Virginia City to host July 4 parade, live music, train rides, fireworks and more
As a country, we have a lot to celebrate this Independence Day and the iconic small-town setting of Virginia City, Nevada checks all the boxes. This July 4, the annual celebration, that was cancelled in 2020, brings together one of the largest of the town’s annual parades, live music with David John and the Comstock Cowboys Second Amendment Concert, old-west shootouts, train rides, shopping, festive foods and a 30-minute fireworks spectacular.
“We’re feeling a little extra patriotic this year and are really looking forward to celebrating our freedoms,” Deny Dotson, director of tourism for Virginia City Tourism Commission, said. “Virginia City embraces that small-town, Americana vibe with a strong sense of comradery and togetherness that makes for very special memories. We can’t wait to celebrate America’s birthday in the best way we know how with our locals, folks from the surrounding communities and our visitors.”
Virginia City’s Fourth of July Celebration officially kicks off at 12 p.m. with the parade down C Street lined with red, white and blue and candy-collecting kids waving their flags. Advance registration for the parade is encouraged. Register online here.
Starting at 6:00 p.m. revelers enjoy live music from David John and the Comstock Cowboys, a free concert held at the Bucket of Blood parking lot in the heart of the historic mining town. This is the Second Amendment Concert’s 20th year in Virginia City.
At dark, the day’s festivities culminate with the fireworks spectacular, one of the area’s longest and loudest fireworks displays fitting for a town that nicknamed “richest place on earth.” Feel the boom of the fireworks in your chest as the repercussions bounce off Mt. Davidson into the canyon below. Fireworks are visible throughout town.
For a memory-making fireworks viewing experience, book a spot at a private balcony or lawn offering reserved seating, snacks and beverages.
The Roasting House offers seating on their balcony for $30 per person which includes brewed coffee or hot chocolate, s’mores nachos and a prime view of the fireworks display. Reserve here.
St. Mary’s Art Center offers a relaxing evening with live music, beautiful local artwork on display, drinks and hors d’oeuvres with a perfect location to view the fireworks display. Call 775-847-7774 to reserve.
The Historic Fourth Ward School and Museum is opening their balconies to watch the fireworks display. The evening includes drinks and appetizers. Reserve here.
Throughout the day, shopping at the town’s boutique merchants offers visitors a chance to find unique gifts or memorabilia. Ice cream, rock candy, fudge and other classic American treats from the town’s restaurants and sweet shops make it for a fun-filled day. The town’s attractions are open including trolley tours, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad offering 35-minute steam train rides powered by the 100-year-old heritage locomotive, mine tours, old time photos and more. Stop by the Visitors Center, located at 86 South C Street, for individual and discounted tickets.
Anyone interested in donating to support the fireworks display is encouraged to do so online here.
For more information on Virginia City, Nevada visit visitvirginiacitynv.com.