Looking for a festive way to spend the Fourth of July holiday?

Fireworks and festivities will be featured at area events on Thursday, July 4, to celebrate Independence Day and the 243rd anniversary of the United States declaring independence from British rule.

Thursday, July 4

Dogwood Dell in Byrd Park: The Richmond City Jazz Band will open the program at 6 p.m., followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 7 p.m. and the Richmond Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Details: www.richmondgov.com/parks or (804) 646-1437 or (804) 646-DELL.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels game and Independence Day Dueling Fireworks Celebration at The Diamond: The Richmond Flying Squirrels will face off against the Reading Fightin’ Phils at 6:35 p.m., with fireworks to follow the game’s conclusion. General admission tickets start at $8. 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Fireworks will also follow the Flying Squirrels game on Saturday, July 6. Details: www. squirrelsbaseball.com or (804) 359-3866.

Rocketts Red Glare at Rocketts Landing: Visitors to the free event will be treated to the Richmond Volleyball Club Sand in the City Pro Beach Volleyball Championship games starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and Thursday, July 4, at Rocketts Landing. Fireworks will begin at sunset on Thursday, July 4, with the viewing area opening at 5 p.m. 4400 E. Main St. Sponsored by the City of Richmond, Richmond Region Tourism, Richmond Volleyball Club and 288 Sports Group. Details: www.rockettsredglare.com or (804) 214-8600.

Red, White and Lights at Dorey Park: Attendees can expect food vendors to welcome them at the free event’s opening at 4 p.m., entertainment with DJ Lonnie B and the Highland Springs High School cheerlead- ing champions at 5 p.m. and a Family Fun Zone of games and entertainment at 6 p.m. The Richmond Symphony begins its concert at 8 p.m., with fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m. 2999 Darbytown Road. Details: www.henrico.us/calendar/red-white-and-lights-2019/ or (804) 501-7275.

Chesterfield County Fairgrounds: Live music, food trucks and a children’s inflatable area are some of the activities featured when the gates open at 5 p.m. Fireworks start at dark. The event is free, although $5 wristbands are required for the inflatable area. 10300 Courthouse Road. Details: www. chesterfield.gov/fireworks or (804) 748-1992.

Other activities

Virginia Museum of History & Culture: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 4, visitors to the VMHC can enjoy a scavenger hunt, music, a citizenship naturalization ceremony on the museum’s front terrace and exhibits, including “Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality.” Admission is free. 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Details: www.virginiahistory.org or (804) 340-1800.