Freedom, fireworks, festivities. The best weekend to celebrate America is just around the corner, and we Virginians are lucky enough to be in the state where it all began. Over 200 years later, we continue to celebrate our gratitude for independence by spending time with our loved ones. For most of us, there's no better way to ring in another year of our country's freedom than with fireworks. If you're looking for a truly dazzling show, you won't want to miss any of the following events:

1. Stars & Stripes Explosion (Virginia Beach)

The annual Stars & Stripes Explosion is one of the biggest firework productions in the whole country. The event is happening on the 4th at 31st street park. Starting at 7:00, there will be a series of free concerts scheduled in multiple areas. You'll be able to hear incredible and patriotic music as you stroll Virginia Beach's iconic boardwalk. And it'll all culminate in a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30.

2. The Diamond (Richmond)

Is there anything more patriotic than baseball and fireworks on the 4th of July? This year, you can celebrate America with Richmond's minor league baseball team, the Flying Squirrels. In preparation for the celebration, an Uncle Sam mascot will pass out American flags. The first pitch is at 5:00, and you won't want to miss the fireworks afterwards.

3. Wintergreen Resort (Wintergreen)

Looking for a true American mountain celebration with a whole weekend of festivities, music, and fireworks? July 4th Jubilee at Wintergreen resort is not one to be missed. Festivities will begin Friday night with a bonfire and conclude with a day at the lake on Monday. The big show will take place on July 3rd at 9:30.

4. Chesapeake City Park (Chesapeake)

Chesapeake City Park's annual event, aptly named Celebrate Freedom, is a family-friendly event complete with a patriotic performance from the U.S. Army TRADOC Band, lawn games, and beautiful fireworks. And the best news? The event is free! There's a $5 suggested donation to ensure the event lives on in future years. The party starts at 5:00 on Sunday, July 3rd and concludes with the big firework display at 9:15.

5. Great American Picnic (Norfolk)

Meet at Town Point Park in Norfolk on Monday the 4th for a day of all things American. You can forgo the grilling duties and enjoy hamburgers, hotdogs, and corn on the cob prepared by someone else. Folks will be enjoying this fine fare and relaxing on the lawn in anticipation of the big fireworks show which will happen at approximately 9:30.

6. Celebrate America Event (Manassas)

Celebrate America hosts one of Northern Virginia's largest fireworks displays. The event takes place in the historic Old Town district on July 4th, near the Harris Pavilion. Family-fun events include a watermelon eating contest and rides for kids. There will also be plenty of food concessions to choose from. You'll want to bring some cozy blankets or lawn chairs for the firework display, which will take place on the Manassas Museum Lawn at 9:15.

7. Colonial Williamsburg

It'd be hard to find a more historically-fitting spot to celebrate Independence Day than Colonial Williamsburg. For this event, you'll want to get tickets ahead of time. Festivities will last all weekend, although the big fireworks display won't happen til exactly 9:15 on the night of the 4th. Some of the events leading up to it include educational readings, a patriotic buffet, and lots of fanfare.

8. Martinsville Speedway

Not only does the Martinsville Speedway put on one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the area, but they've also got carnival rides for kids of all ages. There will be live music and delicious food available too. And to wind down the event, you can take a seat on a lawn chair or tailgate and watch the sky light up. On July 4th, music will began at 6:30 and fireworks will go off around 9:00.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope your 4th of July weekend is wonderful. Looking for a comprehensive list of Virginia's fireworks? Check out last year's article for more locations near you!