Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Each year, the neighboring cities of Hattiesburg and Petal Mississippi partner to bring residents and visitors The Star-Spangled Celebration. Fireworks are shot over the Leaf River that separates the two towns, so residents of each city can enjoy. Presented by Coca-Cola, the family-friendly celebration includes live music, activities, a kids zone and a range of food vendors, on both sides of the Leaf River. Admission to the event is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit back and enjoy the festivities. The Star-Spangled Celebration will take place Friday, July 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. in Hattiesburg’s Chain Park, the fireworks show will take place at 9 p.m.
Alexandria, Virginia
The City of Alexandria celebrates its 274th birthday and the USA’s 247th birthday on Saturday, July 8, with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the big birthday experience including cupcakes, local vendors and live music. https://www.alexandriava.gov/
Cliff House Maine, Ogunquit, Maine
Guests of Cliff House can enjoy a classic picnic-style Lobster Bake with yard games, live music from Maine musician King Kyote, and Independence-Day fun in the Ocean View Terrace Salon. A Lobster Bake is a Maine summertime tradition, surely to be the perfect addition to your visit to the coast and a must-do dining experience. Celebrate July 4th with fireworks over the cliff, while viewing from the firepit terrace, resort pool deck, and Nubb’s lawn. https://www.cliffhousemaine.com/
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence will celebrate the Fourth of July with live entertainment, family fun and fireworks on July 2nd. The events begin at 6 pm and at 7 pm, award-winning vocalist and steel pianist Becky Bass and Band will perform. Then view the dazzling firework show to celebrate the nation’s independence. https://www.goprovidence.com/
Norfolk, Virginia
Witness one of Hampton Roads’ most spectacular Fourth of July fireworks displays at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront! Relax on the lawn and enjoy an evening of all-American fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, cotton candy and much more, along with live musical entertainment from military brass bands! The night is capped off by the sensational fireworks show high above the Elizabeth River, beginning at 9:30 p.m. https://www.visitnorfolk.com/event/4th-of-july-great-american-picnic-fireworks-3/
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Kick off your Fourth of July celebration at the annual Pancakes on the Plaza. Then peruse the car show, the juried arts and crafts booths, and then make sure the kiddos take advantage of the activities provided by the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. The great live entertainment on the gazebo will keep things festive. Later in the day, travel to the southside of town for a FREE City of Santa Fourth of July celebration at the Santa Fe Place Mall with live, local music from Lumbre del Sol, the Alex Maryol Band, and Una Mas y La ChaCha, food trucks, and a professional high-altitude, safely launched fireworks display to mark the birth of our nation. https://www.santafe.org/blog/post/july-events/
Gorham, New Hampshire
Previously known as the longest running 4th of July celebration in the country, this quiet mountain town celebrates American independence in a big way. Gorham, New Hampshire’s 2023 4th of July Spectacular centers around the theme “Made in America”. The weekend-long festivities include an abundance of live music, family activities, a 4th of July parade honoring a variety of local groups, and even a classic American car show for all the history buffs out there. The weekend celebrations begin on Friday, June 30th and will be capped off on the 4th with a fireworks show to end the evening. https://www.gorhamnh.org/home/events/17431
Wildwood, New Jersey
What better way to spend the 4th than on the shores of the 3rd U.S. state. Wildwood, New Jersey is known for its iconic boardwalk, fun-filled streets and stunning beaches, with a convenient location only a short drive away from NYC. This year, Downtown Wildwood is inviting guests to celebrate Independence Day with The Big House Band and various family-friendly activities on the shore all weekend long. Soak in the sun and sink your toes in the sand on Wildwood beach, check out some of the fun rides and games at one of the 3 amusement piers on the boardwalk, and grab a cold beer at one of the many oceanfront restaurants and bars available. At the end of the weekend, enjoy the Boardwalk 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. This special fireworks spectacular, launched from the beach at Pine Avenue, is synchronized to patriotic music playing over the Wildwoods Boardwalk sound system. https://wildwoodsnj.com/
The Alida Hotel in Savannah, Georgia
