Flags waving, golf carts rolling, and fireworks lighting up the sky! Independence Day on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is packed with tradition and small-town charm. From Chincoteague to Cape Charles, here’s where to celebrate America's 250th ESVA-style 4th of July weekend!
Join us for 5 days of patriotic fun, Chincoteague ponies, family activities, live entertainment, educational experiences, and more as we celebrate Independence on Chincoteague Island! Each day will feature something different as well as a special surprise!
Know before you go: Click here to read the schedule for each day as activities differ from day to day.
Celebrate America's 250th at the Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman's Carnival, now in its 101st year! With food, fun, games, raffles, music, rides, and more this event is perfect for the whole family. You can try your luck at Bingo, ride rides, and eat delicious fair food (Chincoteague-style, of course) before enjoying an old-fashioned fireworks display at 9 pm on the 4th (rain date 7/11).
Know before you go: The carnival will run July 2-4, 10-11, 24-25, 27-31, from 6-10 pm before closing on August 1st. Parking is very limited and roads will be closed. You are encouraged to use the free trolley and shuttle services to the carnival grounds starting at 5 pm. Click here for more information.
Image: Virginia Tourism Corporation
Rumor has it Uncle Sam himself might be leading this parade… but WE WANT YOU too! The Chincoteague Island Library is hosting its non-motorized family parade at 10 am on the 4th. Everyone is invited to add to the fun by decorating bikes, wagons, and strollers, and wearing your most patriotic outfit! This parade will travel around Robert Reed Park rain or shine. At the conclusion of the parade, prizes for oldest and youngest participants, and largest family group will be awarded. As a reminder, this parade is non-motorized so motor vehicles are not permitted. Please leave all pets at home.
Know before you go: To participate, join the line on the sidewalk behind the library before the parade begins. No motor vehicles or pets allowed. Click here for more information.
Freedom sure is sweet! Why not enjoy the taste of independence at an ice cream social? Join your friends and neighbors on the back lawn of the Historic Onancock School for free ice cream, live music by the Accomack Community Band, performances by K.C. the Clown, and hot dogs! And while you’re in town, be sure to swing by downtown Onancock and visit all the great businesses.
Know before you go: Presented by the Onancock Business & Civic Association. Ice cream donated by Walmart. Event is free but donations are appreciated. Click here for more information.
Image: Historic Onancock School
Come enjoy this hometown tradition celebrating history, community, and family. The parade lineup includes the American Legion, Accomack County Sherriff’s office, Arcadia ROTC Colorguard, Chincoteague Pony Drill Team, Community Children, Daughters of the American Revolution, Koerner Group of Coldwell Banker, Onancock Fire Department, Peninsula Tractor Club, Tasley VFD, and Ye Accawmacke Garden Club. There will be awards to local schools for the 250th anniversary button designs and copies of the Declaration of Independence.
Plus, hear the 3rd Annual history talk on the topic "Revolutionary Shore" by Dennis Custis and Kellee Blake, and participate in a patriotic sing-a-long with Kelly Harris! Cupcakes, ice cream, and lemonade will be served afterwards. This is the perfect event for those who are looking for some small town charm.
Know before you go: Fourth on the Green will last approximately three hours. Click here for more information.
After the Accomac parade ends, stick around for some delicious barbeque! The Drummondtown Baptist Church BBQ sells out every year– so this is one meal you will not want to miss. BBQ sandwiches and one-pound containers are available for purchase ($8, $14) as well as baked goods, water, sodas, and cole slaw.
Know before you go: A limited number of preorders for containers will be taken; contact 710-4170 or 787-2109 for information. BBQ goes on rain or shine. Proceeds from the BBQ sales benefit the church’s youth and children ministries, and bake table proceeds benefit the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Click here for more information.
Image: Sarah Nock
Join us for the Grand Reopening of the Accomac Debtors' Prison on July 4, 2026 as this historic landmark welcomes visitors for the first time following its restoration. Built in 1783, this is the county's oldest public building! The celebration begins at 11:00 AM with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Supervisor Robert Crockett, joined by Virginia Delegate Rob Bloxom and noted Accomack educator and historian Dennis Custis. Following the ceremony, visitors are invited to tour the restored Debtors' Prison. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each guest will receive a newly revised Debtors' Prison brochure.
Know before you go: Visit us at the Weichert Realty tent on the Debtors' Green. The site will be open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on July 4th. Click here for more information.
Exmore is hosting a good old fashioned 4th of July bike parade! Remember when we put straws on the spokes of our bikes and attached cards with clothes pins to make the plucking sound. Good simple small town America fun! Take an hour or two out of your morning on July 4th and join us in Exmore, the hometown of the Eastern Shore. No bike, no problem! All are welcome: bikes, tricycles, wagons, strollers, wheelchairs, golf carts, & walkers. Prizes will be given to the "Most Patriotic" participants! Get out your red, white, and blue and join us!
Know before you go: Click here for more information.
Start your day with some fun at the Wachapreague Independence Day Parade! Traveling from Main Street to Atlantic Avenue, there will be fire trucks, a Coast Guard boat, prizes, ice cream, flags, and games! Participants are invited to decorate golf carts, cars, pets, kids, floats, and bikes.
Know before you go: Contact Abby Taylor at 757-709-3313 for information on participation sign-up. Click here for more information.
After the parade, the fun is only getting started. The post-parade picnic celebration will begin at 9:30 and include hot dogs, fries, drinks, and ice cream! The Accomack Community Band will perform, and prizes will be given out! Return to the carnival grounds at 7 pm to enjoy the last night of the Wachapreague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival.
Know before you go: Contact Abby Taylor at 757-709-3313 if you have questions. Click here for more information.
Image: At Altitude Gallery, Gordon Campbell
Join your neighbors for some 5th of July fun. Beginning at 6 pm, there will be food and drinks, music by DJ Sleepy, cake stand, outdoor games, silent auction, fireworks, line dancers, and more! Pool is open 12-8pm.
Know before you go: Free parking area and free admission, open to all! Click here for more information.
Start the party a day early with free live music at the Cape Charles Brewing Company. Enjoy food and cold craft beer while you listen to Starfire Live! play a mix of easy listening acoustic rock, pop, and country favorites. Plus, you can request your favorites online straight from your phone! Children can play in the outdoor area while you kick back and relax and let the music take you down memory lane.
Know before you go: Cape Charles Brewing Company has both indoor/outdoor seating. Their hours on the 3rd and 4th are 11:30 am-9 pm with music from 5-8 pm on Friday. Click here for more information.
Pack your stars and stripes for the fun-filled Fourth in Cape Charles! The day is jam-packed with festive activities for everyone to enjoy. With a parade, food trucks, artisan vendors, live performance of the Star-Spangled Banner, live broadcast from WESR, basketball free throw competition and tournament, cornhole, face painting, petting zoo, Sandlot showing at the Palace Theater, and fireworks at night, there is something for everyone to celebrate America’s 250th in Cape Charles.
Know before you go: Please use this form if you want to register for the parade no later than June 27. Contact admin.events@capecharles.org if you have questions. Click here for more information.
Image: Cape Charles Main St
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