Take a Long Independence Weekend
Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County offer many family-friendly activities and attractions including horse drawn carriage tours, vineyards and breweries, drive-in movie theater, animal parks, historic sites, to name only a few. Pair a visit to an attraction with one of the many events for an Independence Week full of fun and festivities!
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Children’s Bike Parade: 10am
The Fourth of July holiday kicks off with the Children’s Bike Parade down Lexington’s Main Street at 10am. This event, which attracts thousands of participants of all ages, and is hosted by Main Street Lexington, concludes with ice cream and hot dogs at the end of the parade route.
Independence Day Concert: 6:30pm
Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista
Independence Weekend Fireworks: 9:30pm
Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista
SATURDAY, JULY 4 - SUNDAY, JULY 5
Balloons Over Rockbridge Hot Air Balloon Festival: 2pm-9:30pm
The view from a hot air balloon is incredible, and we're pretty fond of watching them gently float across our hills and mountains, too! Catch a piloted flight or tethered ride from Oak Hill across from the Virginia Horse Center both days. Enjoy live music by four bands, food and beverage vendors (including local wine and beer), games, crafters, and the Ed McDaniel Memorial Balloon Glow Sunday night.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Natural Bridge State Park—an Affiliated Unit of the National Park Service, and Virginia Treasure—is more than just the bridge. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. Access 6 miles of hiking trails, including the accessible Cedar Creek Trail leading from the bridge to Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade. Kids will enjoy the Childeren's Discovery Area, the Skyline Trail and Thistle Ridge Disc Golf Trail, both a Kids in Park TRACK Trail. An International Dark Sky Park, enjoy self-guided and ranger-lead stargazing events.
The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail (Zone C), which encompasses Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen, Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery, Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery, and Heliotrope Brewery, offers a number of nationally recognized and award-winning breweries/wineries throughout Rockbridge County. While Devils Backbone and Heliotrope Brewery offer an in-town experience, Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery and Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery offer a more pastoral setting with outdoor seating, perfect for a sunny summer day.
It's First Friday in Lexington which means our galleries are open later to welcome new exhibits. Enjoy a night on the town at one of our excellent restaurants, or make your own candle at POUR, a brand-new experience in Lexington. Their First Friday POUR event welcomes walk-ins to create their own candle 5:30-7:30pm.
Friday nights are for double features at Hull's Drive-In, one of the few authentic movie drive-ins left in the country. Secure your spot with an online ticket purchase. Gates open at 6:30pm and the first movie begins at 9pm. If you miss the Friday night movies, pick up a Saturday or Sunday spot!
Looking for more things to do?
Check out “3 Days, 30 Attractions, 30 Miles”