Fireworks! Eeeeeeee!!!! We are so excited to be able to bring Independence Day fireworks back to Downtown Lynchburg this year (thanks to the generous support of BWXT). We can’t wait to see you out at this exciting event on July 2, 2021 (the perfect start to your holiday weekend)! The best part is that the Hill City will surprise you with many unexpected vantage points all around. Is this your first time hearing of this event? Head here to learn more info about views, parking, and more.
Before we tell you where to watch, we’re going to let you in on our very scientific method for determining the best views:
We estimated the launch location along Riversedge Park in Amherst County (launch site closed for your safety).
We used Google maps to determine the height of the cliff and add the average height of a Virginia tree to gauge the top of the tree line.
We spruced up a photo with our best Bitmoji (create yours here) talents and compared everywhere from 5th Street to the expressway!
We do know that the display will skew closer to the east end of Riverfront Park and that even if you think you have a super view, trees and buildings have the potential to obstruct your view.
But no matter where you land for the 20-minute display, the best part of your night will be spending the evening downtown with all of your lovely friends and family.
PERFECT PAIRINGS
(mix and match as you please)
MayLynn’s Creamery & Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is our #1 top spot if you want a front-and-center style event. Bring a blanket and a picnic (no alcohol, please), while you enjoy a little bit of background music from the DLA team. This will be a prime spot for families and we envision quite a few kids running barefoot in the grass, so we ask that this space stay pet-free. What better way to cool down on a hot day than with some MayLynn’s. Not only will they be serving up the classics like soft-serve from their shop, but they will be launching a new line of popsicles sold right in the park!
The Water Dog & TWD Beer Garden
Hot dogs and hamburgers – it’s like a cookout without having to scrape the grill (plus great service and quality ingredients). If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat, see the hostess to be seated then when you’re finished head over to TWD Beer Garden (formally known as the Riverfront Park Splash Pad). Out there you can buy a round of cold canned beverages and mingle with your friends. Space is limited to standing room only, so leave your folding chairs at home.
T.C. Trotters & A Downtown AirBnB
We’re just as surprised as you to see AirBnB’s with some pretty spectacular views of the river still available on July 2, whether from a window or private terrace. If you are lucky enough to snag one before they sell out, stop by T.C. Trotters for a bottle of Moose Mix ahead of check-in. We’re not joking when we say this is an AMAZING bloody Mary (or Maria) mix that you can enjoy that evening or put in the fridge for quick relief on Saturday morning. With extended hours until 9pm that night, Lonnie and Moose are excited to meet you and serve up samples of cuisine made with Moose Mix. Liquor sold separately - the Downtown ABC Store is open until 10pm!
The Latin Place & Takeout Patio at the Grove
If you think that eating anything other than grilled meat while celebrating Independence Day is non-American, boy do we have news for you. Trust us when we say that POTATOES + MEAT + CHEESE in a melting pot of flavors is what you need. Yeah, papas locas from The Latin Place is a taste of Puerto Rico (shoutout to the U.S. Territory) right here in Lynchburg. Grab your food to-go and head across the street to the Takeout Patio at the Grove, installed next to Depot Grille in 2020. Plus, you can work off some of those carbs by playing a vigorous round of table tennis.
Waterstone Pizza & The Craddock Terry Lawn
What’s round, fire-roasted, and comes in an extremely portable box? You guessed it – a delicious Waterstone pizza. You can’t go wrong with a classic Margherita but we’d also like to draw your attention to the giant pretzel sticks (also convenient for walking and noshing)? Head upstairs to the pergola next to Shoemakers or the green space with the LOVE shoe closer to Commerce.
Philippine Delight & Takeout Patio on the Bluffwalk
It’s meat…on a stick (and it’s darn good, too). What’s even better is that Philippine Delight is offering kabob specials (10 for $29.99 or 20 for $49.99) and family four-packs (pansit or lo mein, 8 chicken or pork kabobs, and 4 egg rolls or lo lumpia for $39.95). Call (434) 548-0600 to order and pay by June 26 for an extra discount. Then, you just have to pick up your food and walk down to the Takeout Patio on the Bluffwalk.
