readings, presentations, and craft activities. Keep in mind that each program does require registration, internet access, and Zoom capabilities. You’ll also want to have some basic craft supplies on hand, such as paper, colored pencils, and markers. Click here to see the lineup and to register.
Watch Hamilton!
If you’re anything like us, you’ve been counting down the minutes ever since the news came out that the Broadway sensation, Hamilton, would be coming to Disney Plus on July 3. Well, the day has finally arrived – and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the fourth of July weekend than with this Broadway smash hit that tells the story of some of America’s founding fathers. To learn more about the show, sign in to your Disney Plus account; or if you’re not currently a subscriber, learn how to sign up here.
Take a History Tour Online
Cook Up Some Patriotic Treats
Don’t Forget the Barbecue
Last but not least, once you’ve got your patriotic plates planned, be sure to share the fun. Just because we may have to forgo our traditional large family gatherings or neighborhood picnics, we can still celebrate with others in a safe way. Consider moving your barbecue to the front lawn to enjoy time with neighbors on your street while maintaining a safe distance. Or head to the driveway for some time with the folks next doors. Just remember to stay safe at all times and do plenty of handwashing and sanitizing along the way!
However you choose to celebrate the fourth of July in Richmond this year, just remember that even though things look a little different this year, this is still a day to reflect and remember the many blessings we have here in America (even when times are crazy). So relax, enjoy some time with your families, and from all of us at Richmond Mom – happy fourth of July!
