The Best July 4th Celebrations in America

by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 12:00 AM ET, Sat July 1, 2023

New Orleans

1/15

The fun on the historic New Orleans riverfront at the Go 4th on the River event begins during the afternoon of July 4 when the General Roy S. Kelley fireboat sprays its special red, white and blue fountains and continues through the evening when a brilliant fireworks show takes over the night sky. Accompanied by a passionately patriotic soundtrack, the pyrotechnics fill the horizon over the Mississippi River with a myriad of dazzling colors.

Lake Tahoe

2/15

Each year on July 4, Lights on the Lake presents one of the most breathtaking fireworks performances in the nation, a display that is considered a "Top 5" event by The American Pyrotechnics Association. After a day that features a parade in South Lake Tahoe, lots of water-based recreation and revelry, the fireworks explode in the night sky above the lake for a breathtaking end to the Fourth of July.

Nashville

3/15

Naturally, Music City's Independence Day bash would involve some great music, and Let Freedom Sing! never disappoints on that front. This year's edition will feature Brad Paisley, The War And Treaty, Langhorne Slim, Tiera Kennedy and Ben Rector as opening acts to one of the biggest fireworks shows in the nation, which will be synchronized to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony.

Seward, Nebraska

4/15

The Cornhusker State's official "Fourth of July City" proves that bigger cities aren't always better when it comes to big-time Fourth of July fun. This cherished annual celebration dates back to 1868 and features a grand parade, car show, craft show, live music and dozens more special events alongside plenty of Midwest charm. Each and every July 4, the celebration is capped with a dazzling fireworks display.

Philadelphia

5/15

The City of Brotherly Love will once again welcome visitors from all over the nation (and world) eager to celebrate the Fourth of July in the city where America declared its independence. The city's flagship event is the Wawa Welcome America Festival, which will begin with a Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, continue with concerts from Demi Lovato and Ludacris, and finish with a spectacular fireworks show over the city.

Idaho Falls

6/15

The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is home to one of the biggest Independence Day fireworks displays west of the Mississippi River and that's just the tip of the iceberg of the patriotic fun that goes down here on July 4. The day starts with Riverfest—an event featuring live music and family fun—then ends with over 18,000 shells being shot into the night sky over the banks of the Snake River in a display choreographed to moving music meant to honor America’s Founding Fathers, veterans and service members.

New York City

7/15

There's nothing like seeing fireworks against a backdrop of the one-of-a-kind NYC skyline and each year the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks leaves rooftop revelers in the Big Apple breathless. In addition to the pyrotechnics, there will be music from Ashanti, Bebe Rexha, Brett Young, Ja Rule and many more during a broadcast hosted by Zuri Hall.

Seattle

8/15

The Seafair Summer Fourth will once again bring a breathtaking fireworks show to the skies over Lake Union in Seattle. The natural setting creates a unique amphitheater effect, serving to enhance all the sights & sounds of the fireworks. While you're waiting for the fireworks to start, the festival provides fun by way of beer gardens, live music and family entertainment.

Bristol, Rhode Island

9/15

The Bristol Fourth of July Celebration is America's oldest continuous Independence Day party and after days of special events, the festival comes to a crescendo each year with a very special parade. Join the revelers waving on the drum corps and bands from all over the United States in addition to the scores of patriotic floats. Note: the fireworks at the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration take place on July 3.

Kailua Beach, Hawai'i

10/15

What could be better than watching fireworks streak across the South Pacific while you dig your toes into the sand? Not much. Head to Kailua Beach on the windward side of Oahu to enjoy an annual party and dazzling fireworks display that has been going strong for over 65 years.

Baltimore

11/15

Charm City's Inner Harbor is the spot to be in order to celebrate the Fourth of July in fine fashion. The fun starts with great food & entertainment at the Red, White, and Blue Picnic, continues with concerts at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, then ends in style with a patriotic concert from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra which is followed up by an impressive fireworks show over the harbor.

Little Rock

12/15

This year marks the 39th Annual Pops on the River event, a beloved annual tradition that pairs up the sounds of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra with an excellent arrangement of fireworks. Entry to the festival starts in the late afternoon, allowing revelers to enjoy food & drink vendors before the show starts.

Seaside, Oregon

13/15

Punching well above its weight when it comes to Fourth of July fireworks, this coastal town is known far and wide for embracing the holiday with gusto. In fact, the Seaside Fourth of July fireworks are widely considered to be one of the biggest displays on the West Coast.

Des Moines

14/15

It may take place on the third of the month, but Yankee Doodle Pops will fill you with enough holiday vibes to last on through the Fourth of July. For the 29th time, the Des Moines Symphony will perform a set full of patriotic classics under the stars and this year they will be joined by American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones. Then, the show is followed by a sensational fireworks show.

Boston

15/15

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and the city will once again be rolling out the red carpet for the Fourth of July. Harborfest will feature hundreds of family-friendly activities (think everything from a clam chowder fest to historical reenactors and live entertainment) in the lead-up to Independence Day, with the festivities hitting a crescendo on July 4 during the iconic Boston Pops Fireworks.

Okay, let's get one thing out of the way right off the top: no matter where you are in the United States on the Fourth of July, you're going to be close to a great July 4th celebration. Yes, whether you're setting off bottle rockets & sparklers with the family, watching a parade on Main Street or heading downtown to see the fireworks reflect off the windows of skyscrapers, you're in for a star-spangled good time.

There are some patriotic parties that stand above the rest though, and the following is a list of some of the best July 4th celebrations in the country. As you will see, great July 4th events aren't just limited to the big cities, as plenty of small towns pull out all the stops for the big day. Click on the slideshow to see which July 4th celebrations made the list.