Last year, Luke and I started our 4th of July off at the Valley 4th Run.  If you don't have plans for the morning of July 4th, join us this year!

Here is a re-cap of other events happening on the 4th of July in Harrisonburg....

COURT SQUARE ACTIVITIES:
 
8:30am | Valley Fourth RUN 

The only chipped timing race in the Shenandoah Valley that lets you pick your charity and your distance. Don't forget to choose Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance when you sign up. Learn more about the RUN. 

12:00pm | Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Sons of the American Revolution Fort Harrison Chapter present the Reading of the Declaration of Independence for the ninteenth consecutive year on the east side of the Court House.

4:00pm - 9:30pm | Children's Activities and more

Activities include Face Painting by Larkin Arts; a Patriotic Pooch Booth by the Rockingham/Harrisonburg SPCA; Touch a Truck by the Harrisonburg Fire Department; Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest by the Friendly City Food Co-Op; Inflatables provided by First Presbyterian Church and more.

4:00pm - 9:30pm | Marketplace of Vendors

Vendors will include an art market hosted by Larkin Arts for attendees to browse what our local artists have to offer; food vendors including local food trucks and delicious fare, and craft vendors.

 

COURT SQUARE THEATRE PERFORMANCES:
 
11:00am, 1:00pm & 4:00pm | "The Little Red Hen" Puppet Show

Back again this year by popular demand is the hilarious Barefoot Puppet Theatre Show. Shadow puppets, hand puppets, rod puppets, and even a humanette will delight families and children ages 3 & up.  Shows will be available in Court Square Theatre at 11:00am, 1:00pm, & 4:00pm.  Tickets are $5.00 each.  For more information please visit Court Square Theatre. 

 

TURNER PAVILION ACTIVITIES:
 
12:00pm - 8:30pm | Grillin' at the Pavilion BBQ Cook-off 

Teams will vie for cash prizes, bragging rights and title of Valley Fourth's Champion BBQ'er.

4:00pm - 7:00pm | People's Choice Sampling 

The first 1,400 people who purchase sampling tickets from 3-5pm at the Turner Pavilion Info Tent will have an opportunity to sample the People's Choice team entries and vote for their favorite. 

4:00pm - 9:30pm | Beers N' Cheers 

Live music, craft beer, Virginia wine, and food!

4:30pm - 6:00pm | The Judy Chops 

Live musical performance 

7:00pm - 8:30pm | Rebecca Frazier and Hit & Run 

Live musical performance

8:30pm | Awards Ceremony

Winners of the Children's Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, BBQ cook-off and parade will be announced.

9:30pm | Fireworks Finale 

Fireworks will light up the sky over downtown. The best view will be from the Turner Pavilion so plan to get there early and bring a lawn chair! 

 

ALONG MAIN STREET: 
 
1:30pm and 2:00pm | Rocktown Bites! Tours

Eat and drink your way through an incredible array of independent downtown restaurants! These specialty July 4th tours last approximately 2.5 hours as your tour guide takes you to unique restaurants, food shops, and local businesses to sample food, drink (including craft beer and Virginia wines), and get behind-the-scenes dish from restaurateurs and chefs. Tours include tasting tickets to the Grillin' at Pavilion BBQ Cook-Off. Two tours are being offered at 1:30 and 2:00pm. For ticket information please contact Katie Yount.

6:00pm | The Celebrate Downtown Parade 

The parade will travel South on Main Street from the Rockingham County Administration Building to the City Municipal Building. To apply click here. (deadline extended through Wednesday June 25th!)

5:00pm - 8:00pm | First Friday's 

Stroll the streets of downtown Harrisonburg the first Friday and enjoy extended hours at many shops and businesses (5-8pm or later) while viewing art and enjoying performances by local artists, musicians, and more. For more information visits Arts Council of the Valley.