Plan Ahead

The Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration is an outdoor festival featuring fun for the whole family. There are various demonstrations, music, polo demos, and free activities, games for kids. More than 20 vendors will be on site offering food options. When the sun goes down, guests will see the largest fireworks show in northern Virginia, choreographed to music. In 2024 we will also have a fabulous drone show in addition to the fireworks!

2024 Rain Date is July 5th. In the event of severe weather on the day of, guests will be asked to return to their vehicles until the storm passes.

Guests are welcome to bring blankets, camping chairs, and coolers. Guests may bring their own food and drinks, including alcohol. Guest may not bring pets, personal fireworks or any cooking devices, including but not limited to grills of any kind, smokers, camping stoves, etc.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE: Gates open at 5:00 PM. We have demonstrations, exhibitions, games, food, and music and kids’ activities. Drones & fireworks will set off as soon as it is dark, between 9:00 PM and 9:15. Event ends at 10:00PM Gates Close at 11 pm (NOTE that due to county regulations, the event MUST END and gates closed by 11pm).

Fireworks will set off as soon as it is dark, between 9:00 PM and 9:15 PM. The 20-25-minute show is choreographed to music which can be heard over the sound system. In 2024 we will also have a drone show!

Yes you are welcome to come for just the fireworks show, but you will still need to purchase a full-price car pass AND be onsite before 8:30PM. At that time all roads are reversed for exit only. Car passes are available in advance from GMJUly4th.com.

The full list of tickets can be found here, but they include General Admission, North and South Rail Tailgates, VIP Car Passes and Members Hill Tailgates.

No, all car passes cover entry for the occupants of the vehicle (up to 5 people).

General Admission guests are welcome to bring blankets and chairs and set up in the picnicking areas near the GA parking areas. NO tents, umbrellas or sunshades. No dogs or pets. No personal fireworks

There is handicapped parking located in all of the major parking areas. These areas are close to restrooms, but may be some distance from the activities, stage and food vendors. To ensure easy access to Members Hill, please consider purchasing a VIP Car Pass. Please be aware that this event is held in a large grass meadow, making some handicapped accessibility to vendors and activities inconvenient.

Tents, no larger than 10x10' are only permitted in the North and South Rail Enclosures for Tailgate holders and for Members Hill Tailgates. Tents, umbrellas and sunshades are NOT permitted in the General Admission Parking, VIP Parking, VIP boxes, or the picnicking areas.

Absolutely no cooking devices (including but not limited to grills of any kind, smokers, camping stoves). Violations may be cause for expulsion from the event without refund.

Absolutely no personal fireworks of any kind, including sparklers. Violations may be cause for expulsion from the event without refund.

Absolutely no pets are permitted. Violations may be cause for expulsion from the event without refund.

No, once you are on site, re-entry is not permitted.

Yes! There will be multiple vendors on site, selling everything from burgers & dogs, to BBQ & Asian food, ice cream, shaved ice and more. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options.

We have a variety of free activities, which have included in the past: fair games, mini golf, tug of war, a polo exhibition, trick riding demo, basset hound meet & greet and more

Some exits may be one way only upon departure, but we have a strategic plan to ensure the smoothest possible exit. Please follow the VA State Police and Fauquier County Sheriff's directions.