Heather Bell
NEW RIVER VALLEY – Several communities are planning Fourth of July festivities on Friday, July 4, 2025. Here is the breakdown of those in the coverage areas of the News Messenger and Radford News Journal.
Blacksburg
Blacksburg’s July Fourth parade, organized by the Mount Tabor Ruritan Club, starts at 2 p.m. on Eheart Street, runs through downtown on Main Street, and ends on Alumni Mall.
This year’s theme is “We the People”. Entries will be floats, bicycles, wagons, marchers, walkers, antique/classic cars, Jeeps, trucks, fire engines, scouts, bands, sports teams, etc.
The Town of Blacksburg will have music and fireworks at the Municipal Park, near the Rec. Center: 6- 9:30 p.m. for live music and 9:30 p.m.: Fireworks (rain or shine).
Christiansburg
Head to downtown Christiansburg from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for the annual Fourth of July Celebration. This family-friendly festival features live music, an array of food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, a kids’ zone, touch-a-truck and more.
Live music will be performed throughout the day by Fritz Schindler (10 a.m.), Lonesome Hearts (Noon) and Don & the Deltones Plus (2 p.m.). Attendees that are planning to watch the live music are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Fireworks will start around 9:15 p.m. and will be launched from Christiansburg Huckleberry Park. They can be viewed from the Uptown Mall or Walmart parking lots.
If rain is forecasted, fireworks will be rescheduled for July 5, and the Fourth of July Celebration downtown will be cancelled.
Radford
The City of Radford will hold its fireworks display on Thursday, July 3. The show is set for 9:30 p.m. and will be set off from Bisset Park. The park will be closed to the public, however. The fireworks show can be viewed from many areas along Main Street.
Shawsville
The Eastmont Community Foundation is hosting a slate of events for Independence Day, from a parade to fireworks, live music, cornhole, a car show and more.
The schedule of events includes:
8 a.m.: Waldron Independence Day 5k and Fun Run (begins and ends at Old Town Fields in Shawsville. A great road course for all ages and first-time racers). Registration link is: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Shawsville/WaldronFitness5k.
Forms are also available at the Waldron Fitness Center front desk and registrations day-of.
4 p.m.: Shawsville Ruritan Parade along Old Town Road in Shawsville.
5:45 p.m. (approx. end of parade) gates open to Old Town Fields: concert, $5 admission, 6 and under free (16 and under must be accompanied by an adult), concessions, cold water, sno cones, adult beverages and more. Come for the music and stay for the fireworks; come support local non-profits in fundraising EMHS Athletic Boosters.
6- 9 p.m.: Concert at Old Town Fields by Miller Holler, sponsored by Blue Ridge Monument Inc.
6 p.m.: The Shawsville Ruritan Club will host their second annual 4th of July Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by First Bank and Trust, on Old Town Fields.
6 p.m. Car Show on the Old Town Field track by E & E Automotive. Contact E&E for more information and how to enter at 540-268-1202.
6 p.m.: Dunk booth provided by Eastern Montgomery High School PTO- $2 for one ball or $5 for three balls. Stop by and see the people who have volunteered to be dunked!
9:20 p.m. (approx. time): Fireworks on the hill courtesy of Sisson & Ryan Quarry.