Spend your 4th of July weekend in Tappahannock and enjoy fireworks, local events, waterfront views, great shopping, and incredible food all in one place. From historic experiences to lively celebrations and small-town charm, it’s the perfect destination to relax, explore, and celebrate all weekend long.

• Featured Events
• Itinerary
• Dining
• Shopping
• Staying

Featured Events

July 4th at Wind Vineyards
July 4th | 4PM | Wind Vineyards
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Wind Vineyards with high-energy, family-friendly fun. Enjoy live music all afternoon, explore vendors and food trucks, and experience crowd-favorite attractions like the Field of Fun with slides and games, hay rides, and Grape Crusher rides. Feel the excitement of high-flying monster truck action, including a freestyle run by the Walking Tall Monster Truck, and join in a festive patriotic parade before the evening concludes with an impressive fireworks display lighting up the vineyard sky.
Get your tickets here!

The Richmond County–Essex County Softball & Fireworks Show
July 5th | 6PM | Essex High School
The Richmond County–Essex County Fireworks Committee presents the annual Fireworks Show at Essex High School on Sunday, July 5, kicking off a full evening of community fun and celebration. Festivities begin at 6:00 PM with the EHS vs. RHS alumni softball game, followed by the Old Timers game at 7:15 PM, bringing friendly competition and hometown pride to the field. Concessions will be available throughout the evening, making it easy to enjoy classic ballpark favorites while you watch the action. The night concludes at 9:00 PM with a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the sky in a grand finale to the holiday weekend.

Give Me Liberty Traveling Exhibition at Essex County Museum
July 3rd – July 4th | 10AM – 3PM | Essex County Museum
Step into the story of America’s founding at the “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation” exhibit at the Essex County Museum. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this traveling exhibit explores the pivotal role Virginia’s people, events, and places played in shaping liberty and democracy. Visitors are guided through the critical years of 1774 to 1776, experiencing the Revolution not only as a war, but as a transformative moment in history. Through engaging, double-sided display panels, the exhibit highlights the complex, diverse, and inspiring stories that make Virginia’s history America’s story, offering a meaningful and thought-provoking addition to your 4th of July weekend.

Itinerary

Friday, July 3

Kick off your 4th of July weekend in Tappahannock with lunch at Bubba’s Shrimp Shack, where you can try their special July 4th sandwich, the “Crabbie Crab”.

After lunch, head to the Essex County Museum to explore the “Give Me Liberty” exhibit and take in a bit of local history. Then settle into your hotel, inn, or rental property and get ready for a festive evening.

Start your night at Maltese Brewing Company 2 for Patriotic Music Bingo from 6–8:30 PM, featuring grilled hot dog, chips, and beer specials. Then head to dinner at 528 Italian American for a limited-time seafood menu inspired by traditions of the past.

Saturday, July 4

Start your Independence Day with breakfast at Java Jacks Café, featuring festive Red, White & Blue coffee flights.

Spend the morning exploring local shops and scoring holiday deals, including a stop at Crying Shame for a 15% storewide sale, and browsing patriotic finds at T-Town Tack Work & Western Wear.

For lunch, choose from a variety of festive options: enjoy chimichangas and margarita flights at Los Portales Mexican Restaurant, grab a BBQ sandwich and American Flag Cake at Prince Street Café, or keep it classic with a hot dog or cheeseburger at To Do Café.

Stop by Maltese Brewing Company 2 for their cornhole tournament and enjoy grilled smash burgers with chips and a beer, plus patriotic craft brews and seltzers.

In the afternoon, head to Wind Vineyards for their Annual 4th of July Celebration featuring vendors, food trucks, a parade, live music, and a spectacular fireworks show.

Sunday, July 5

Start the day with breakfast at Prince Street Café, then head to Duke Street Beach for a relaxing morning by the river—kayak, unwind, or enjoy the waterfront views.

For lunch, choose from a variety of festive options: enjoy chimichangas and margarita flights at Los Portales Mexican Restaurant, grab a BBQ sandwich and American Flag Cake at Prince Street Café, or keep it classic with a hot dog or cheeseburger at To Do Café.

After lunch, head to Tappahannock Central Park where kids can enjoy the playground and splash pad, while adults and older kids play tennis or pickleball. Or, if you prefer the fairway, grab a tee time at Hobbs Hole Golf Course and enjoy a round of golf before the evening festivities begin.

