Virginia Beach's 2026 July Fourth: fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from a barge near 24th Street and at Mount Trashmore. Private fireworks are illegal without a permit.

Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. This page is updated each year; the 2027 details had not been announced. The facts below describe the 2026 celebration, from the City of Virginia Beach traffic and safety notice and Parks and Recreation. Questions: Parks and Recreation special events, 757-385-2990.

Virginia Beach puts on two free Fourth of July fireworks shows: one over the ocean at the Oceanfront and one at Mount Trashmore Park. In 2026 both launched at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. We will post the 2027 times here as soon as the city announces them.

Oceanfront: Stars and Stripes Celebration

  • When (2026): performances began at 7 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: parks at 17th, 24th and 31st streets, with fireworks launched from a barge near 24th Street.
  • Cost: free. Details are posted by Beach Events VB.
  • Arrive early. The city warned of extremely slow traffic and heavy foot traffic for anyone arriving in the late afternoon or evening.

Mount Trashmore Park celebration

  • When (2026): 5 p.m. start, main stage at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Drive.
  • Cost: free, with live music, food trucks and children’s activities.
  • Parking: limited, $20 cash only, from 2 p.m. When the lots fill, Edwin Drive between Independence Boulevard and South Boulevard may close.

In 2026 the Mount Trashmore celebration ran activities from 5 to 8 p.m., including inflatables and a big bubble show, and food vendors from 5 to 10 p.m., according to Parks and Recreation. The city posts the lineup on its July 4 event page each summer.

Road closures and traffic (2026 plan)

The city’s 2026 traffic plan, which it said could change for safety:

  • From about 7 p.m., eastbound I-264 traffic could be turned back west at Parks Avenue. The eastbound exit at South Birdneck Road and the westbound exit at First Colonial Road were likely to close during the diversion, which could last until about 11:30 p.m.
  • Shore Drive and Laskin Road stayed open into the Resort Area.
  • Atlantic Avenue was expected to close to traffic leaving the Oceanfront after the fireworks, from about 15th to 25th streets, for pedestrian safety.
  • Heavy traffic was expected on Independence Boulevard, Edwin Drive and South Boulevard near Mount Trashmore.
  • Stopping on the interstate to watch fireworks is not allowed.
  • Residential permit parking rules at the Oceanfront ran 24 hours a day from 6 p.m. July 2 to 6 a.m. July 6, and violators could be towed.

For live updates, the city partners with Waze and points drivers to the VB Go app and VirginiaBeach.gov/parking. Text VBEVENTS to 67283 for Oceanfront event alerts.

Fireworks at home

Fireworks are illegal in Virginia Beach unless the fire official has issued a permit for a public or private display, the city says, citing City Code Sec. 12-43.2. See the Fire Prevention Bureau’s fireworks page. Report illegal fireworks through VB311 or at 757-385-5000. Call 911 only for an active or imminent threat to life or property.

City services around the holiday

In 2026 the city observed Independence Day on Friday, July 3. Curbside trash pickup ran as normal, and the landfill and West Neck Recycling Center closed July 4, according to the Waste Management holiday schedule.

What this means for you

  • Plan to be in place well before 9:30 p.m.; traffic to the Oceanfront slows to a crawl.
  • Bring cash for Mount Trashmore parking.
  • Leave the fireworks to the professionals; home fireworks need a permit.

Related: things to do this month, getting around Virginia Beach and parks and trails.

Frequently asked questions

When are the Virginia Beach Fourth of July fireworks?

In 2026 both city shows, at the Oceanfront and at Mount Trashmore Park, launched at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. The 2027 schedule had not been announced when this page was last checked.

Where do the Oceanfront fireworks launch from?

From a barge near 24th Street. The 2026 Stars and Stripes Celebration started at 7 p.m. with performances in the parks at 17th, 24th and 31st streets.

How much is parking for the Mount Trashmore fireworks?

In 2026, limited parking cost $20, cash only, starting at 2 p.m. Edwin Drive between Independence Boulevard and South Boulevard can close when the lots fill.

No, not without a permit from the fire official. Report illegal fireworks through VB311 online or at the non-emergency line, 757-385-5000; call 911 only for an active threat to life or property.