You can’t get more patriotic than spending the nation’s birthday in Hampton Roads! From Colonial Williamsburg to watching the fireworks on the beach, we’ve got it all to bring out the red, white, and blue in you.

Historic Yorktown is having its annual 4th of July Celebration Arts and Crafts Show. There will be food, children’s activities, music, a parade, and more. Of course fireworks will round out the fun. Location: Historic Yorktown, Main Street. Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m., fireworks start after dark. Fee: Free. Contact 867-9542

While in Yorktown, why not also stop by the Yorktown Victory Center July 3rd-5th and salute America by joining in military drills and learning about the sacrifices of our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence? Location: Yorktown Victory Center. Fee: $8.75 for adults and $4.50 for youth (6-12). Contact: 253-4838

If you want to celebrate the 4th riding roller coasters and seeing shows, visit the world’s “Most Beautiful Theme Park” Busch Gardens in Williamsburg where there will be a fireworks extravaganza every night July 1st-4th. Location: Busch Gardens. Fee: Fireworks Extravaganza is included in general park admission.

Also in the Newport News area is the 4th of July Stars in the Sky celebration, the Virginia Peninsula’s biggest 4th of July party! Each year over 30,000 people come here to celebrate our nation’s birthday. The evening begins as crowds gather to munch on dinner hot off a food vendor’s grill and kids jump on the moonwalk. As dusk approaches, the stage comes alive with the music of a nationally known entertainer. Finally, after dark, the sky over the James River explodes with a kaleidoscope of color in a spectacular fireworks show. Location: Downtown Superblock, 26th Street and Washington Avenue, Newport News (take exit 6 off I-664). Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fee: Free, Free Parking as well. Contact 962-1400

In the Portsmouth area, the Cradock’s Patriotic Children’s Bike Parade & Salute will definitely get your family in celebration mode. The bike parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of George Washington Highway and Afton Parkway and ends approximately 10 a.m. at the Cradock Gazebo on Afton Parkway. Location: Corner of G.W. highway and Afton Parkway. Fee: Free. Contact: 485-9471

In Virginia Beach, Mount Trashmore will host a July 4th festival that includes food, children’s activities, live music, and will end in a beautiful fireworks display. Find a spot to sit on top of the hill or keep busy by visiting the playgrounds…either way the kids will love it! Location: Mount Trashmore. Fee: Free. Contact: 427-2990.

Neptune’s Park at 31st Street in Virginia Beach is putting on its star-spangled celebration with its Stars & Stripes Explosion party, featuring Bruce in the USA - a Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band. Inspiring concerts, rock performances, tribute bands, fireworks, and more will be featured at this annual Hampton Roads “family tradition.” Location: Neptune’s Park at 31st Street. Time: 6 p.m. -10 p.m. Fee: Free. Contact: 213-3001

If golf is your game, spend the 4th on the green in the JANAF Shopping Center Grid Iron Classic. The Classic features a Fourman Florida Best Ball Tournament Two flights with trophies for first and second place. Door Prizes include a foursome in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Greens Fees, Carts, Beverages, Dinner, Free on-site golf sports massages, Raffles, and more! Location: Eagle Haven Golf Course Naval Amphibious Base. Fee: $75 per player/$300 per foursome. Contact: Steve Versprille 777-2018 at sversprille@nps.k12.va.us

In Chesapeake, Lakeside Park will be hosting its annual 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy a parade, entertainment, food, games and paddleboat rides along with the beautiful park scenery. This event is an official program of Jamestown 2007 – America’s 400th Anniversary Celebration. Location: Lakeside Park. Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fee: Free. Contact: 382-6411