Fourth at the Fort brings fireworks and fun to 24,000

This Independence Day, more than 24,000 people gathered on the grounds of Fort Monroe for a celebration unlike any other. Fourth at the Fort 2025 was a spectacular display of community, creativity, and remembrance. These events exemplify the kind of experience that shows why Fort Monroe is one of America’s most extraordinary places.

From morning to night, visitors explored everything the Fort has to offer—historic tours, food vendors, concerts, family fun, and the culminating fireworks display over the water. This year’s programming included a naturalization ceremony, special performances, heritage storytelling, and interactive exhibits for all ages.

One such program included Pathways of Freedom, a special initiative funded by the Fort Monroe Foundation that offered a reflective and inspiring look at the many meanings of freedom through fashion and storytelling. From pop-up performances to immersive story-sharing stations, our Foundation was proud to help shape programming that honored the past while engaging today’s audiences.

We’re deeply grateful to our partners—the Fort Monroe Authority, VA250, and the many community organizations, performers, vendors, and volunteers who made the day so unforgettable.

This is exactly what the Fort Monroe Foundation is here to do: turn this historic site into a place of vibrant, shared experience. We are excited to offer more moments like this, where history lives, and people connect.

Thank you for joining us. Let’s keep building what’s next together!