Market at Main & Midtown Parking Deck
Market at Main – it feels like home, right? So, just go ahead and settle in for a course of comfort food. Perhaps you’ll share apps like fried green tomatoes and okra-wood or head right for the Percival’s pimento sandwich. When you’re done, head out back to the Midtown Parking Deck for a view of the show. The deck will be pedestrian-friendly as Main Street will be closed due to construction. If we have to guess, this would be a less crowded alternative if you are still hesitant to be around lots of people.
Benny Scarpetta’s & The City Center Parking Deck (drive-in style)
We embraced a lot of traditions last year. Sure, we’re (mostly) all back to brushing our hair and putting on pants but that doesn’t mean that we have to give up staying in our own comfort zones. Yep, I’m talking about our cars. If you can watch a movie from your front seat, you can also watch fireworks with the radio on and the a.c. blasting. And if you’re the type of person who doesn’t mind eating in your ride, pop in across the street to grab an enormous slice of Benny’s pizza and a soda.
ALL IN ONE EXPERIENCES
(Please check with the individual restaurants for details on reservations and/or ticket requirements)
{RA} Bistro
Funnel cake sliders. Let’s repeat that, but louder. FUNNEL CAKE SLIDERS. Yeah, that’s a chargrilled bacon & onion relish topped cheeseburger dipped in funnel cake batter, flash-fried, and dusted with powdered sugar. Served up with raspberry pepper jelly and a back-patio view.
No 7 Rooftop Bar
This may very well be the best view in town. Not only is it practically eye-to-eye with the fireworks, but there is a prime people-watching opportunity along the perimeter glass bar top (but you didn’t get that idea from us 🤐). Grab a Cirrus Summer Fling cocktail and enjoy the bird’s eye view.
Fratelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Anyone else dreaming of a charcuterie board and a glass of white wine on the Bluffwalk? Surely it can’t be just us. Enjoy your dinner this evening from one of Downtown Lynchburg’s newest and most exciting restaurants. On second thought, add some bruschetta and make it a bottle - sharing is caring!
Bootleggers
When we say Bootleggers, you probably think whisky, right? Maybe big burgers and kick-ass onion rings are a close second and third. But have you seen the options to satiate your sweet tooth?!? We’re talking fried oreos and boozy milk shakes to say the least. You’re welcome.
Depot Grille
For fear of sounding like a broken record, get the chicken tenders. We’ve said it before they’re JUST. SO. GOOD. Get them plain or tossed in buffalo sauce for an extra kick. Be sure to order that house-made ranch for dipping. Plus, they’re still operating on the kush extended patio setup for some outdoor vibes.
Tips for a successful evening
Read our FAQ’s. You have questions and we have answers (scroll down to the bottom). Can I bring pets? Where do I park? Will there be restrooms? If you don’t see what you’re looking for - you can always reach out to us at info@downtownlynchburg.com.
Head Downtown early. Let’s be real. You aren’t going to find a quick parking spot at 9:05pm. So, head on down after work and spend the evening around town. What is there to do, you say? Well, you could:
Eat (that should have been pretty obvious).
Go on a bike ride - rent one from Bikes Unlimited.
Visit an art gallery - it’s First Friday after all.
Shop - some of our retailers are staying open late just to see you (click here to see who). Don’t disappoint them!
Have a backup plan. It never hurts to plan ahead. We want you to have the best night ever, but that has different definitions for everyone.
Please be patient. It’s been a while since we’ve all collectively had to have people skills and staffing shortages are a real thing. There may be lines. There may be mistakes. Let’s be kind and understanding.
Are there other great spots to see the show? 🤷 Probably…you might even find some luck standing on the sidewalk in the right intersection at the right time. We’ll leave that for you to discover! When you do, be sure to tag us @downtownlynchburg and use #downtownlynchburg when you share your photos.
