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Fairfax County’s Independence Day festivities will stretch across several days in 2026, with traditional fireworks joined by a new drone show and a daytime display over the Potomac.
The celebrations come as the United States marks its 250th anniversary on July 4. Organizers recommend checking event websites for weather-related changes before leaving home.
Saturday, June 27
The Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration runs from 5 to 10 p.m. at Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike in McLean.
The free McLean Community Center event features music, food and the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience. An Independence Day parade and a performance by the VCO Brass Quintet begin at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:22 p.m. Parking is also free.
Red, White and Boom takes place from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way.
The annual festival offers live entertainment, children’s carnival activities, miniature golf and food trucks alongside its fireworks show. Advance parking costs $35, rising to $40 on the event day. VIP food and beverage packages are sold out.
Sunday, June 28
Fairfax County’s Independence Day celebration will run from noon to 10 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. The event was moved from its originally scheduled date because of forecast inclement weather.
Instead of fireworks, hundreds of synchronized drones will create patriotic images with music and motion. The Fairfax County Park Authority is promoting the show as a debris-free, sensory-friendly option for people and pets sensitive to loud sounds.
The day also includes live music, family activities and food trucks. Advance parking passes cost $20 per vehicle, while parking at the gate is $25. Admission is free for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Thursday, July 2
Reston Station’s Summerbration opens at 5:30 p.m. at 1800 Reston Row Plaza.
The family event features “Bruce in the USA: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen,” along with a DJ, splash pad, games, photo booth and food. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Vienna’s Independence Day Celebration runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at Yeonas Park, 1319 Ross Drive SW.
The free event includes children’s music, food trucks and a headlining Latin pop performance by Ocho de Bastos. A 15-minute fireworks display is scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m. Visitors should review parking and street-closure information before attending.
Saturday, July 4
The City of Fairfax will hold the evening portion of its 60th annual Independence Day celebration at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run.
Doors open at 5 p.m., shuttle service begins at 5:30 p.m. and live music starts at 6:30 p.m. Food vendors will be on-site, and fireworks are scheduled from 9:30 to 9:50 p.m. Admission is free. Attendees should check event details for bag-check rules, road closures, vendors and maps.
Herndon’s July 4 celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. at Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Avenue.
The free event includes live music, family games, activities and children’s crafts. Food will be available for purchase. Parking and road-closure details are available from the town.
Celebrate Great Falls starts at 6 p.m. at Turner Farm, 776 Walker Road.
Families can find children’s inflatables, a cornhole tournament and food trucks before fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Organizers suggest a donation of $20 per family.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, will present An American Celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The program includes historical demonstrations, family activities and a naturalization ceremony. Daytime fireworks will launch over the Potomac at 1 p.m.
Admission costs $28 for adults and youths older than 12, $14 for children ages 6 through 11, and is free for younger children.