VA, DC 4th Of July: Where Fireworks Happening, Where They're Not

Deb Belt
·4 min read

VIRGINIA — Everything is different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic — and the Fourth of July is no exception. Independence Day celebrations aren't quite what they were in years past, with parades and fireworks shows canceled in some northern Virginia communities.

This year, 4th of July falls on Saturday, but some celebrations were scheduled for July 3. The Fredericksburg Nationals are hosting a Fourth of July fireworks show at their new baseball stadium, Purcellville will hold a July 4 parade, a light show is set for Springfield, and the National Mall in Washington, D.C., will see a military flyover.

As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service was predicting a daytime high of 92 degrees on July 4 and a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms. This week will also be a hot one, with the heat index potentially exceeding 100 degrees.

Scroll down to see which NoVA communities are having fireworks as usual this 4th of July or July 3 and which have called it off. If you do go see fireworks, authorities ask you to practice social distancing and wear a mask or face covering.

Plus: What Fireworks Are Legal, Status Of NoVA Shows: July 4, 2020

Fireworks Shows On And Off In 2020

4th Of July Events Still Happening

What's Open, Closed On Independence Day

4th Of July Weekend News

If you want to DIY your own Independence Day fireworks display, be sure to check the law. In Virginia, there are different rules on what you can buy and what you can use based on city or county laws.

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. In Virginia Beach, the city bans sparklers, fireworks displays without permits, and fireworks entirely on the beach.

This article originally appeared on the Old Town Alexandria Patch