Independence Day event to feature Richmond Symphony, laser-light show finale
Henrico County will present its annual Red, White & Lights community celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 4 at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road.
The free event, hosted by the Division of Recreation & Parks, will begin at 4 p.m. and provide an evening of family entertainment. The Richmond Symphony will perform patriotic and America-themed selections with guest conductor Naima Burrs and will accompany a laser-light show to close the evening. Gates will be open from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Guests will need to be in the event area to see and hear the show.
Live entertainment on the main stage will begin at 4:15 p.m. with a performance by Big Bang Boom, a three-piece children’s musical group. At 6 p.m., pop singer Deau Eyes will take the stage, followed by a historical portrayal of John Adams and the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Desirée Roots. The Richmond Symphony’s performance will begin at 8:15 p.m. under The Big Tent, a state-of-the-art mobile stage that allows the orchestra to take its music into communities. The laser-light show will begin around 9:30 p.m. and will be suited to those who may be sensitive to loud noises; it will not include fireworks.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs and to arrive early to enjoy an expanded fun zone and refreshments. The fun zone will be open from 4 to 8 p.m., with complimentary watermelon for guests.
Red, White & Lights also will offer an interactive exhibit from the U.S. Air Force and regular crowd favorites, including bounce houses, inflatables, face painting, balloon animals and Uncle Sam roaming on stilts. Thirteen food trucks will be onsite to offer a meal, snack or dessert.
In celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, Red, White & Lights will offer historical elements to explore until 8 p.m. Guests will be able to experience juggling, acrobatics, blacksmithing and more from more than 10 historical interpreters. At 5:30 p.m., reenactors with the British Brigade will fire muskets in the cow pasture by the farmhouse, recalling how the British Empire sought to assert its might in 1775 as the cry for independence grew among the Colonies. The farmhouse will be open for tours until 6:30 p.m.
For event details and tips, go to henrico.gov/rec or henrico.gov/calendar/red-white-and-lights-2025/.