Coastal Virginia offers many Fourth of July celebrations for a night of fun, food and fireworks. Make your plans early so you can mark the best route to avoid traffic jams and limited parking areas. Here’s a list of celebrations from Chesapeake to Newport News and everywhere in between.

Mount Trashmore Park  I  July 4th  I  4-10pm

Enjoy delicious food, live music from User Friendly and The Deloreans and free activities, games and inflatables for the kids. Parking is $5 and the fireworks start at 9:30pm. More information here.

Oceanfront  I  July 4th  I  8-10:45pm

There will be multiple stages set up for the evening —on the beach between 16th and 18th, on the beach at 20th, 24th Street Park and 31st Street Park. Tens of thousands of residents and tourists will be there, so try to carpool or ride bikes to avoid the mess of traffic. You can find more details and the band schedule here.

Chesapeake City Park I  July 3rd  I  5-10pm

Chesapeake is starting the celebrations a day early on Thursday, July 3rd at the newly renovated Chesapeake City Park. This event is free and open to the public unless you are parking on-site, which is $5 per car. Live music by the U.S. Army TRADOC Command Band from Fort Monroe and The Jim Newsom Quartet beginning at 6:45pm. There are tons of activities for the kiddos, including jugglers, stilt walkers, giant checkers, jenga and more. Grab some food at one of the food truck concessions before the fireworks at 9:15pm. More information here.

Norfolk Tides Baseball  I  July 3rd  I  7:05pm

What’s more American than catching a game at the ballpark? Celebrate a day early at the Norfolk Tides vs. Charlotte Knights game, then enjoy post-game fireworks! Buy tickets now for the best seats.

Town Point Park  I  July 4th  I  5-10pm

The Fourth Annual AT&T American Picnic & Fireworks is fun for the whole family. Make sure to go on an empty stomach since the food never ends—hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ, seafood, watermelon, lemonade and more! Grab a blanket and relax to the music of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command Band before fireworks begin at 9:30pm.

American Rover  I  July 4th  I  7:30pm

Step aboard the three-masted schooner for an unforgettable waterfront view of the Norfolk fireworks display. American Rover is offering a 2.5 hour harbor cruise for $50 adults and $25 for children. Call 757.627.7245 to make reservations.

Victory Rover  I  July 4th  I  8-10pm

The Victory Rover is also heading out on the harbor for sightseeing cruises before and during the Norfolk firework show. Adult tickets are $30 and children are $20. Call 757.627.7406 for reservations.

Victory Landing Park – Newport News  I  July 4th  I  7-10pm

Get ready for this action-packed night of moon bounces, live entertainment and endless food vendors. Fireworks will light up the James River starting at 9:30pm. Make sure to follow them on Twitter @NNFestivals for contest giveaways that night.  More information here.