RICHMOND, Va. — Cheers to a three-day weekend (for most of us) full of opportunities all around the metro-Richmond area to celebrate our independence and see explosions of color in the sky.

FRIDAY JULY 3

1. RVA Fireworks on the James

Free fireworks return for the fifth year, on Brown’s Island.

This is billed as the state’s largest fireworks display, put on by the Grucci’s of New York. It’s designed for 360-degree view. You can see the display from surrounding the areas of Oregon Hill, Manchester, and Chimborazo Park.

You can bring a picnic, but no alcohol or pets. There will be vending. You can bring food, chairs, blankets, unopened, sealed, plastic water bottles only.

Fireworks will be at 9:15.

No metal, glass, alcohol, pets, tents.

Brown’s Island

9th St

Richmond, VA 23219

RVA Fireworks on the James is sponsored by Dominion and MWV (MeadWestvaco) and produced by the City of Richmond and Venture Richmond.

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

3. Fireworks at Kings Dominion (also on 7/4)

Friday – Sunday at Kings Dominion, catch “Night of Fire” at 9:55 p.m.

16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Va.

4. Star-Spangled Nights at Busch Gardens (also on 7/4)

Busch Gardens offers “Star Spangled Nights” July 3 through Aug. 10.

There will be fireworks, original soundscapes plus unique culinary offerings. A special, extended fireworks event will be presented July 3 – 5 to celebrate the Fourth of July.

SATURDAY JULY 4

1. Brewdependence at Hardywood

Were you going to the Diamond just to see some fireworks? Well, you can catch them from the comfort of Hardywood, with a beer in one hand. Soul and rock all day from five Richmond bands, great eats from a dozen of your favorite gourmet mobile food vendors and plenty of beer to sip.

It will all culminate in a 4th of July fireworks display over the Diamond.

Hardywood’s Independence Day Celebration will be open to the public, all ages with no entry fee. Bracelets will be available for people 21-years of age and over to purchase draft and cans.

Beer tickets are $6

Cash encouraged to serve people faster.

Starts at 3 p.m.

2408 Ownby Lane, Richmond, Va.

2. Chesterfield’s Fourth of July Celebration

An event for all ages at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, across from L.C. Bird High School.

No alcohol, glass bottles, pets or personal fireworks, please. Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended.

Limited parking; roads leading to fairgrounds will be closed at 9 p.m. or when parking lots are full.

Starts at 5 p.m.

3. Colonial Heights Fireworks

Colonial Heights throws a fireworks extravaganza off Charles Dimmock Parkway.

Best viewing spots will be off Interstate 95, Exit 53 or 54 in the Southgate Square/Wal-Mart Area. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Free.

Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

Rain date July 5.

116 Southgate Sq.

Colonial Heights, Va. 3834

4. Dogwood Dell Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebration

The crowds always flock to the Fourth of July celebration at Dogwood Dell.

The first half of the Richmond Concert Band concert will be “Movie Tunes” and after the intermission, it will be all patriotic, ending with the 1812 Overture, complete with the band, the howitzers, and the Carillon, played by Larry Robinson. The concert will conclude with The Stars & Stripes Forever which will entice the fireworks to begin.

Concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

1300 Blanton Ave.

Richmond, Va.

6. Flying Squirrels Fireworks at the Diamond

The Squirrels take on the Akron RubberDucks, followed by a fireworks extravaganza.

This game is ALMOST sold out. There are upper-level general admission tickets still for sale as of Monday.

There will be a second night of fireworks on Sunday, July 6 if you miss out on this one. $7 and up, 6:05 p.m.

Fireworks after the game.

7. Fourth at the Fort Lee, Independence Day Celebration

Features music from high-energy band Redneck Pool Party followed by the 392nd Army Band. There will be a rock wall this year, in addition to a bounce house in the KidZone. Food and beverages are sold on site.

The event concludes with a spectacular fireworks show beginning at about 9:35 p.m.

Admission and parking are free and open to the general public. KidZone tickets are $1 each or $20 for an unlimited access armband.

To access Fort Lee for this event, drivers must be able to show a Driver’s License, current vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Adult passengers must show a Driver’s License or other government-issued photo identification. All vehicles are subject to search.

8. Goochland Fourth of July Fireworks

Bring the whole family and enjoy a night under the stars with Goochland’s fireworks. Park, picnic and watch the fireworks. No tailgating and alcohol prohibited. Visitwww.co.goochland.va.us for parking information. Admission is free.

Goochland Sports Complex — 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland.

9. Red, White and Brew block party at Isley Brewing Company

Expect some music, food, beer, cornhole, dunk tank and then catch the Diamond fireworks from the deck.

Noon to close

Isley Brewing Company

1715 Summit Ave, Richmond, Virginia 23230