The 4th of July is a special occasion celebrated in the United States as Independence Day. The entire nation celebrates this holiday with parades, fireworks, and barbecues. But some cities go above and beyond in their 4th of July celebrations! Where can Americans get the most bang for their buck this 4th of July?
Every year, millions of Americans gather to commemorate the Declaration of Independence in 1776 with parades, firework displays, BBQs, and lots more. With all its tradition and history, the fourth of July has evolved into one of the most vibrant US holidays marked by impressive spectacles that make it a grand affair every year.
For families wanting to celebrate the 4th of July with a bang, certain cities across America have become synonymous with legendary festivities. Whether you’re looking for parades or fireworks shows, here is our list of the 7 best 4th of July celebrations in the USA!
Washington, DC
Washington DC is an amazing place to visit during the Fourth of July. The city celebrates National Independence Day with a parade along Constitution Avenue, and the U.S. Capitol hosts “A Capitol Fourth” concert featuring noted musicians and a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” by the National Symphony Orchestra. After the concert, fireworks light up the sky over the National Mall for all to enjoy.
The Washington Monument is also a great spot to take in all of the festivities. Locals mingle around the monument while military drills and ceremonies take place throughout the day. At night, fireworks fill the sky over the US Capitol West Lawn after a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra. For those looking for more private accommodations, BridgeStreet at Woodward Building offers studios just a 5-minute walk from the Washington Monument for those looking to picnic in their own kitchen. No matter how you choose to spend your Fourth of July in Washington DC, it will be an unforgettable experience!
Chicago
Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day. Navy Pier will be hosting a July 4th celebration with live DJs, a barbecue feast, and rides for all ages. Grant Park Music Festival will also be presenting a free July 4th concert with patriotic favorites. Windy City RibFest offers three days of barbecue and music from local and national rock/pop acts, as well as several companies offering daytime and evening cruises to view the city’s skyline and unique architecture while enjoying fireworks from one of the best seats in the house.
On July 2nd, 2022 Navy Pier in Chicago will host an extra special red, white, and blue fireworks display. Guests will be given special “diffraction glasses” to enhance the experience. With such an amazing event planned it is advised to arrive early as large crowds are expected. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly event or something more romantic, Chicago has something for everyone this Independence Day!
Boston
Boston is a great place to celebrate America’s Independence Day. With its Revolutionary War history and heritage, the city offers plenty of activities for visitors and locals alike. On July 1st, Boston Harborfest kicks off with free events such as tours and cruises, which require tickets. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will take place on July 2nd at 8:30 p.m., offering an amazing display of fireworks over the Charles River.
On the Fourth of July, Boston celebrates with processions, speeches, live music, and a spectacular fireworks show over the Charles River. Visitors can watch the show from Harvard Bridge or either side of the river where Memorial Drive offers food trucks and family-friendly games. For those looking for a place to stay during their visit, The Verb Hotel is just a short walk away from Harvard Bridge and offers contemporary decor and an outdoor pool. Whether you’re visiting or living in Boston, there are plenty of ways to enjoy America’s Independence Day!
New England
New England is a region steeped in history and tradition, and the Fourth of July is no exception. Every year, towns across the region come alive with parades, family-friendly events, and fireworks displays to celebrate America’s independence. In Sturbridge, MA; Bristol, RI; and Bar Harbor, ME, these festivities are a great way to honor the nation’s past and present.
Boston Harborfest is an annual celebration of Boston’s colonial history and maritime heritage that takes place from July 1st through 4th. The week-long event includes speeches from local dignitaries, costumed actors portraying historical figures such as Samuel Adams and John Hancock, an artisan market featuring handmade goods from local artisans, live music performances, and more. The grand finale of the festival is the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4th at Tanglewood in Lenox. This free event will feature performances from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Mavis Staples before culminating in
New York City
Every year, New York City is the place to be for a spectacular Fourth of July celebration. Spectators flock to the city to witness Macy’s 4th of July Firework show, featuring over 60,000 shells and a 25-minute display. The musical score is choreographed with the firework display and can be heard on radio station 1010 WINS-AM. Visitors can also explore Revolutionary War locations such as St. Paul’s Chapel, Fraunces Tavern, Fort Tryon Park, and Fort Wadsworth for a day of patriotic celebration.
