Top 12 Firework Displays in the US: 2024's Best Celebrations (2024)

Get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” as we celebrate America's birthday with a bang (and a boom) across the nation! If you’re wondering, “Where are 4th of July fireworks near me?” check out these Independence Day festivities across the country. And if you’re traveling, don’t forget to power your trip with AAA Membership perks, including discounts and AAA Diamond-designated accommodations.

Pro Tip: All events listed below will be crowded, and parking will probably be limited, so consider public transportation to avoid parking hassles.

Macy’s 4th of July, New York, NY

The Big Apple’s skyline will dance with vibrant colors as the nation’s largest Independence Day spectacle marks its 48^th anniversary! Returning to the Hudson River for the first time in more than 10 years, the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks celebration (starting at 8 p.m. ET) features over 65,000 shells launched from river barges, synchronizing with music and star-studded performances. Visible throughout Manhattan and broadcasted live, this iconic celebration draws huge crowds.

Pro Tip: Use public transportation and head to FDR Drive, Brooklyn Bridge Park or Hunter’s Point South Park for stunning panoramic views.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• The New York Hilton Midtown
• The Wall Street Hotel
• The Peninsula New York

Sertoma’s 4th of July Fireworks, Pensacola, FL

Get ready for a beachfront bash with Sertoma’s Fourth of July Celebration, a Pensacola tradition for more than 30 years. Held in Seville Square, this all-day, family-friendly event kicks off at 11 a.m. with live entertainment, food vendors and kids’ activities like face painting and pony rides. The dazzling fireworks over Pensacola Bay kick off at 9 p.m.

Pro Tip: Top viewing spots at Bayfront Parkway and Seville Square. Park in downtown Pensacola and take shuttles.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• Holiday Inn Express Pensacola Beach
• Hilton Pensacola Beach
• Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola Downtown

Fireworks at the National Mall, Washington, DC

Celebrate July 4th in the heart of our nation with a star-spangled bash at the National Mall! Kick off the day with a parade on Constitution Avenue at 11:45 a.m. featuring fife and drum corps, marching bands, floats and equestrian drill teams. Then head to the Washington Monument between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. for family fun, activities and a scavenger hunt. Enjoy a star-studded Independence Day salute at the Capitol Fourth concert on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wrap up the day with a spectacular fireworks display—featuring synchronized pyrotechnics and a stirring musical score—over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at 9:09 p.m. (Yes, it really is scheduled to begin at 9:09 p.m.)

Pro Tips: Use Metro stations near the National Mall for easy access. For the best viewing spots, head to Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument grounds.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• The Georgetown Inn
• Pendry Washington DC—The Wharf
• The Inn at Little Washington

Wawa Welcome America Festival, Philadelphia, PA

Party like it’s 1776 in Philly! This 16-day celebration showcases 56 events spread throughout Philadelphia, culminating in a magnificent fireworks show at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This weeks-long festival brims with interactive experiences and cultural exploration, with free block parties, concerts, a parade, food vendors, community days and free museum days. Capping it all off? A must-see July 4th concert starting at 7 p.m. featuring pop superstars Kesha and Ne-Yo, followed by a dazzling fireworks display over the Philadelphia skyline.

Pro Tip: You’ll find plenty of rooftop bars and restaurants offering stunning fireworks views, as well as prime viewing spots along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, aroundFairmount Park and Schuylkill River Trail.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• Chestnut Hill Hotel
• W Philadelphia
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
  

West Grand Traverse Bay Fireworks, Traverse City, MI

Get ready to watch the sky light up over West Grand Traverse Bay! This free event coincides with the National Cherry Festival every Independence Day at the Traverse City Open Space. Gates open at 8:30 p.m., and fireworks kick off at 10:30 p.m.

