Plan Ahead

The Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration is an outdoor festival featuring fun for the whole family. There are various demonstrations, music, polo demos, and free activities, games and rides for kids. More than 20 vendors will be on site offering food options. When the sun goes down, guests will see the largest fireworks show in northern Virginia, choreographed to music.

This event is rain or shine! In the event of severe weather, guests will be asked to return to their vehicles until the storm passes.

Gates open at 5:00 PM. We have demonstrations, exhibitions, games, food, and music and kids’ activities. Fireworks will set off as soon as it is dark, between 9:00 PM and 9:15 PM. Full schedule coming soon. Event ends at 10:00PM Gates Close at 11 pm (NOTE that due to county regulations, the event MUST END and gates closed by 11pm).

Fireworks will set off as soon as it is dark, between 9:00 PM and 9:15 PM. The 25-minute show is choreographed to music which can be heard over the sound system.

You are welcome to come for just the fireworks show, but you will still need to purchase a car pass. Car passes are $50 in advance from greatmeadow.org. We recommend purchasing your tickets online, however cash or credit cards are accepted at the gate, but can delay entry.

The full list of tickets can be found here, but they include General Admission, North and South Rail Tailgates, VIP Car Passes and Members Hill Tailgates.

No, all car passes cover entry for the occupants of the vehicle (up to 5 people).

General Admission guests are welcome to bring blankets and chairs and set up in the picnicking areas near the GA parking areas. NO tents, umbrellas or sunshades. No dogs or pets. No personal fireworks

There is handicapped parking located in all of the major parking areas. These areas are close to restrooms, but may be some distance from the activities, stage and food vendors. To ensure easy access to Members Hill, please consider purchasing a VIP Car Pass. Please be aware that this event is held in a large grass meadow, making some handicapped accessibility to vendors and activities inconvenient.

Tents are only permitted in the North and South Rail Enclosures for Tailgate holders and for Members Hill Tailgates. Tents, umbrellas and sunshades are NOT permitted in the General Admission Parking, VIP Parking, VIP boxes, or the picnicking areas.

Guests are welcome to bring blankets, camping chairs, tables and coolers. Guests may bring their own food and drinks, including alcohol. Guest may not bring glass bottles or any cooking devices, including but not limited to grills of any kind, smokers, camping stoves, etc.

Absolutely no cooking devices (including but not limited to grills of any kind, smokers, camping stoves). Violations may be cause for expulsion from the event without refund.

Absolutely no personal fireworks of any kind, including sparklers. Violations may be cause for expulsion from the event without refund.

Absolutely no pets are permitted. Violations may be cause for expulsion from the event without refund.

No, once you are on site, re-entry is not permitted.

Yes! There will be multiple vendors on site, offering everything from burgers & dogs, to BBQ & Asian food, ice cream, shaved ice and more. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options.

We have a variety of free activities, which include: fair games, mini golf, tug of war, polo exhibition, trick riding demo and more

We have a strategic plan to ensure the smoothest possible exit. Please follow all directions for staff, sheriffs and VDOT. Members Hill/VIP parking: Exit through Gate 1 and go straight across Rt. 245 to Rt. 845, to Rt. 17 N & I-66. North Rail Tailgates: Exit Gate 7 and turn RIGHT onto 245 N (2 Lanes) to I-66. North Side GA Parking: Exit Gate 7 & 9 and turn RIGHT onto 245 N (2 Lanes) to I-66. South Rail Tailgates & Twilight Club: Leave Gate 2, turn right on 245 N, left to Rt. 845 to Rt. 17 & I-66. South Side GA Parking: Exit Gate 8, RIGHT onto 17N. to I-66.