by Virginia Beach, Virginia — Virginia Beach is preparing for one of the East Coast’s biggest Independence Day celebrations as the city marks America’s 250th anniversary with the annual Stars & Stripes Celebration along the Oceanfront. Visitors can expect live music, family-friendly entertainment, and a fireworks spectacular over the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of Virginia’s premier July 4 destinations.
Virginia Beach July 4 Schedule
The Stars & Stripes Celebration officially begins at 7:30 p.m. and is completely free to attend.
Entertainment takes place at three Oceanfront locations:
- 17th Street Park
- 24th Street Park (main stage)
- 31st Street Park
Each venue features live music leading up to the night’s fireworks finale.
At 9:30 p.m., fireworks will launch from a barge near 24th Street, allowing spectators to enjoy the show from virtually anywhere along the Oceanfront beach and Boardwalk.
Fireworks Start Time
The city’s official schedule lists the fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Because the fireworks are launched offshore near 24th Street, spectators can spread out along the beach instead of crowding into one location. This makes Virginia Beach one of the easiest large-city fireworks shows to enjoy without needing a single designated viewing area.
Best Places to Watch the Fireworks
24th Street Oceanfront
This is the primary fireworks launch area and offers the closest views of the display as well as one of the evening’s main concert stages.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Because the fireworks are launched from the ocean, nearly the entire Boardwalk provides excellent viewing opportunities. Arriving early gives visitors the best chance of securing a good spot.
17th Street Park
Families looking for live entertainment before the fireworks can enjoy performances here while remaining within walking distance of the launch site.
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31st Street Park
Another excellent viewing location featuring its own live entertainment before the fireworks begin.
Parking and Traffic
Virginia Beach officials are encouraging visitors to arrive early because heavy traffic is expected throughout the Resort Area.
The city says visitors should expect:
- 9th Street Parking Garage to fill quickly
- 25th Street Parking Garage to reach capacity
- 31st Street Parking Garage to become full
If traffic becomes too heavy, temporary traffic diversions may also be implemented around the Oceanfront.
Another Fireworks Option
If you prefer to avoid the Oceanfront crowds, Mount Trashmore Park hosts another free Fourth of July celebration.
The event includes:
- Live entertainment beginning at 5:00 p.m.
- Food trucks
- Family activities
- Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Limited parking is available, and officials recommend arriving early because lots can fill quickly.
Why Virginia Beach Stands Out in 2026
Few destinations combine an Atlantic Ocean backdrop with multiple live music stages and a large-scale fireworks show quite like Virginia Beach. As the nation celebrates its 250th Independence Day, the city is adding the Stars & Stripes Celebration to a broader season of VA250 commemorative events, making 2026 an especially significant year to visit.
Whether you choose a spot on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, relax on the sand near 24th Street, or head to Mount Trashmore Park, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy one of Virginia’s largest Independence Day celebrations.
