How to Have a Blast this 4th of July in Staunton

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Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. Each year we remember the birth of American independence with patriotic activities, festive decorations, parades, sparklers and fireworks, concerts, barbecues, and lots of red, white, and blue. Whether you’re attending the parade in Gypsy Hill Park, dancing to live music, or simply enjoying a picnic with family and friends, Staunton’s Independence Day celebrations promise fun for everyone. Wear your red, white, and blue and join in all the community fun this 4th of July.

Happy Birthday America

If you’re from the Staunton area, you grew up attending the free big-name summer concerts home-grown heroes the Statler Brothers brought to the park each summer. In recent years, Wil Reid and Langdon Reid, sons of two Statler Brothers, have launched Happy Birthday America, an event that emulates those their fathers hosted. Located in Gypsy Hill Park, this year’s free, family-friendly fun will feature live music performances by the Reids’ group Wilson Fairchild, special guest Wade Hayes, and more. There will also be a parade, fireworks, carnival rides, games, and concessions. Decorate your lawn chairs, put on your flag shirts, and head to Staunton for a patriotic celebration of America’s independence!

2024 Schedule

This year’s schedule includes three days of fun. Along with events, vendors will sell food and merchandise, and kids can enjoy games and a carnival. Here’s the 2024 schedule:

Sunday, June 30

• 1 pm: Happy Birthday America Beauty Pageant (Rec building)

Wednesday, July 3

• 2 pm: Vendors and carnival on main parking lot
• 4 pm: Gates open at John Moxie Stadium
• 6:30 pm: Vesper Service. This event will feature speaker Johnny Minick
• 7:30 pm: Heaven’s Mountain Band 
• 8 pm: Jeff & Sheri Easter

Thursday, July 4

• 6 am: Gates open at John Moxie Stadium for chair dash
• 7:30 am: Firecracker 5K Run/Walk around the Gypsy Hill Park loop. 
• 10 am: 4th of July parade through Gypsy Hill Park. Community groups, businesses, athletic teams, and more show their patriotic spirit and decorating skills as they loop the park.

• 12 pm: Food, vendors, and a carnival on the main lot 
• 12 pm: US Army National Guard 29th Division Rock Band (Bandstand Stage)
• 2 pm: Stonewall Brigade Band performance at the Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand
• 3 pm: Prime (Main Stage)
• 4:30 pm: Spencer Hatcher & The Ol’ Son Gang (Main Stage)
• 6 pm: Jack & Davis Reid Music (Main Stage)
• 7:30 pm: Wilson Fairchild (Main Stage)
• 8:30 pm: Wade Hayes (Main Stage)
• 9:45 pm: Veteran Salute (Main Stage)
• 10 pm. Fireworks in Gypsy Hill Park

Other 4th of July Fun

Fun at the Museum

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum is celebrating America’s birthday with discounted youth tickets and a variety of family-friendly activities like themed scavenger hunts, button-making crafts, and a vote to pick the best museum artifact. Tour the museum and take home a free American flag and a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

4th of July Celebration at Barren Ridge Vineyards

Raise a glass and toast America! The family-friendly 4th of July Celebration at Barren Ridge Vineyards will feature live music by Little Walter and the Convictions. Enjoy Barren Ridge wine, excellent views, Shredder’s BBQ food truck, and fireworks. Get your tickets!

4th of July Celebration at Frontier Culture Museum

Celebrate America’s 248th Independence Day at the Frontier Culture Museum’s 4th of July Celebration (9 am – 5 pm) with a pay-what-you-will event. Not only can visitors explore the regular exhibits at the museum, but they’ll also get to listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, watch historical weapons demonstrations, play old-fashioned games, and more. Shenandoah Street Food will be onsite

Happy B-day, America & Art Hive 

Make sure you stop at the Art Hive on your way to Gypsy Hill Park this 4th of July (11 am – 4 pm). You can celebrate both America and the Art Hive as you check out the work of local artisans and a menu of food truck options. Thirsty? Head across the street to Queen City Brewing for fresh craft beer.

Independence Day Weekend at Walnut Hills Campground

Walnut Hills Campground is holding an Independence Day Weekend. Camp under the stars and watch fireworks and a parade. Shenandoah Valley Campground also celebrates the 4th!

Groovin’ in the Garden at Redbeard

It’s the post-4th of July weekend. Are you still in the mood to party? Head to Redbeard Brewing Company for Groovin’ in the Garden with the Judy Chops on July 6, 6 – 9 pm. Cousins Maine Lobster food truck will be there, too.

From the stirring sounds of live music echoing through Gypsy Hill Park to the dazzling spectacle of fireworks painting the night sky, there’s no shortage of ways to revel in the patriotic spirit in Staunton.