Pro Tip: Park downtown and walk to the waterfront. Snag great viewing spots along the south end of West Grand Traverse Bay at Open Space Park, Clinch Park Marina, Bryant Park and West End Beach.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• Bayshore Resort
• Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City
• Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn

Dahlonega’s 4th of July, Atlanta, GA

Get ready for a blast of Americana right in Atlanta’s backyard! Start your day with a dash at the Firecracker 5K and fun run at 8 a.m., then roll on over to the car show at Hanco*ck Park. Here, you can ogle classic cars, enjoy live music and munch on food truck delights. Wave your flags at the patriotic parade, then get your groove on at the 6:30 p.m. concert. As dusk falls, the University of North Georgia’s drill field transforms into a fireworks spectacle.

Pro Tip: Watch from Hanco*ck Park or downtown Dahlonega for great views.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• Glen Hotel, Autograph Collection
• The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
• Four Seasons Hotel, Atlanta

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Boston, MA

For a toe-tapping, star-spangled Independence Day, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular delivers! Led by maestro Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops serenade the city (8 p.m.-10:30 p.m.), followed by a stunning pyrotechnics display (10:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.). Held at the DCR Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade, this July 4th extravaganza transforms the night sky into Boston’s grandest stage.

Pro Tip: The free event allows 12 p.m. access to the Oval, the grass-filled area directly in front of the Shell, for first-come, first-served seating.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• Element Boston Seaport District
• Revere Hotel Boston Common
• Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Grand Lake Fireworks, Grand Lake, CO

This stunning July 4^th fireworks show casts vibrant colors over picturesque Grand Lake. The “evening glow” start around 9:30 p.m., when the U.S.S. Doris launches fireworks into the night sky, illuminating the Rocky Mountain backdrop.

Pro Tips: Bring a chair or blanket and find a cozy spot on the lawn or beach surrounding the Headwaters Marina and Lakefront Park. Post-show, avoid the traffic by lingering in town for music and food.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• Spirit Lake Lodge
• Gateway Inn

Navy Pier Fireworks, Chicago, IL

Although, you won’t see fireworks display at Chicago’s Navy Pier this year (the city does their holiday fireworks on July 3^rd to respect the local communities that do their own exhibits each 4^th of July), the rest of the summer offers the opportunity to wow! From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the Chicago skyline bursts with color every Wednesday (9:00 p.m.) and Saturday (10 p.m.). The free, summer-long fireworks showcase an explosion of color—with prime views from Navy Pier and the surrounding shoreline.

Pro Tip: Paid parking is available at Navy Pier and nearby garages.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• Staypineapple Chicago
• Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
• The Langham, Chicago

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, Cedar Rapids, IA

The Freedom Festival (June 8-July 4) rolls into town with a jam-packed schedule of family-friendly fun. This small-town celebration delivers weeks’ worth of fun in a carnival-like atmosphere. For the grand finale, the July 4th event (5 p.m.-10 p.m.) showcases live music, local food vendors, a kids’ fun zone and a spectacular fireworks display launched from the banks of the Cedar River.

Pro Tip: Get the best fireworks views at parks dotting the riverfront areas, such as Veterans Memorial Park, Brucemore Park and Ellis Park.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• avid hotel Cedar Rapids South—Airport Area
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
• The Hotel at Cedar Rapids

Fireworks at Ogunquit Beach, Ogunquit, ME

Beach party alert! For a Fourth of July fireworks bash with beautiful coastal views, head to scenic Ogunquit Beach. The dazzling nighttime displays starts at 9:15 p.m., offering breathtaking views from Main Beach in the south to Footbridge Beach in the north.

Pro Tip: Parking spaces fill up quickly, especially beach parking lots.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• Meadowmere Resort
• The Dunes on the Waterfront
• The Anchorage by the Sea

Roughriders Rodeo Fireworks, Dickinson, ND

Saddle up for an Independence Day celebration with a cowboy twist! During the three-week Roughrider Days Fair & Expo (June 15-July 6), enjoy a parade, live music, carnival, demolition derby and 4-H activities—plus skilled riders and classic rodeo events.

Pro Tip: On July 4th, head to the Sanford Sports Complex to gaze at the glittering fireworks showering color and light in the gorgeous North Dakota skies.

Nearby AAA Diamond-Designated Hotels:

• Candlewood Suites Dickinson
• Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dickinson
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Dickinson

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