Newport News sits on the Virginia Peninsula with the James River running along its southern edge, and on the Fourth of July, that waterfront becomes the backdrop for one of Hampton Roads' longest-running Independence Day celebrations. Stars in the Sky is the city's annual Fourth of July event, and the 2026 edition returns to Victory Landing Park on Saturday, July 4 from 6:00 PM to 9:15 PM.
The event is free to attend, parking is free, and fireworks over the James River begin at 9:00 PM.
Where It Takes Place
Victory Landing Park is a 5.4-acre waterfront park located at 50 26th Street in Newport News' Yard District, right along the James River. The park sits near the historic Newport News shipyard area and offers wide, open views of the river, which makes it an ideal setting for both the evening's entertainment and the fireworks display.
The park includes a mix of open lawn and paved areas, with the Newport News Victory Arch serving as a landmark near the front of the grounds. There is enough space for families to spread out with blankets and chairs, and the waterfront setting means you get a breeze off the river throughout the evening.
What to Expect
The festivities begin at 6:00 PM and build toward the fireworks at 9:00 PM. Based on confirmed details for 2026, the evening will include live music, food vendors, and entertainment along the waterfront. The full entertainment lineup and specific activity details for 2026 are still being finalized by Newport News Parks and Recreation, but the event historically features a mix of live bands, children's activities such as inflatables and face painting, strolling entertainers, and free light-up giveaway items distributed throughout the evening.
Food vendors set up throughout the park, offering a range of options. Past years have included classic festival fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes, and frozen treats, along with other vendors.
The fireworks show is the highlight of the night. Launched over the James River, the display is visible from throughout the park and from the surrounding waterfront. The reflections off the river add to the show, and the open sightlines from Victory Landing Park mean most spots in the park offer a clear view.
Getting There and Parking
Victory Landing Park is accessible from I-64 to I-664 South. Take Exit 6 to 26th Street, turn left onto Huntington Avenue, and turn right onto 23rd Street. Free parking is available at the Newport News City Hall parking lot and in designated public parking spaces in the downtown area.
As with any waterfront Fourth of July event, arriving early is the best way to secure a good spot and avoid the heaviest traffic. The park opens for the event at 6:00 PM, and the lawn and waterfront areas closest to the river tend to fill up first.
What to Bring
Victory Landing Park does not have extensive shade, so a hat and sunscreen are worth bringing even for an evening event in July. A blanket or low-back chairs will make the wait for fireworks more comfortable. A cooler with water and drinks is a good idea, though food vendors will be on-site throughout the evening. Bug spray can be helpful along the waterfront during the summer months.
Watching from the Water
The fireworks are launched over the James River, which means the display is visible from the water as well as from shore. Watching from a boat gives you an unobstructed view of the full show, without the crowds, the parking, or the walk back to the car afterward. The James River is wide and open in this stretch, and there is plenty of room for boats to anchor with a clear sightline to the fireworks.
For groups who want a more private and comfortable way to experience the show, watching from the water is hard to beat.
Making a Weekend of It
The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday in 2026, which sets up a natural long weekend in Hampton Roads. The area has plenty to fill the surrounding days, from the beaches at Virginia Beach to the historic sites at Yorktown and the waterfront dining scene in Norfolk.
Adding a day on the water is one of the best ways to extend the holiday. The Hampton Roads region sits at the intersection of the James River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic coast, with boating opportunities in every direction. A morning charter on Friday or a full day on the bay on Sunday pairs well with the Stars in the Sky celebration on Saturday evening.
Celebrating the Fourth with Us
We operate private charters across the Hampton Roads region, including Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Cape Charles, and Yorktown. Our captains know these waters well and can plan an itinerary around the holiday weekend, whether that means a daytime cruise on the Chesapeake Bay, a sunset charter timed for the evening of the Fourth, or a full day of exploring the coastline on a surrounding day.
Our boat, the Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin, holds up to 13 guests plus the captain, with an enclosed climate-controlled cabin, a full bathroom, sunbeds, and a Bluetooth sound system. It is built for a full day or evening on the water, with enough comfort and space for families and groups to enjoy the holiday together.
Fourth of July charters are among the most requested dates of the year, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred time.
You can check availability and book at sea-eo.com.
For event updates as more details are announced, visit the official Stars in the Sky event page.