High Culture: Best 4th Of July Events By State

Independence Day is upon us. 

Americans everywhere will clink their glasses or spark a joint to celebrate yet another year for the United States. 

Whether you live in a weed-friendly state or not, we’ve got an event for you. Let’s celebrate the declaration of independence at these events below, listed in alphabetical order by state. 

Alabama

Catch the craziest fireworks go off from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at The Amp on Lake Martin. The lawn will be packed with people ready to watch the fireworks show and various bands taking the stage. 

Alaska

It’s not your average 4th of July celebration, but if you want to see old cars launch off a 300-foot cliff, head over to the town of Glacier View near Anchorage. The event will have brews and BBQs, and yes, the crew will clean up the old cars afterward. 

Arizona

Located at the Peoria Sports Complex, the All-American Festival is an annual event with fireworks, entertainment, beverages, food, and different fun activities. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of All-American celebrations. 

Arkansas

Whether you’re on the boat or on the shore, you have to catch the Ventris Trail’s End Resort’s fireworks. Guests are encouraged to get tickets to see the fireworks on the boat but feel free to hang back and watch from a distance as fireworks set off over Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas.

California

We suggest heading to Pier 39 and Municipal Pier in San Francisco to watch the city’s largest synchronized fireworks show. The fireworks set off in boats, and guests line up across the shore to watch the impressive display. 

Colorado

There’s nothing more beautiful than the fireworks display on Grand Lake, the state’s largest natural lake. The show reflects on the water and is one of the most serene yet epic experiences. 

Connecticut

The Independence Day Street Party at The Wharf is the place to be. There are a ton of fun activities like camel rides, surf simulators, a bubble zone, and lots more. Fireworks start at about 8:00 pm, and the event closes at 9:00 pm. 

Delaware

Head over to the Cape-May Lewes Ferry at Rehoboth Beach for an evening cruise. There are live bands playing, food, beverages, and the show ends with an impressive fireworks display over the lake. 

Florida

Catch Seratoma’s 4th of July fireworks show at Pensacola Bay in Florida from 4:30 to 9:00 pm. It features food trucks, live music, and a happy crowd ready to dance the night away. 

Georgia

At Dahlonega in Atlanta, see the vibrant fireworks go off at this full-day event. Starting at 11:00 am, the day begins with a parade and ends with a radiant firework display. Plus, it’s pet friendly. 

Hawaii

Watch as fireworks light up Kailua Beach Park at the Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza in Oahu. At 6:00 pm, acrobats take the stage and set the tone for the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band to follow. 

Idaho

You can’t miss the biggest 4th of July fireworks display on the Mississippi River. In Idaho Falls at Snake River Landing, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is ready to wow you with a radiant show. 

Illinois

Head over to Navy Pier on Lake Michigan for one marvelous fireworks show. If you can’t catch the show on the 4th of July, worry not; the pier launches fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday all summer long. 

Indiana

Why not go to a ball game this Independence Day? At Victory Field, the Indianapolis Indians wear stars and stripes, and guests are flooded with little prizes and nick nacks to take home. Plus, you’ll be invited to the fireworks display in downtown Indianapolis. 

Iowa

In the town of Independence, Iowa, catch the full-day celebration of beach volleyball tournaments, horseshoe tournaments, a Wapsi Warrior challenge, and an obstacle course in Wapsipinicon State Park. Finish it off with a fireworks display on the beach. 

Kansas

At Overland Park, catch the Star-Spangled Spectacular event celebrating this independence day with food, live music, and one of the state’s biggest fireworks shows. 

Kentucky

You must grab tickets for the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise on the Belle of Louisville. It’s an all-ages event and features a bar, live music, and a stunning fireworks display at Waterfront Park. 

Louisiana

Watch the barges on the Mississippi river launch fireworks that are tailored to a synchronized playlist. The view is spectacular; just make sure to bring a chair or a blanket. 

Maine

It doesn’t get more beautiful than the fireworks show at Ogunquit Beach in Maine. The fireworks go off on the shore and range from Main Beach all the way up to Footbridge Beach. 

Maryland

Annapolis celebrates the 4th of July all day. It starts with a Main Street parade at 6:30 pm, but feel free to celebrate with locals around town at different bars and restaurants beforehand. After the parade is a beautiful fireworks display on the harbor. 

Massachusetts

Watch the fireworks and cannons go off on the Charles River for a true American-style celebration. As the display happens, the Boston POPS Orchestra plays a live performance for one beautiful and entertaining evening. 

Michigan

At West Grand Traverse Bay, grab a seat at various parks for a magnificent fireworks show. You can see the display from Open Space Park, Clinch Park Marina, Bryant Park, and West End Beach.

Minnesota

See the closing day of the Manitou Days Annual Festival at White Bear Lake this 4th of July. The festival began June 16 and closes on Independence day with a grande parade, a beach-dance, and a stunning fireworks display synced to music. 

Mississippi

The Canton Balloon Glow & Patriotic Fireworks Spectacular isn’t one to miss. The event features live music, food, and vibrant balloons in the air, and closes with a surreal fireworks show. 