Coney Island hosts Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog-Eating Contest and a Cyclones baseball game followed by fireworks. Staten Island celebrates with a historic parade in Travis while Macy’s Fourth of July Spectacular is one of the country’s biggest pyrotechnic performances with over 65,000 shells launching from five barges on the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge. With so many activities to choose from, New York City is
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a popular destination for visitors looking to celebrate the Fourth of July in style. Every year, the city hosts the Stars & Stripes Explosion, an event that features marching bands, tribute bands, and local entertainers. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean that is sure to leave everyone in awe. Visitors can plan ahead and scout out the perfect viewing spot near the top of B and C Streets before the fireworks display begins.
In addition to Virginia Beach’s Fourth of July festivities, Hampton Beach in New Hampshire also offers fireworks displays most Wednesday nights during the summer. On Independence Day, there is a special 4th of July display that will surely be a sight to behold. For those who prefer more relaxed activities, lying on the beach under the stars while soaking up brilliant July sunshine is always an option. With so many options available for celebrating America’s independence day, Virginia Beach and Hampton Beach are great places to visit this summer!
Addison, Texas
Addison, Texas is home to one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in the state – Kaboom Town. Every year, thousands of people flock to Addison to take part in the festivities. The day starts off with an airshow featuring skydivers, aerobatic pilots, and military aircraft. After the show, there is a nighttime concert with live music from local bands and DJs. Finally, at 9:30 PM, the fireworks show begins – one of the biggest in Texas! The sky lights up with vibrant colors as spectators watch in awe. It’s a truly spectacular sight that no one should miss out on!
Kaboom Town has become an annual tradition for many families and friends who come together to celebrate America’s independence. There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the day such as carnival rides and games, food vendors, and more. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day or just want to watch some amazing fireworks, Addison
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia is a living history museum that celebrates the birth of America. On July 4th, visitors can experience a reenactment of Thomas Jefferson reading the Declaration of Independence from the Capitol building’s West Balcony. Later in the evening, join the crowds at Palace Green for Lights of Freedom featuring marching music, a patriotic sing-a-long, and George Frideric Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks with fireworks going off at 9:30 pm.
The celebration doesn’t end there! Enjoy a four-course meal and history lesson at King’s Arms Tavern Thomas Jefferson Wine Dinner or tickets to Shields Tavern Breakfast Celebration which includes dinner, children’s games, and special seats on Palace Green for the fireworks. Chowning’s Tavern is also hosting an Independence Day Celebration with food, beverages, games, live music, and a souvenir engraved glass. Servers will be dressed in traditional colonial attire to make your experience even more authentic. Celebrate America
St. Louis
Fair St. Louis is an annual Fourth of July celebration held on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. It is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the United States, with a variety of activities and events for all ages. The festivities include America’s Biggest Birthday Parade, musical acts, a variety show, and a patriotic salute to the nation and frontline workers. The highlight of Fair St. Louis is the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m., which can be seen from miles away.
In addition to Fair St. Louis, there are many other ways to celebrate Independence Day in St. Louis. New Orleans offers its own unique take on Fourth of July festivities with barbeques and the ‘Dueling Barges’ fireworks display on the Mississippi River. There are also parades and free concerts celebrating African-American heritage throughout the French Quarter that are worth checking out if you’re looking for something different than traditional Fourth of July celebrations. For
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a great place to celebrate the Fourth of July with a variety of festivals and fireworks displays. Grand Park’s Block Party in downtown L.A., Disneyland fireworks, KABOOM in Pomona, and AmericaFest in the Rose Bowl of Pasadena are all great events to attend. AmericaFest is one of the country’s longest-running Independence Day festivities, celebrating its 96th year in 2022 with a motorcycle stunt show and a big fireworks display.
