60th Annual Independence Day Celebration Parade & Evening Show

Next date: Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

250 Logo

Celebrate freedom, fireworks, and fun this Independence Day with a high-energy, red-white-and-blue experience for all ages!

This year is extra special as we honor the 250th anniversary of the United States — a once-in-a-generation milestone marking 250 years of independence, pride, and progress. Join us for a historic celebration you won’t want to miss!

2026 Theme and Logo: VA 250

The theme for this year's Independence Day Celebrations was selected by the Independence Day Celebration Committee (IDCC) in November of the previous year. The logo was selected by IDCC in January of this year.

Hometown Celebration

June 28 from 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
Stacy C. Sherwood Center
3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax

Uncle Sam

Kickoff your Independence Day Celebrations the hometown way at Hometown Celebration!

Join friends, neighbors, and families for an afternoon of community spirit, festive entertainment, and patriotic pride. Kids will love the interactive games and crafts to hands-on fun designed just for them. Then enjoy a lively performance by our beloved Fairfax City Band, filling the air with classic marches and all your favorite patriotic tunes.

With music, laughter, and small-town charm at the heart of it all, the Hometown Celebration is the perfect way to make lasting Fourth of July memories right here in our community!

Independence Day Parade

July 4
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Downtown Fairfax
Rain or shine

Kick off the celebration with the excitement and pageantry of Fairfax City’s Independence Day Parade! The festivities begin with a thrilling patriotic flyover soaring above the city and setting the tone for a day filled with pride and celebration. Adding to the spectacle, a special 250th anniversary helium balloon will lead the parade — a soaring tribute to 250 years of American independence.

Since 1967, the City of Fairfax’s Independence Day Parade and Fireworks have been a cherished hometown tradition. Originally organized by the Delta Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, the parade has grown into the largest Independence Day parade in the Commonwealth of Virginia — a true testament to our community’s spirit and pride.

Watch as vibrant floats, community groups, local organizations, and spirited performers make their way through the heart of the city in a joyful display of hometown spirit. From marching units and decorated vehicles to special guests and festive surprises, the parade captures the true meaning of the Fourth of July while honoring the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Bring your family, wave your flags, and line the streets for this unforgettable hometown tradition!

Parade Map(PDF, 409KB)

Watch the Parade LIVE!

2026 Commentator Book

Parade Line Up

More information coming in May!

DIVISION I

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

DIVISION IV

DIVISION V

DIVISION VI

DIVISION VII

2026 Parade Winners

To be announced post parade!

Independence Day Celebration Evening Show and Fireworks

July 4
6:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Fairfax High School
3501 Lion Run, Fairfax

RAIN DATE (IF NEEDED) FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ONLY
July 5 at 9:30 p.m.
Fairfax High School
3501 Lion Run, Fairfax

As the sun sets, the celebration continues with an unforgettable evening show filled with live entertainment, patriotic music, and community spirit. Gather with friends and family, spread out your blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy a festive atmosphere that brings Fairfax City together under the summer sky.

Come hungry — a wide variety of food vendors will be on site offering everything from classic festival favorites to sweet treats and refreshing drinks, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the evening.

The night will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky in a dazzling tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States. With brilliant bursts of color and patriotic flair, it’s the perfect grand finale to a day filled with hometown pride and celebration.

Evening Show Schedule

Time Event
5:30 p.m. Shuttle Bus Starts
6:30 p.m.–8 p.m. Band Performs
8 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony
Colors Presented by the American Legion Post 177
National Anthem Performed by the Vienna-Falls Chorus
8:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Band Performs
9:30 p.m.–9:50 p.m. Fireworks Display
9:50 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Band Performs
10:30 p.m. End of Evening Show
11:30 p.m. Shuttle Bus Ends

Food Vendors

More information coming in June!

Bag Checks

All bags and coolers will be subject to inspection. Bag checks and event entry will begin at 5 p.m.

Shuttle Bus Schedule

Shuttle Bus Hours: 5:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m.

All shuttle buses are free and ADA accessible. Shuttles will run continuously between Woodson High School, George Mason University's Rappahannock Parking Garage, and Fairfax High School. Attendees are highly encouraged to park at one of either Woodson High School or the Rappahannock Parking Garage, as there is only limited accessible parking available at Fairfax High School.

