Fourth of July is less than a week away - and that means it's time to start planning. For a lot of people, 4th of July means backyard BBQs, picnics, and sparklers. But if you're looking to add a little more bang into your celebration, here are 34 fireworks shows around the state that are sure to blow you away.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA:

1. Watch the National Mall Fireworks from key vantage points in Virginia

Understandably, the annual fireworks display on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is one of the nation's most spectacular displays. Fortunately, there are prime viewing spots on the Virginia side of the Potomac. Some of the best viewing can be done from Gravelly Point along the George Washington Parkway and the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington.

In Arlington, you can also see the display from Long Bridge Park with a 4th of July celebration from 5-10pm that includes entertainment, food and fun for the whole family.

2. Fairfax Festival, Parade and Fireworks

Enjoy a 4^th of July Parade through downtown at 10am, followed by live music at Fairfax High School beginning at 7 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.

3. Falls Church at George Mason High School

Live music begins at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks around 9:15 p.m.

4. Lake Thoreau Fireworks in Reston

While this appears to be a non-sanctioned event, residents come out and treat each other to a fireworks spectacular at dark. This is a well-kept secret that you’re going to want to see.

5. Lake Fairfax in Reston

Join in on the fun at Lake Fairfax Park from 4-8 p.m. Events include picnicking, music, food and special activities. Fireworks begin at dark.

6. Middleburg Celebration at Salamander Resort and Spa

Kicking off at 4 p.m. and going until 10 p.m., this event includes a whole hog barbecue, live music and family entertainment. The celebration ends with a fireworks show at dark. Tickets options include:

VIP Adult Dinner Buffet - $89.00

VIP Children Dinner Buffet (12 and younger) - $35.00

Activities/Lawn Games/Bounce House Pass - $20.00

7. Manassas 4^th of July Celebration

At 4 p.m., the party starts with live music, kids’ activities, and food and beverage vendors. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

8. Vienna Community Center

Featuring arts and crafts, live music, food, and other vendors, the celebration starts at 11 a.m. with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

9. Leesburg at Lansdowne Resort

A live concert begins at 6:30 followed by fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Food and beverage vendors are on site.

10. Leesburg at Ida Lee Park

Gates open at 6 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m

11. The Plains at Great Meadows

Gates open at 4 p.m. for a fun-filled day of entertainment, including children’s activities, an antique carriage parade and a polo exhibition. Tickets are $35/car in advance at Wegman’s, or $40/car at Great Meadows in advance or at the gate. Fireworks begin at dark.

WESTERN / SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA: 

12. Wintergreen Resort’s 4^th of July Jubilee in Roseland

From July 3-5, Wintergreen celebrates Independence Day. Tickets are available for individual days, including July 4^th. Events that day include an arts and crafts showcase, chairlift rides, kids’ activities, and live music from 10 a.m. until midnight. Fireworks begin at 9:30.

13. Lexington Balloon Rally and 4^th of July Celebration at Virginia Military Institute

This 4-day celebration goes from July 2-5 and features piloted and tethered hot air balloon rides, food, crafts, an antique car show, and more...and of course, fireworks for the 4^th!

14. Wytheville 4^th of July Celebration

Join the fun in Downtown Wytheville from 3-10 p.m. Featuring Skeeter’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, live music and events for every age, the celebration culminates at 6:45 with an after hours concert at Elizabeth Brown Park, followed by fireworks.

15. Martinsville Mustangs' Baseball and Fireworks

Come out and support the Martinsville Mustangs with a game starting at 7 p.m. followed by 4^th of July fireworks.

16. Dungannon Mountain Treasures Festival

Starting with a 4^th of July parade at 10:30 a.m., this festival goes throughout the day with music, activities and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at the Dungannon School Grounds.

17. Abingdon 4^th of July Celebration

The Coomes Recreation Center is hosting this year’s event and features swimming, live music and food with fireworks starting at 9:45 p.m.

CENTRAL VIRGINIA:

18. Doswell, King’s Dominion Independence Day Celebration

With special 4^th of July events, activities and shows throughout the evening, visitors can end their day with a fireworks extravaganza to celebrate Independence Day.

19. Richmond’s Dogwood Dell

Featuring live music from the Richmond Concert Band and Carillon bells at 7:30 p.m., Dogwood Dell is an ideal spot to watch the park’s fireworks. The fireworks show begins at dusk or approximately 8:30 p.m.

20. Downtown Richmond at Brown’s Island

Beat the crowds with this JULY 3 celebration. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. with fireworks from the world-famous Gruccis of New York. Picnics are welcome and food vendors will be on site. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

21. Goochland County Fireworks

With viewing at the Goochland County Sports Complex, as well as Goochland Elementary, Middle and High Schools, fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.

22. Chesterfield County Fairgrounds

Gates open at 5 p.m. with fireworks at dark. The event will also feature food vendors, special entertainment, and a children’s activities area.

23. Chesterfield at Brandermill

Watch the 9:15 fireworks show from Sunday Park, along the shore of the lake, or from your boat.

24. Charlottesville Fireworks Fly at McIntire Park

This evening celebration begins at 5 p.m. with special activities and food vendors. The night ends with a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.

EASTERN VIRGINIA:

25. Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration

Events begin at 5 p.m. and feature patriotically-themed performances, activities, and re-enactments. Live music is provided by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra with fireworks beginning at 9:20 p.m.

26. Busch Gardens 4^th of July Celebration

Special entertainment and activities centered around Independence Day start at 5 p.m. and end with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

27. Chincoteague Island Carnival, Music and Fireworks

Chincoteague offers an array of 4^th of July options, including Free Music at the Dock at Robert Reed Waterfront Park at 7 p.m., as well as the 90^th Annual Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival from 7-11 p.m. at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

28. Cape Charles 4^th of July Fire Truck Parade and Fireworks

This annual event lasts all day with parades, activities, entertainment, food, and amazing fireworks at dusk.

29. Virginia Beach Oceanfront Fireworks

Grab a beach chair or some blankets and settle into the sand for Virginia Beach’s fireworks spectacular starting at 9:30 p.m.

30. Virginia Beach at Mount Trashmore

Head out to the park for a night of live music with local musicians, food, and drink vendors and stunning fireworks. The event is scheduled from 4-10 p.m. with a rain date of July 5 for fireworks.

31. Norfolk’s 33^rd Annual 4^th of July Great American Picnic

With events beginning at 4 p.m., the Great American Picnic at Town Point Park features food, special events, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA:

32. Brookneal at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill

Take a trip back in time at the historic home of one of Virginia’s greatest patriots, Patrick Henry. The event goes from 3-9 p.m. with re-enactments, special activities and fireworks at dusk.

33. South Hill’s Picnic in the Park

Enjoy the Picnic in the Park at Parker Park from 6-10 p.m. The event features live music from the Midnight Crossfire Band, kids’ activities, and food vendors. Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm.

34. Huddleston at Smith Mountain Lake Parkway Marina

Join the celebration at Smith Mountain Lake with live music, a car show, childrens’ activities, and food at 5:30 p.m. Then head out on the boat or cozy up on the shore for fireworks at 10 p.m.

We are so fortunate to live in the country we live in – and even luckier to live in Virginia where it all began! However you choose to spend your 4^th of July, we hope that you have fun and stay safe. In the meantime, use the comments section below to let us know about some of your most memorable 4^th of July events in Virginia or let us know about some of the fireworks shows that we may have left off the list.