Details below are for 2024. Stay tuned for 2025 info!
Celebrate Independence Day with PLAY Roanoke on Friday, July 5th at River’s Edge South.
Music & Fun Zone!
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Bring the whole family to celebrate during Independence weekend at River’s Edge Park: South. This FREE Festival will have inflatables, trampolines, and more! Hang out and enjoy FREE Music until 9:30 PM with beer for sale from 5 Points Music Foundation and a variety of food truck options all day. The FUN Zone will be open from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
5:00 – 9:30 PM: Fun Zone w/ Free Family Friendly Activities 9:30 – 9:45 PM: Free Fireworks Display
6:00 – 7:00 PM: Creedence Clearwater Recital 7:15 – 8:15 PM: Dead Reckoning (set 1) 8:30 – 9:30 PM: Dead Reckoning (set 2)Free Fireworks Display
River’s Edge Park
Starting at 9:30 PM
Look to the sky above River’s Edge North for a 15-minute firework show starting at 9:30 PM. Spectators may gather at River’s Edge Park: South for easy viewing but be sure you read the FAQs below for information on road and park closures that day to help you navigate to the show.
For details on how to find updates on fireworks in the event of severe weather, etc. – see the FAQs below.
Festival and Concert Information
Location: River’s Edge Park – South
Where can I park?
Parking is available at
- Riverwalk Parking Deck off Jefferson Street (1850 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24016)
- To get to the park from this location, cross the pedestrian bridge over the river, then follow either the Roanoke River Greenway or Wiley Drive SW to get to River’s Edge Park South. (Google Maps Walking Instructions)
- Carilion Parking Garage accessible via Crystal Spring Ave SW
- To get to the park from this location, exit the garage on Evans Mill Road and head West towards the tunnel under the railroad. Follow the tunnel north into River’s Edge Park – South towards the festival. (Google Maps Walking Instructions)
ADA Parking ONLY: available on Wiley Drive SW. Please be aware that this road will be CLOSED to other traffic.
Note: Parking will NOT be available at the Carilion Riverside Parking Garage this year. Parking is also not available along Wiley Drive or Reserve Avenue, and there will be no access between River’s Edge South and River’s Edge North (the pedestrian bridge will be closed).
What can I bring to the concert?
- Chairs and blankets are strongly encouraged!
- This event is rain or shine. No tents are allowed inside the park.
- Outside food and water is permitted, but no outside alcohol. There will be food trucks and alcohol for purchase from 5 Points Music Foundation.
Misc Concert/Festival Information
- Food and beverages including beer will be available for sale from 5 Points Music Foundation inside the park. Everyone wanting to purchase beer must be 21+ and will be ID’d so please bring your ID.
- Beer Ticket sales – Cash and card accepted!
- Leashed pets are allowed during the festival. Please take proper precautions if necessary and clean up after your pet.
Fireworks Details
Fireworks will be set off from River’s Edge Park – North
River’s Edge Park North will be closed to visitors, parking, and foot traffic. Festival attendees and fireworks watchers should go to River’s Edge Park South. See additional details below.
Viewing Spots
The show will be approximately 150′ above River’s Edge Park North.
Please select your viewing spot at River’s Edge Park South off Wiley Drive early to avoid traffic closer to the show. We recommend getting set up by about 8:30 for the best experience.
Prevent hazards and unsafe situations. You may not pull-over on major roads or park in non-designated areas during the show. River’s Edge North will be closed to visitors for the day to ensure safety while the fireworks are being loaded.
*Please note: there will be NO shuttles this year.
Road & Parking Closures
The following locations will be closed to parking:
- Reserve Ave (after 3pm)
- Wiley Drive (after 3pm)
- River’s Edge North Park parking lot (all day)
The following roads will be closed:
At 5 pm:
- Reserve Ave between the hotel and the corner of Jefferson/Reserve
- Wiley Dr
At 9:00 pm
- Jefferson from Reserve Ave to the Hospital will be closed
10:00 pm (ish): All Roads will re-open after an all clear from the fire marshal
What if it rains/How can I get updates?
If it is safe to have the show, it will happen. In the event of severe weather, the show may be cancelled or postponed to later in the evening. Updates will be shared via social media @playroanoke on Instagram and Facebook.
You can also sign up to receive automated updates for this event only. Text the word “fireworks” to 67283 to sign up for event notifications.
✨ Text messages are sent periodically as needed.
📱 Message frequency may vary.
🚫 Text STOP to 67283 to cancel anytime (note: canceling stops all messages).
📅 Opt-in expires automatically on 7/7.
Standard message and data rates may apply. We do not charge for this service, however your mobile phone company may charge for text messages. Please refer to your mobile phone’s service plan for more information. This service is provided per the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
For support, text INFO or HELP to 67283.
