Independence Day
Every July 4th, cities nationwide celebrate our nation's independence, and Lexington is no exception. Join us for a few days of excitement with a variety of events leading up to Independence Day. Be sure to stroll through our small towns for a true taste of Americana as you visit the boutique shops and art galleries, museums, and delicious eateries.
TAKE A LONG INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND
Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County offer many family-friendly activities and attractions including horse drawn carriage tours, vineyards and breweries, drive-in movie theater, animal parks, and historic sites, to name only a few. Pair a visit to an attraction with one of the many events for an Independence weekend full of fun and festivities!
THURSDAY, JULY 3
Freedom Food Festival is back and better than ever! Our tastiest street festival is shutting down Main Street once again, filling the block between Nelson Street and Washington Street with delicious picnic fare, a stage of live music, and children's play area. The festival is free. Purchase a meal ticket to support your favorite non-profit; reserved tables are available.
FRIDAY, JULY 4
The annual Children's Bike Parade down Main Street Lexington rolls off at 10 a.m. Bring your kids and their bikes to begin decorating at 9 a.m. Make this long-standing community tradition your new family tradition. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are permitted. Children 12 and younger on bikes, please.
After the fun of the bike parade, go ahead and hit up the pool at Glen Maury Park. Their recent renovation makes it a great destination to cool off before the festivities of the evening, including Party Crasher Band playing in the lower pavilion starting at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks when the stars come out!
Weekend nights are for double features at Hull's Drive-In, one of the few authentic movie drive-ins left in the country. Secure your spot with an online ticket purchase. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the first movie begins at 9 p.m. Movies are shown Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at dusk.
FRIDAY, JULY 4 - SATURDAY, JULY 5
The view from a hot air balloon is incredible, and we're pretty fond of watching them gently float across our hills and mountains, too! Catch a ride in one departing from Oak Hill across from the Virginia Horse Center during Balloons Over Rockbridge Hot Air Balloon & Music Festival. Enjoy live music by four bands over the two days, food and beverage vendors (including local wine and beer), games, crafters, and both tethered and piloted balloon flights.
The Ed McDaniel Memorial Balloon Glow will close out each day and is spectacular to see.
For a hot air balloon ride (not tethered), make a reservation.
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Start your day at the Kerrs Creek Courntry Market or Natural Bridge Farmers' Market to pick up fresh veggies for a picnic or cookout.
You never have to look very hard to find live music in our neck of the woods. Enjoy a glass of wine at Ecco Adesso Vineyards while musician Jason Hostetter enhances the beautiful scenery. The music starts at 3 p.m. and Lex Vegas Bistro provides the food.
SUNDAY, JULY 6
Enjoy a stroll at Jordan's Point Park or view canal lochs along the Chessie Nature Trail, and stop in at Miller's House Museum, featuring Lexington's industrial & transportation history along the Maury River.
Last Updated June 9, 2025
