CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Celebrations for the nation’s 250th birthday are underway, and communities across the commonwealth are celebrating in big ways. Here’s your guide to everything that’s happening in and around Central Virginia for Independence Day fun.

Events on Friday, July 3rd

50th Anniversary of the Downtown Mall

Celebrate 50 years of the heart of Charlottesville with a lantern parade, a curated exhibition of Charlottesville in the 1970s, and free live music at Fridays After Five with longtime favorites Baaba Seth at the Ting Pavilion.

VA250 Mobile Museum Experience

2nd Street NE adjacent to Market Street Park, between E. Market Street and E. Jefferson Street

Explore Virginia’s history in a hands-on mobile exhibit, free and open to all on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free and open to the public.

Red White & Brew: Independence Day Festival & Fireworks

1100 E Jack Jouett Rd., Louisa VA

4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Head to Southern Revere Cellars for the 4th Annual Independence Day Celebration a family-friendly event with adult beverages, vendors and food trucks, a concert and a fireworks show around 9:15/9:30 p.m.

The entry fee at the gate is $20 per vehicle. Cash encouraged.

Events on Saturday, July 4th

Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony

West Lawn of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a Naturalization ceremony where the lawn turns into an outdoor courtroom and dozens take the Oath of Citizenship. The event is now sold out, but the livestream will start at 9 a.m. on their Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Boar’s Head Independence Day Celebration

200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville VA

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Live music with Chamomile & Whiskey, food and drink for purchase for all ages, and lawn games like cornhole, ladder golf and more. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. Tickets must be bought in advance.

Red, White, Blue ‘n Greene 4th of July Celebration

13510 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville VA

4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Starting with the Freedom 5k and 1 mile walk, followed by a parade, and at 4pm the gates open at Morris Field with music, a kids area, a beer garden, 16 food trucks and fireworks at 9:35 p.m.

Fourth of July Celebration at Keswick Hall

The Great Lawn at Keswick Hall

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Honor the 250th anniversary of America’s independence with an evening of festive entertainment, family friendly fun, and seasonal favorites like Clover Hill beef burgers and seared shrimp skewers. Gallatin Canyon will play live music and fireworks will happen at 9:15pm.

Town of Louisa Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks

Louisa Firemen’s Fairgrounds

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Enjoy a classic small-town Independence Day celebration filled with patriotic pride, live music, a vendor festival, and a Fireworks Finale at 9pm!