(From the Genworth Independence Day Concert last year. Very popular!)

Who’s ready for some fireworks? Weekend events are going up early so you have plenty of time to plan your Independence Day festivities! All events are free admission, unless noted.

FRIDAY

Genworth Financial Independence Day Concert – Friday 6:30-9pm; 6620 West Broad Street
Join us for an All-American evening of music, fireworks and family fun. Celebrate Freedom will feature children’s activities and a concert by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. The free event starts at 6:30 pm, with the concert beginning at 7:30 pm. Fireworks start at approximately 8:45 pm. Parking is free. Food vendors on site. No pets, please.

Cinema Classics: 1776 – Fri July 2, 7 pm, Sat July 3, 2 & 7pm; Henrico Theatre
“Experience olde time cinema” at Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs. Tickets are only $1 per person and can be purchased at the door. Information: Henrico Theatre Staff, 328-4491.

David Esleck – Friday 8pm; Dogwood Dell, Byrd Park
Jazz, part of Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts

First Fridays Art Walk – Friday 6-10pm; around Broad St (see website for map)
A monthly event showcasing over 30 diverse small businesses, working studios, and cultural organizations along Historic Broad St

SATURDAY

Richmond Kickers Independence Day Bash beginning at 11am ($4) (see post for more details)

Parham Parade – Saturday 10am-3pm; Parham Road Baptist Church, 2101 N. Parham Road
Parade at 10am features Jon Burkett from WTVR 6 as grand marshal, and various antique and emergency vehicles. Festival beginning at 11am, includes inflatables, dunking booth, interactive games, and giveaways

Brandermill Parade & Fireworks – Sunday beginning at 10am; Gardens at Sunday Park
Parade begins at Swift Creek Middle School and travels down Millridge Parkway to Sunday Park. Festival kicks off at 1pm with the classic rock and beach music from the Survivors, and hot dogs and sodas served by Boy Scout Troop 2890 and juicy watermelon served by Brandermill Retired Men’s Club. There will be a watermelon-eating contest, facepainting, balloon sculptures, and all-you-can-eat popcorn. The fireworks display will light up the sky over Sunday Park beginning at 9:15pm.

Racing to the Stars & Stripes ($2) – Saturday beginning at 5pm; Colonial Downs racetrack, New Kent
Colonial Downs will be hosting a horse racing/live concert/*fireworks* tripleheader at a special 5 PM post time. Fans can enjoy an outdoor concert before and after the fireworks. Richmond’s own Susan Greenbaum and her band will perform sets. After the fireworks, Colonial will host a hour long “After Party”, to help alleviate any post-race congestion in the parking lot. In addition to the live music noted above, juggler/magician Jonathan Austin will perform, and there will be free ice cream, kids activities, cartoons on the jumbotron, giveaways and lots more!

SUNDAY

Free admission at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration – Sunday 1-5pm; Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park
For all ages. Free fun for the whole family! Join us for our spectacular event in celebration of America’s Independence! Enjoy a multi-faceted array of festive entertainment and activities for the entire family. Activities will include musical entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo for children, contests and games, pony rides, and two spectacular sky diving shows with Uncle Sam! Other highlights include a watermelon feast, Uncle Sam on stilts, Jonathan Austin the juggler, a patriotic performance featuring a historic color guard, drum and fife music, and a period musket salute by Living History Associates, Ltd. Live entertainment includes local talent Scattered Smothered and Covered, an acoustic roots band blending a mix of country blues, bluegrass and old time folk. Other entertainment includes ChurchYard Grass playing gospel and traditional bluegrass favorites. Tours of Meadow Farm Museum and the Orientation Center exhibits will be available free of charge. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: Rachel Leyco, 501-5134.

Ashland Fourth of July Parade – Sunday beginning at 1pm; Hanover Arts & Activities Center, 500 South Center St, Ashland
Join Ashland in its annual walking parade and July 4th fun. Parade participants gather at 1pm at Henry Clay School and walk 1/4 mile starting at 1:30pm. The post-parade party at Hanover Arts & Activities Center includes an apple pie contest, book sale, children’s activities, most patriotic pet contest, recycled sculpture contest, and music by the Hanover Concert Band.

Chesterfield County July 4th Celebration – Sunday 5-9pm; Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Rd
Enjoy food, fun, and free Fourth of July *fireworks.* The Kings of Swing will perform, and children can play in the special children’s play area. There is no rain date. Details: (804) 796-7045

Dogwood Dell Fourth of July – Sunday beginning at 5:30pm; Dogwood Dell, Byrd Park

Bak N Da Day – R & B Harmonies 5 pm
Rachel Leyco, vocalist 6:15 pm
Carillon Bell Concert 6:45 pm
Richmond Concert Band – Patriotic and popular music (*Fireworks* to follow) 7:15 pm

Racing to the Stars & Stripes ($2) – Sunday beginning at 5pm; Colonial Downs racetrack, New Kent
Colonial Downs will be hosting a horse racing/live concert/*fireworks* tripleheader at a special 5 PM post time. Fans can enjoy an outdoor concert before and after the fireworks. New Kent native Lyndsey Highlander and her 7 piece country band will travel from Nashville to perform a highly anticipated homecoming concert! After the fireworks, Colonial will host a hour long “After Party”, to help alleviate any post-race congestion in the parking lot. In addition to the live music noted above, juggler/magician Jonathan Austin will perform, and there will be free ice cream, kids activities, cartoons on the jumbotron, giveaways and lots more!

Goochland County Fireworks – Sunday 9pm
Park & watch from Goochland Sports Complex, County Administration, Goochland Elementary, Middle & High School, Fairground Building or J. Sargeant Reynolds

Colonial Heights Fireworks – Sunday 9:15pm; vicinity of Charles Dimmock Parkway, Colonial Heights
The City of Colonial Heights will sponsor a *fireworks* display on Sunday, July 4, 2010 in the vicinity of Charles Dimmock Parkway in Colonial Heights. Fireworks will start at approximately 9:15 pm. Viewing for the Fireworks will be off Interstate 95, Exit 53 or 54 in the Southgate Square/Wal-Mart Area. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Rain Date is Monday, July 5, 2010. For more information, please contact the Colonial Heights Recreation & Parks Department at (804) 520-9390.