After working up a thirst, grab a bite to eat and take advantage of some festive drink specials. Head to Bella Pizza for Red, White & Blue “Superman” shots ($3.99) and domestic draft beers ($2.99), or stop by Roberto’s to sip on their Red, White & Blue drink specials.

Wrap up the weekend at the Richmond County–Essex County Fireworks Show & Softball Celebration for an evening of community fun, games, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Dining

Breakfast

• Start your morning with a festive boost at Java Jacks Café, where you can sip on their limited-time Red, White & Blue Coffee Flights—the perfect patriotic pick-me-up.

Lunch

Fuel up for a day of celebration with these local favorites:

• Bubba’s Shrimp Shack – Grab their special July 4th sandwich.
• Prince Street Café – Enjoy a classic BBQ sandwich served with potato salad or coleslaw, plus a patriotic American Flag Cake.
• To Do Café – Keep it classic with a hot dog or cheeseburger, topped off with an American Flag Cake.
• Los Portales Mexican Restaurant – Celebrate with special chimichangas and festive margarita flights.

Dinner & Evening Fun

As the sun sets, Tappahannock comes alive with delicious meals and lively experiences:

• 528 Italian American – Indulge in a limited-time seafood menu inspired by traditions of the past.
• Bella Pizza – Enjoy Red, White & Blue “Superman” shots ($3.99) and domestic draft beers ($2.99).
• Roberto – Sip on Red, White & Blue drink specials all weekend long.
• Maltese Brewing Company 2 – Make this your go-to evening stop:
  • Friday: Patriotic Music Bingo (6–8:30 PM) with grilled hot dog, chips & beer specials
  • Saturday: Cornhole Tournament with grilled smash burgers, chips & a beer
  • All weekend: Patriotic craft beers, seltzers, and $1 off root beer floats

Shopping

Take home a piece of Tappahannock:

• Crying Shame – Enjoy a 15% storewide sale on unique gifts, décor, and coastal-inspired finds.
• T-Town Tack – Shop patriotic finds with a a wide selection of clothing, shoes, glassware, signs, and more to get in the festive spirit.

Activities

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, family fun, local culture, or a relaxing day by the water, Tappahannock offers plenty of ways to enjoy your holiday weekend.

• Duke Street Beach – Spend time along the Rappahannock River at Duke Street Beach. Relax on the shoreline, enjoy the river views, or launch into an adventure with self-service kayaks and paddleboards conveniently available right at the beach.
• Rappahannock River Park – Pack a picnic and enjoy a peaceful afternoon overlooking the river at Rappahannock River Park. The park also offers excellent fishing opportunities, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
• Tappahannock Central Park – Perfect for families, Tappahannock Central Park features a playground, splash pad, tennis courts, and pickleball courts. It’s a great place for kids to burn off energy while adults enjoy some recreation of their own.
• Explore Local History – Step back in time at the Essex County Museum, where exhibits showcase the rich history of Essex County and the surrounding region, including the special “Give Me Liberty” traveling exhibition here from June 23 – August 3.
• Discover Local Art – Browse rotating exhibits and local artwork at the TAG (Tappahannock Artist Guild), where you’ll find paintings, photography, handcrafted items, and creations from talented regional artists.
• Play a Round of Golf – Two great options – tee off at Hobbs Hole Golf Course, a well-kept local course perfect for a relaxed day on the greens, or test your swing indoors at Hole 24 Golf, featuring state-of-the-art golf simulators suitable for players of all skill levels.
• Grab a sweet treat at Acme Ice Cream Parlor – a classic 1950s-style ice cream shop offering a nostalgic stop for cones, sundaes, and family-friendly treats, perfect for cooling off after a day on the river or exploring downtown.
• Hike the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge Hutchinson Unit – Nature lovers can explore the trails and wildlife habitats at the Hutchinson Unit of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It’s the perfect place for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying Virginia’s natural beauty.
• Explore the River – From kayaking and paddleboarding to fishing and relaxing by the water, the Rappahannock River provides endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and experience Tappahannock’s waterfront charm.

Staying

Turn your visit into a full getaway:

• Piscataway Creek Getaway – Relax along the creek with a special holiday package including a complimentary bottle of wine from Wind Vineyards, dinner at the vineyard, and access to their July 4th weekend events.