Looking for some of the best places to watch fireworks this Fourth of July? We’re here to spill the liber-tea. From sea to shining sea, we spanned the country in search of events, festivals, and fairs – both free and ticketed – packed with patriotic fun. Whether you plan to view the fireworks solo or with the entire fam, celebrate our Nation’s 140th birthday at any one of these red, white, and sparkly spots!
- Amazon’s Seafair Summer Fourth (Seattle, Washington)
One show, three different viewpoints! Seattle’s Seafair Summer Fourth is considered one of the nation’s best-rated fireworks shows, with entertainment and activities starting at 3pm. With the choice of watching from Gas Works Park, South Lake Union Park, or afloat on Lake Union, there are no bad options, and each provides a unique experience. Whether you want to enjoy the hilltop view and glow-in the dark dance party at Gas Works, prefer watching from the water on Lake Union, or enjoy the darker sky view from South Lake Union park, all options include a magical choreographed fireworks presentation accompanied by a musical score at 10:15pm. If you can’t make it to the show, they’ll be streamed live on KONG TV. This event is free to the public, with options to pay to reserve seats.
- Big Bay Boom (San Diego, California)
If you are looking for a front row view, look no further! Watch California’s largest fireworks show, the Big Bay Boom, from the Flight Deck of the USS Midway in San Diego! It’s a celebration for everyone, including live music, BBQ, and a stellar view of the San Diego barge. Tickets are required. Other options for the Big Bay Boom include any one of the four barges: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero and South Embarcadero, and you can enjoy the free show from lawn seating or watch from the water. You can also watch live on Fox 5 (San Diego) or KTLA 5 (Los Angeles).
- Stars and Stripes Picnic (Kansas City, Kansas)
This Kansas City celebration is held at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Starting at 3pm on July 4, enjoy the live entertainment and local vendors with your friends and family. Whether you want to grab a bite from a local vendor or pack your own food and beverages, picnicking is permitted on the south lawn. Round off the experience with the fireworks displayed over the iconic Tower around 9:40pm. This event is free to the public and will celebrate rain or shine!
- Fourth of July Celebration (Santa Barbara, California)
This historic pier, built in 1872, is the longest deep-water wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco. Closed to vehicular traffic for the patriotic festivities, you can enjoy the celebration with live music, dance performances and free face painting on Sterns Wharf and continue the fun at West Beach with local vendors and the 20-minute fireworks show above the waterfront at 9pm. The show will also simulcast on local radio station 92.9 FM and stream live on KEYT.com.
- Red, White & Boom (Columbus, Ohio)
This riverfront party is one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the Midwest! Spanning over 2.5 square miles of downtown Columbus, this is a party for the books. This nonprofit-hosted festival features over 100 vendors, a parade, and – of course – the Grand Finale fireworks show at 10pm. Free admission and fun for the entire family. Festivities are held on July 3.
- Patriots Points 4th of July Blast (Charleston, South Carolina)
This celebration is hosted at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Kick off for the event starts at 6pm and is free for all to enter, but does not include the $20 parking fee. There is an option to pay $25 for the opportunity to board the historic aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and watch the show right from the flight deck. The event includes live music, food trucks, and– of course – the grand finale fireworks over Charleston Harbor starting at full sunset.
- Fair Saint Louis (St. Louis, Missouri)
With Fourth of July festivities going on all weekend, this birthday party is rounded out with a 42-year-old tradition hosted by Fair Saint Louis. Starting off with a parade at 10am along Market Street in downtown St. Louis, and followed by a full day of fun with live entertainment, food, riverboat cruises and a whole lot of fun. No party is complete without the 3,600 pounds of fireworks for the grand finale above the iconic Arch.
- City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Pittsburgh hosts an Independence Day celebration at the Point State Park, with activities starting at 4pm. From games and dancing to face painting, enjoy the fun and pack a picnic or choose from one of the many food vendors at this historic venue. The highlight of the day, the 25-minute fireworks show, begins at 9:35 p.m. If you can’t make it to the state park, tune in at home for the livestream on WPXI-TV. For a more intimate setting, you can opt for a reservation at Lemont across the Monongahela River, or view from the 218 Grand View Overlook.
- A Capitol Fourth (Washington, DC)
It cannot get much more patriotic than celebrating our nation’s birthday in our nation’s capital! The National Mall features many scenic viewing spots, like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. But anywhere along Independence Avenue will be a memorable view for the pyrotechnic display that begins at 9:09pm and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. In addition to a full day of events – like, the Smithsonian Folklore Festival and Independence Parade down Constitution Avenue – you do not want to miss the free Capitol Fourth concert held at the West Lawn of the US Capitol, which accompanies the magical 17-minute fireworks finale.
- Fireworks over the Gulf (Galveston, Texas)
There is nothing quite like enjoying fireworks from the beach! This pyrotechnic show is displayed over the Gulf of Mexico along the Texas Gulf shoreline. This free event starts with the Galveston Firefighters Fourth of July Parade along the Seawall Boulevard at 6pm, followed by the 20-minute firework show at 9:15pm. Enjoy the local bites, or snag a Patriot Pass at Pleasure Pier and enjoy the local attractions and rides.
- Star Spangled Spectacular (Panama City, Florida)
If you are looking for a fireworks extravaganza, the Star Spangled Spectacular in Panama City Beach will fit the bill. With four free fireworks shows, spanning from July 2-4, you can fill your weekend with a show each evening leading up to the finale at Russell-Fields City Pier and M.B. Miller County Pier. Whether you want to enjoy with your toes in the sand, or from one of the many beachside restaurants, there will be a line-up of activities and vendors all weekend long.
- The Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Though Las Vegas is lit up every night, Fourth of July is no exception with parties all weekend long. With many resorts having their own celebrations, hosting patriotic parties or festivities, there is plenty happening on The Strip. The Plaza Hotel Casino will continue to host their annual fireworks show that can be viewed all around The Strip, or if you are staying on-site you gain exclusive access to the rooftop event. You can also enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience from one of the many other pool parties in the vicinity. The 9pm show will be choreographed to patriotic music, set to light up the sky in red, white and blue.
- Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show (Manhattan, New York)
In the city that never sleeps, there is no shortage of amazing rooftop views to enjoy the free Macy’s Fourth of July show. This 30-minute extravaganza features over 60,000 fireworks set to an orchestral backdrop. Whether you want to enjoy streetside on their dedicated two-mile stretch, opt for a river boat tour, or buy a ticket to the Empire State Building’s rooftop celebration, you won’t want to miss one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world. It can also be viewed from home on NBC or Peacock at 8pm.