Woodson High School — 9525 Main St., Fairfax

George Mason University Rappahannock Parking Garage — 4395 University Dr., Fairfax

Fairfax High School (Accessible Parking Only) — 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax

Road Closures

  • Lion Run will be closed to through traffic from 4 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.
  • No through traffic will be permitted on Blenheim Blvd. from 9:15 p.m. until approximately 11 p.m.

Future Firefighters Day

July 4
12 p.m.–2 p.m.
Fire Station #3
4081 University Drive

Children can enjoy activities on fire safety and education, and get your photo taken with Sparky, the fire dog!

Please visit the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department website for information on event happenings.

Independence Day Celebration Merch

Commemorative Independence Day T-Shirt Sales

Don't miss out on your opportunity to purchase a commemorative 250th T-shirt for the July 4 celebrations!

The Independence Day Celebration Committee (IDCC) will be selling T-shirts with the 2026 logo/theme, "VA 250." T-shirts will be available in tie-dye and light blue colors, while supplies last. Navy trucker hats and visors will also be available for purchase, while supplies last.

Item Sizes Price
Tie-Dye T-Shirts Adult sizes only: Small–3XL $TBD
Light Blue T-Shirts Adult sizes: Small–3XL
Youth sizes: Medium–Large
$TBD
$TBD
Navy Trucker Hats One size fits all $TBD
Navy Visors One size fits all $TBD
Date Time Location
Sat., June 6 10 a.m.–12 p.m. City Hall — 10455 Armstrong St., Fairfax
Sat., June 13 10 a.m.–12 p.m. City Hall — 10455 Armstrong St., Fairfax
Fri., June 26 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Old Town Square — 10415 North St., Fairfax
Sun., June 28 2 p.m.–3 p.m. Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center — 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax

For additional questions regarding the T-shirts, please email FFXIDCC@gmail.com.

Independence Day Celebration Committee (IDCC)

The Independence Day Celebration Committee (IDCC) shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Department in accordance with the bylaws of the committee. The IDCC shall also work with the Parks and Recreation Department Staff (City Staff) to coordinate the activities of the Independence Day Celebrations in Fairfax City.

General Meeting of the Board

Third Thursday of the month in the City Hall Annex, Room 111B (Work Session Room) at 7 p.m.
City Hall — 10455 Armstrong St., Fairfax

Call 703-385-7949 or email FFXIDCC@gmail.com for more information.

Dates and Meeting Topics

Month Topic
September Annual Dinner Meeting and Review of Previous Year's Event
October Discussion of the Evening Show and Event Theme/Logo
November Selection of the Theme/Logo and Holiday Craft Show
December No Meeting
January Chocolate Lovers Festival — Taste of Chocolate Event
February Select Parade Floats and Balloons
March Select Evening Show Entertainment and Discuss Merch Sales
April Parade Applications Due — Parade Participant Selection and Line-Up
May Merch Sales
June Review of Committee Assignments and Finalizing Event Details

Officers

Name Role
Brenda Brichant Chairman (Individual)
Diane Tuininga Vice Chair (Woman's Club of Fairfax)
Chris King Secretary (Individual)
Paul Cunningham Treasurer (Individual)
Mitzi Taylor Executive Secretary (Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Department)

Members

Name Affiliation
Anne Bolger Individual
Michelle Bolger Individual
Debbie Brown Individual
Pam Cunningham Individual
Clyde Harris Comstock Homeowners Association
Carlyn Kuder Daniel's Run Woods
Jim McGinley Individual
Marena Monterrosa Individual
Beverly Myers Individual
Deanna Payne Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Department
Caryn Perrelli Individual
Charlie Potock Individual
Nate Rasmussen Fairfax City Museum and Visitor Center
Beckie Reilly Individual
Kathy Reiter Individual
Hank Roeder Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8469
Penny Rood Individual
Melissa Schmunk Individual
Barbara Silberzahn Individual
Paul Staller Individual
Kathy Vasapoli Comstock Homeowners Association
Jeff White American Legion Post 177

When

  • Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
  • Saturday, July 04, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, July 04, 2026 | 06:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Location

HOMETOWN CELEBRATION (June 28): Stacy C. Sherwood Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd.)
PARADE (July 4): Downtown Fairfax (10455 Armstrong St.)
EVENING SHOW & FIREWORKS (July 4): Fairfax High School (3501 Lion Run)
FIREWORKS ONLY RAIN DATE (June 5) - Fairfax High School (3501 Lion Run.)

Downtown Fairfax, 10415 North St.,, 22030, View Map

Google Map

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