Plan out your Independence Day. Activities in bold are local to Midlothian, Va.

Hot Air Balloon Rally
Where: Lexington, Virginia Military Institute, Letcher Ave to VMI Parade Grounds
When: Saturday, July 4 (6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
Activities: Come to Lexington to celebrate Independence Day! Featuring piloted and tethered hot air balloon rides, live musical entertainment, children’s activities, antique appraisals, classic car show, lots of food and a dazzling FIREWORKS display! All activities take place on the parade grounds at Virginia Military Institute.
Fee: Free admission; balloon rides have fee

2nd Annual Patriots 5K Run/Walk
Where: Robious Landing Park in Midlothian
When: at 9am (registration beginning at 8am)
Activities: Sponsored by the James M. Slay Detachment of the Marine Corps League the run/walk will benefit the Virginia Wounded Warriors Program and The Families of the Wounded Fund.  Entries are available at RunnerBill’s Sports and online
Fee: After June 27 and on event day, $25. (Discounted entry for Active and Reserve Military).

All-American Celebration at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Where: Richmond, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
When: Saturday, July 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (activity hours 1 p.m.-4 p.m.)
Activities: Butterflies LIVE exhibit, musical entertainment, family activities and a special Fourth of July Parade at 2 p.m.
Fee: Free Garden Admission

Monticello July 4th Ceremony
Where: Charlottesville, Monticello
When: July 4th, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Activities: Will feature the swearing-in of new U.S. citizen, remarks by a guest speaker and music by the Charlottesville Municipal Band
Fee: Free

Let Freedom Ring: Guided Bus Tour
Where: Richmond, Valentine Richmond History Center
When: Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Activities: Explore Richmond; stops include St. Johns Church and Capitol Square
Fee: $20-23; Reservations required

Richmond Kickers vs. Charlotte Eagles: An Independence Day Match Up
Where: Richmond, University of Richmond Stadium
When: Saturday, July 4, opens at 11 a.m.
Activities: Soccer match, splash zone, mascot dance-off and a contest for the most patriotic fan
Fee: $12/adults, $7/youth

Fourth of July Celebration in Ashland
Where: Ashland, Hanover Arts and Activities Center
When: July 4th, opens at 11 a.m.
Activities: Annual July 4th walking parade, patriotic concert and apple pie contest
Fee: No information provided

Maymont’s Animal Encounters: Raptors
Where: Richmond, Maymont Eagle Amphitheater
When: Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Activities: Why are some birds called “raptors?” Can owls really see in the dark? Hunt for information about these awesome predators of the sky in an encounter that includes fun facts and a close-up glimpse of some of Maymont’s feathered friends.
Fee: Free

33rd annual Norfolk Harborfest
Where: Norfolk, Town Point Park, One Waterside Drive
When: Saturday, noon – 11 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m.
Activities:  Free & everyone is welcome to be a part of three exciting events, three explosive days of free entertainment, fireworks displays and the biggest outdoor dock party and picnic in Norfolk’s history!
Fee: Free

Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
Where: Glen Allen, Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park
When: Saturday, July 4, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Activities: Patriotic arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo for children, contests and games, pony rides, watermelon feast, Uncle Sam on stilts, Jonathan Austin the juggler, a patriotic performance featuring a historic color guard, drum and fife music, and a period musket salute by Living History Associates, Ltd. Live entertainment by Matt Wigler, “None of the Above” from North Carolina, St. Catherine’s a cappella group and more.
Fee: No information provided

Fourth of July Reenactment
Where: Richmond, St. John’s Church
When: Saturday, July 4, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Activities: Special Independence Day reenactment; watch the spirited debates between ten of Virginia’s colonial leaders and hear Patrick Henry utter his most famous words
Fee: Free

Comcast’s 4th of July Celebration
Where: Chesterfield, Chesterfield County Fairgrounds
When: Saturday, July 4, open at 5 p.m.
Activities: Children’s activities and fireworks
Fee: Free

Dogwood Dell 4th of July Celebration- Richmond
Where: Richmond, Byrd Park
When: Saturday, July 4, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Activities: Fireworks, cannons, music by the Richmond Concert Band, and a Carillon bell concert
Fee: No information available

Powhatan Independence Day Festival
Where: Powhatan, Bullnanza Arena
When: Saturday, July 4, 5 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Activities: Live music, food, fun and fireworks
Fee: $15 per car; Bring canned goods fro donation to the Powhatan Food Bank (will reduce admission to $10 per car)

Colonial Heights Fireworks
Where: Colonial Heights
When: Saturday, July 4, opens at 9 p.m.
Activities: Fireworks will be displayed off Charles Dimmock Parkway
Fee: Free

Picnic in the Park
Where: Orange, Orange Booster Park
When: Saturday, July 4, 5:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.
Activities: Patriotic music by the Orange Community Band and Chorus, music by the Kenwood Players, children’s games and contests, moon bounce, slide, food and drink vendors and fireworks
Fee: Free