4th of July events

Here are the RVA haps for Independence Day.

June 26, 2014; 8:24 AM • by Nathan Cushing

Blue Bee Cider Firecracker Release Picnic + Apple Pie

Join the Blue Bee Cider team for the release of Firecracker, a dessert cider made from Virginia Gold Rush apples and ginger-infused eau de vie created in partnership with Catoctin Creek Distilling Company and Casselmonte Farm. Only 350 bottles will be sold.

Local Pie Company will be serving up apple handpies to pair with Firecracker and Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream. Olio Fan Club will have some savory food pairings to offer as well.

• Friday, July 4th • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Blue Bee Cider • 212 W. 6th Street
• FREE admittance

July 4th Celebration at the Garden

Visitors can enjoy a day at Lewis Ginter FREE, including entrance to the popular Butterflies LIVE! exhibit. Various events in the Children’s Garden from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.

• Friday, July 4th • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• 1800 Lakeside Avenue
• FREE

Brewdependence Day at Hardywood

Join a dozen food carts and five local bands for an afternoon of fun leading up to fireworks at the nearby Diamond in the evening.

• Friday, July 4th • 3:00 PM
• Hardywood Craft Brewery • 2408 Ownby Lane
• Beer tickets $6

Old Fashioned Fourth of July

Go old-school with a recitation of the Declaration of Independence plus drum-and-fife accompaniment. Get back to modernity with face-painting, live music, and contests.

• Friday, July 4th • 1:00 – 5:00 PM
• Meadow Farm Museum • 3400 Mountain Road • Glen Allen
• FREE

Performing arts at VMFA

Head to the VMFA and listen to local trio Fado Nosso perform traditional and modern blues music of Portugal.

• Friday, July 4th • 6:00 – 8:00 PM
• VMFA • 200 N. Boulevard
• FREE

I Know Richmond: The Bus Tour

Avoid the heat and get to know RVA better in the comfort of a bus. The Valentine History Center offers a great tour that provides a nice overview of Richmond’s history. Space is limited, so make your reservations ASAP.

• Friday, July 4th • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Valentine History Center • 1015 E. Clay Street
• $25 per person ($20 for History Center members)

ST. JOHN’S CHURCH REENACTMENTS

Take a trip back to 1775 to visit the Second Virginia Convention where Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech. Hang around after the proceedings and get your picture taken with Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. What’s more patriotic than that?

• Friday, July 4th • 1:15 – 3:00 PM
• St. John’s Church • 2401 E. Broad Street
• FREE ($5 suggested donation)

PAMPLIN HISTORICAL PARK: INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Head to the Dinwiddie park to hear a cannon firing. That’s right. They’re going to fire a cannon!

• Friday, July 4th • 1:00 – 2:00 PM
• Pamplin Historical Park • 6125 Boydton Plan Road • Petersburg
• FREE with park admission ($7.50 – $12.50)

Friday in the Shade

James River Cellars moves its Sunday in the Shade event to Friday to celebrate The Fourth. Relax with some gentle music in the afternoon. Taste great local wine all day.

• Friday, July 4th • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• James River Cellars Winery • 11008 Washington Highway • Glen Allen
• Regular tasting fees

Flying Squirrels vs. Fightin’ Phils

Nutzy and the Squirrels have a doubleheader against the Reading Fightin’ Phils on July 4th. First pitch is 5:05 PM, and the second game will start thereafter. Richmond also takes on Reading on Saturday at 6:05 PM. Stick around for fireworks on both nights.

• Friday, July 4th – Sunday, July 6th
• The Diamond
• Tickets $7 – $11

Kings Dominion Military Days

If you’re an active, inactive, or retired US service member, grab your valid military ID and head to Kings Dominion for free admission. You’ve more than earned it.

• Friday, July 4th – Saturday, July 5th
• Kings Dominion • 16000 Theme Park Way • Doswell, VA
• FREE admission to active, inactive, and retired service members with valid ID

photo by Joelle Inge-Messerschmidt

June 26, 2014 8:24 AM 1