San Diego is also home to many service members, veterans, and their families, who celebrate the Fourth of July with the Big Bay Boom fireworks show. There are several viewing locations for this show including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero and Marina District, Seaport Village, Coronado Ferry Landing, and boats. Nearby Coronado Island also has its own Fourth of July celebration with a parade, concert, road race, art show, swim competition, and fireworks over Glorietta Bay. Leg
Houston
Houston’s Freedom Over Texas event is an annual celebration of independence that takes place on July 4th in downtown Houston. This year, the event will be extra special as it marks the 60th anniversary of NASA Johnson Space Center’s Houston location. To commemorate this milestone, there will be appearances by NASA astronauts and virtual field trips for attendees to enjoy. The festivities will take place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and entry is $10 a person (children 5 and under are free). The event will be held at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks, so there is plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy the day safely.
Freedom Over Texas is always a great way to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, but this year promises to be even more special with its unique offerings from NASA astronauts and virtual field trips. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity or just want to show your patriotism, Freedom Over Texas has something for everyone! So come
Nashville
Nashville is the perfect place to celebrate the Fourth of July. On July 4th, 2022, the city will host one of the biggest fireworks displays in the country along the Cumberland waterfront. The show will be accompanied by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and starts at 9:30 p.m., with more than 35,000 pounds of explosives to light up the night sky. Before that, Music City Walk of Fame Park opens at noon with games, inflatables, and other activities for kids. To top it off, there will be a free concert called “Let Freedom Sing!” featuring Brett Eldredge, Mac McAnally, Jessy Wilson, and Dylan Scott.
The weekend of entertainment and music doesn’t stop there! There’s also an Amazon Family Fun Zone with live music at Fifth Avenue and Broadway. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or just want to take in some great music and fireworks, Nashville has something for everyone on this special holiday. So
New Orleans
The Fourth of July in New Orleans is a time for celebration and remembrance. The city comes alive with parades, free concerts, and festivals celebrating African-American heritage in the French Quarter. The highlight of the day is the ‘Dueling Barges’ fireworks display on the Mississippi River. This spectacular show features an array of lights and sounds synchronized to patriotic music. The General Roy S. Kelley fireboat will also be out on the river with its famed water show at 6 p.m., followed by the fireworks show at 9 p.m. Crescent Park is hosting a DJ dance party, food trucks, and a great spot for viewing the fireworks from 5-10 p.m., making it a perfect place to spend your evening with family and friends. For those looking for a more traditional experience, there are plenty of barbecues featuring BBQ chicken and jambalaya throughout the city as well as accommodations at the historic French Market Inn for a memorable stay in New Orleans this Fourth
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah is a beautiful and historic mining town located 32 miles from Salt Lake City. It is known for its ski area and the many activities that take place during the 4th of July. Every year, Park City hosts a pancake breakfast, rugby tournament, volleyball tournament, live music, and barbecue. Unfortunately, due to wildlife concerns, there will not be fireworks in 2022.
It is important to note that no pets, alcoholic beverages, sparklers, smoke bombs, firearms, or weapons of any kind are allowed in the park. Service animals must be approved by events@wheatonparks.org prior to entering the park and all tobacco products and smoking of any kind are prohibited in Graf Park. Park City provides a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone to celebrate the 4th of July holiday!
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for visitors during the Fourth of July holiday. Every year, the area celebrates with a 25-minute “Lights on the Lake” fireworks show that attracts 125,000 people to the area. This year, North Tahoe will be featuring something extra special – an environmentally friendly and safe drone light show with 200 drones and two acts. To get the celebration started early, there will also be a beer garden and DJ at the Incline Village Middle School Ball Fields starting at 7:30 p.m.
The drone light show is sure to be an amazing spectacle for all who attend. The drones will be programmed to create intricate patterns in the sky while music plays in the background. It’s sure to be a memorable experience for everyone who attends this Fourth of July celebration at Lake Tahoe. With so many activities and events planned, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this beautiful lake every year!
In conclusion, the 4th of July is a time for celebration and remembrance. From the “Dueling Barges” fireworks display in New Orleans to the environmentally friendly drone light show at Lake Tahoe, there are plenty of amazing Fourth of July celebrations to choose from across the United States. Whether you’re looking for a traditional experience or something more unique, these seven destinations will provide an unforgettable experience for everyone this Fourth of July.
