An all-day 4th of July event featuring the largest Fort Monroe family-friendly fireworks show to date! Come celebrate America Made In Virginia.
Date
July 4th, 2025
Place
Fort Monroe at Hampton, VA
Time
8:45 AM – 9:30 PM
Cost
Free to the public (Free parking!)
Hosted by
No state played a more important role in the creation of our country than Virginia. Come honor your state and your country with us.
Fort Monroe | 8:45 AM - 9:30 PM
An all day Semiquincentennial Anniversary program that will engage, educate, and inspire citizens of all ages.
Parade Ground | 8:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Kick off this historic Fourth with a Civic Celebration like no other.
Patton Street Park | 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Enjoy family-friendly activities, demonstrations, and interactive entertainment from all over the state.
Expressions of Virginia Area
History of Virginia Area
A Taste of Virginia Area
The Main Stage | 7:30 PM | FIREWORKS AT 9:15 PM
A star-spangled concert & fireworks display guaranteed to be one for the history books.
A soaring, patriotic celebration uniting Americans from all walks of life.
The Main Stage | 7:30 PM | FIREWORKS at 9:15 PM
A concert and fireworks show 250 years in the making.
Major Christina Muncey, Commander
Leah Glenn, Choreographer
“Patriotic Sing Along” | “Free to Dream” Vocalist
An epic American spectacle in the sky featuring drones and fireworks by Pyrotecnico.
Morning Events
Parade Ground | 8:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Start this important day with a civic celebration. Discover the revolutionary spirit that led to the birth of a new nation and engage in fun-filled activities that celebrate the people and traditions of Virginia.
Parade Ground | 8:45 AM
Virginia’s Tribal Nations
Parade Ground | 9:00 AM
Celebrate New Citizens as They Take the Oath of Allegience
Flagstaff Overlook | 10:00 AM
Fort Monroe National Monument & James Monroe Foundation
Continental Park | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Fort Monroe National Monument & James Monroe Fo...
Fort Monroe National Monument & James Monroe Foundation
Enjoy Fort tours, historic programming and interactive and sensory-friendly activities for the whole family, including:
Expressions of Virginia Area
All Day Tent | 3:00–7:00 PM
Visit the Art Tent and the Expressions of Freedom Stage for “A Salute to the Arts” featuring hands-on art activities, performances, and a community discussion panel.
Art Tent | 3:00-7:00 PM
Join with thousands of people from across America and the...
Join with thousands of people from across America and the world to design a piece of the official America250 Birthday Quilt. Led by renowned art evangelist Steve Prince, Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William and Mary, in partnership with Visit Williamsburg.
Enjoy Fort tours, historic programming and interactive and sensory-friendly activities for the whole family, including:
Learn more about the America250 Birthday QuiltExpressions of Freedom Stage | 3:00–3:45 PM | 5–5:45 PM
Draft your own Bill of Rights for your household with Nation Builder James Madison and other Junior Patriots! Designed for curious minds aged 8-12, this 45-minute interactive program will ignite your imagination and empower you to become an active participant in democracy.
DetailsExpressions of Freedom Stage | All Day
Students from across Virginia participated in the Expressions...
Students from across Virginia participated in the Expressions of Freedom art and writing contest. Come view artwork and writing from the 11 student winners (Check out the VA250 competition program with amazing entries!)
Expressions of Freedom Stage | 4:00 PM
Explore Liberty, Democracy and Changemakers with Eola Dance & Dr. Anthony Parent
DetailsHistory of Virginia Area
Between Patton Rd & The Beach
| 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Explore Virginia through engaging exhibits featuring the state’s best museums, cities & counties, communities, universities, Made In Virginia craft vendors, health & wellness and outdoor & nature organizations.
Come experience the true meaning of E Pluribus Unum—Out...
Come experience the true meaning of E Pluribus Unum—Out of Many, One—in a museum like no other. A must-see for anyone seeking a more complete understanding of the ideas and individuals at the heart of the American Revolution in Virginia and beyond.
Learn about the Mobile Museum• Air National Guard...
A Taste of Virginia Area
Fenwick Road | 3:00–8:30 PM
Come taste Virginia’s finest food, craft beers, and treats to celebrate July 4th.
Hosted By Oozlefinch Beers & Blending...
Hosted By Oozlefinch Beers & Blending
Beers provided by:
Grand Ceremony Host
Co-anchor of PBS News Hour
State Congressman
Mayor of Hampton
VA250, National Honorary Chair
Professor Emeritus Wake Forest University
VA250, Vice Chair
Chair of African American Advisory Council
Colonial Williamsburg Nation Builder
As portrayed by Bryan Austin
VA250 and partners will honor the profound historical significance of Fort Monroe and Point Comfort. Known as “Freedom’s Fortress,” Fort Monroe has been a pivotal site in American history, from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to the Civil War’s “Contraband of War” decision, which set the stage for the Emancipation Proclamation.
America. Made In Virginia. (1 minute video)
The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience (1 minute video)
Will beaches be open?
No. Beaches will be closed for the fireworks show.
What are the directions for the day of the event?
There are only 2 ways on and off the island.
Will the roads be open all night?
No, at 8:30 PM roads will be closed for fireworks.
What time should we head over?
If you’re not on 64 making your way in by 6:00 PM you are not likely to make it there before roads close by 8:30 PM
Fort Monroe
Frequently Asked Questions