Every year, people flock to Savannah for its famed River Street 4th of July celebration featuring live entertainment, a kids’ zone and a waterfront fireworks display. Visitors traveling to Savannah to experience the festivities should stay at The Alida, a boutique hotel within walking distance of River Street. The property will be celebrating the 4th of July all weekend with specialty libations and bites being offered throughout the property. The festivities will kick off with live music, played throughout the week, and continue with a patriotic BBQ July 1st and 2nd on the pool deck at the Cabana Club. On July 4th, guests can enjoy live music at the Cabana Club and watch the waterfront fireworks with a 360-degree view at The Alida’s rooftop bar, The Lost Square while kicking back and enjoying a drink. https://www.thealidahotel.com/
Harrisburg, North Carolina
This year the town of Harrisburg is celebrating 50 years of existence! The Town is home to Harrisburg Park that is full of fun amenities perfect to enjoy during the summertime including a mountain bike trail, a splash pad and a disk golf course. Visitors can enjoy a sweet treat from Frozen Cups or a refreshing brew from local breweries to cool off and gear up for Harrisburg’s annual Independence Day event. One of the most attended 4th of July festivals in the region, the celebration spans two full days! The festivities will kick off on Monday, July 3rd when Harrisburg Park opens its amusement park, featuring games, rides, live music from Sister Hazel and fireworks. On July 4th, visitors can enjoy Harrisburg’s patriotic parade, live performances and a concert from Generation Radio and more fireworks. For additional festivities visitors can head over to the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, a short drive from Harrisburg, to experience racing action with 4th of July flair. https://www.explorecabarrus.com/
Sylva, NC
An Asheville alternative for the crowd weary, this picturesque all-American small town’s annual July 4th celebration includes a firework show against the stunning Plott Balsams mountain range, plus live music from The Carolina Soul Band, food, dancing and fun. Anchored by the historic Jackson County Courthouse, Sylva’s quant Main Street is lined with an abundance of locally owned restaurants, breweries, antique shopping, bookstores and more to explore over the remainder of the weekend. The town is also a major factor in the county’s WNC Fly Fishing Trail and home to Pinnacle Park, the first forest therapy certified trail in the state. https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/event/sylva-fourth-of-july-fireworks/; https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/your-trip/towns/sylva/
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez, Mississippi, a quaint town located along the Mississippi River and known for its southern charm, significant architecture and picturesque views, is the perfect place to celebrate the Fourth of July this year. After indulging in a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant such as The Camp Restaurant or Pig Out Inn, residents and visitors are invited to gather along the Natchez Bluff for a free concert on the Bandstand at 5 p.m. and an incredible firework show to follow at 9:30 p.m., though the fireworks can be viewed on both sides of the Mississippi River with spectacular views from any point. https://visitnatchez.org/
Home to the largest display of fireworks on the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach will host its annual Real. Fun. Fourth. celebration on Sunday, July 2 through Tuesday, July 4. The red, white and blue extravaganza features three nights of dazzling firework displays along the destination’s 27 miles of beautiful beaches. A festive, family-friendly event, Real. Fun. Fourth welcomes residents and visitors of all ages to gather on the sugar-white sand for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration in Panama City Beach. https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/holiday-events/realfunfourth/
Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah, Ky., located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers, is a vibrant, artsy and culturally-rich town with an annual Independence Day celebration on the scenic riverfront. Paducah invites visitors to celebrate July 4 with a concert, local food vendors and fireworks. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:05 p.m. over the water. www.paducah.travel
Columbus, Ohio + The Junto
Every year, Columbus, Ohio welcomes 400,000 visitors to celebrate Red, White & BOOM!, the largest Independence Day celebration in the Midwest. Taking place on July 3rd, the tradition captivates locals and visitors alike with a breathtaking firework display, family-friendly activities and live entertainment. This year, guests can celebrate Red, White & BOOM! with Columbus’ first independent lifestyle hotel, The Junto. Located just steps from the vibrant firework show, The Junto invites guests to indulge in an extraordinary Independence Day experience with the Red, White & Boom Party and a Room package, promising a remarkable view away from the crowds. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Brass Eye, will be the epicenter of the celebration with music, food and beverage options and panoramic views. When the party is over, guests can enjoy the convenience of a short elevator ride to their rooms.
