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, historic sites, to name only a few. Pair a visit to an attraction with one of the many events for an Independence Week full of fun and festivities!
WEDNESDAY, 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.
THURSDAY, 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 tradition. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are permitted. Children 12 and younger on bikes, please.
UPDATE (7/2/24): Fireworks have been postponed to Sunday, July 7 due to dry conditions.
Glen Maury Park hosts our annual community Independence Day Concert with music by Party Crasher Band kicking off at 6 p.m. a the lower pavilion.
FRIDAY, JULY 5
It's First Friday in Lexington which means our galleries are open later to welcome new exhibits. Enjoy a night on the town at one of our excellent restaurants, or make your own candle at POUR, a brand new experience in Lexington. Their First Friday POUR event welcomes walk-ins to create their own candle starting at 5:30 and the last seating at 7:30 p.m.
Friday 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. If you miss the Friday night movies, pick up a Saturday or Sunday spot!
SATURDAY, JULY 6 - SUNDAY, JULY 7
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, food and beverage vendors (including local wine and beer), games, crafters, and both tethered and piloted balloon flights both days.
The Ed McDaniel Memorial Balloon Glow will begin Sunday night after dark to close out the event.
For a hot air balloon ride (not tethered), make a reservation.
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Start your day at the Kerrs Creek Farmers Market and Glasgow 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 Lexington Valley Vineyard while country musician Ian Vest sets the mood. He is scheduled to play from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. with an incredible Rockbridge County backdrop as his stage.
SUNDAY, JULY 7
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.
Glen Maury Park hosts our annual community Independence Day Fireworks around 9:30 p.m.
Last Updated July 2, 2024