Missouri

At the Gateway Arch National Park, hit up the three-day event Fair Saint Louis for a weekend of celebrations. There’s an impressive music lineup and a mesmerizing fireworks display over the river. 

Montana

See the breathtaking fireworks in nature over Whitefish Lake in Montana. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, and there are a ton of activities around the area, like a fun run and a boat parade. 

Nebraska

In the small town of Seward, Nebraska lies one of the country’s best 4th of July celebrations. A local high school puts on the event, which includes a pie-eating contest, craft show, freedom run, pet parade, and more. 

Nevada

You’ll be impressed by the marvelous display of fireworks at the Lights on The Lake event in South Tahoe. The reflection on the water is gorgeous, and it helps that the show is synchronized to the Star-Spangled Banner. 

New Hampshire

All summer long, catch the fireworks every Wednesday at Hampton Beach near B and C streets. Expect an even crazier light show this Independence Day. 

New Jersey

At the Jersey City Freedom & Fireworks Festival, pyrotechnics will launch fireworks around the Statue of Liberty. The event also features carnival games and rides alongside beverages and food trucks. 

New Mexico

The Smokey Bear Stampede kicks off on July 1 with a bunch of activities, leading up to the 4th of July with a campfire Dutch oven competition, steer riding, rodeos, and closing fireworks show. 

New York

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks is the place to be for fireworks in New York. It takes place along the East River in Midtown and can be seen from anywhere in Manhattan. 

North Carolina

The Corolla Independence Day Celebration has been up and running for thirty years. It features live music, food trucks, a watermelon eating contest, and a booming fireworks display. 

North Dakota

Head over to the Roughriders Rodeo Fireworks in Dickinson for a stimulating visual and auditory experience. It takes place at the former DSU Rodeo Grounds and invites guests to watch the exciting rodeo and beautiful fireworks display. 

Ohio

Light Up The Lake in Cleveland is an excellent event for all things fireworks and 4th of July. The display can be seen from Flats West Bank, Flat East Bank, North Coast Harbor, and Port of Cleveland’s Dock 20. 

Oklahoma

In Edmond, Oklahoma, hit up the LibertyFest Fireworks event to watch the biggest display in the metro area. The display is so large that you might be able to see it from just outside of Edmond. 

Oregon

See a rocket run parade and blazing fireworks at the Fort Dallas Fourth Fireworks event. There are activities during the day, with the big launches closing the event at sunset. 

Pennsylvania

The Wawa Welcome America Fireworks Spectacular in Philadelphia is a 16-day event that closes with a free concert by Jason Derulo and a fireworks finale at 8:00 pm on the 4th of July. 

Rhode Island

In Bristol, Rhode Island, lies the nation’s oldest Independence Day celebration. This event has been running since 1785. It started on June 14 with a Flag Day ceremony, leading up to the 4th of July with fireworks over the harbor and a parade. 

South Carolina

In Charleston, see the Sea Stars & Stripes event put on the ultimate fireworks display overtop of the Charleston Harbor. Make sure to bring a chair or a blanket for your evening, and satisfy your cravings at the food and beverage trucks. 

South Dakota

See the old-fashioned races, games, arts, and crafts festival at Mount Rushmore this 4th of July. Custer’s Old Time Country Fourth of July features a fireworks display from Pageant Hills at 9:30 pm.

Tennessee

The Let Freedom Sing event in Nashville is a free event that features a synchronized light show paired with a list of songs played by the Nashville Symphony. 

Texas

Stop by Addison for the Kaboom Town event, one of the loudest 4th of July celebrations in the country. It has an airplane flyover show, a live music concert, and booming fireworks. 

Utah

Visit Park City Mountain Resort for an incredible fireworks show in Utah. On Main Street, the event will feature a volleyball tournament, patriotic performances, and a fireworks display at 9:00 pm. 

Vermont

Head anywhere in downtown Bristol, and you’ll be good to go. The city is packed with events, a parade, and lively bodies celebrating the 4th of July. It closes off with spectacular fireworks on the New Haven River. 

Virginia

In Williamsburg, get your celebration on at the Lights of Freedom event. It will wow you with an amazing fireworks extravaganza at the Governor’s Palace, surrounded by music and tasty eats. 

Washington

Legion Memorial Park on Puget Sound holds a bunch of food, drinks, events, and a captivating fireworks show. Everett’s July Fourth is a beloved annual event that never goes unappreciated. 

West Virginia

At Greenbrier in West Virginia, watch and participate in the many events like a scavenger hunt, a golf cart parade, and snack on the various tasty foods. A fireworks display launches over the golf course at the end of the day. 

Wisconsin

Tour around Egg Harbor on the 4th of July at the many concessions and boutiques, not to mention the live music performances around town. The fireworks will set off at the harbor just after sunset. 

Wyoming

See the beautiful fireworks display at Grand Teton Music Festival’s Patriotic Pops. The event features live music, food trucks, and a marvelous firework show at dusk.