The summer is in full swing and you’re ready to have some fun and celebrate our country’s freedom this Fourth of July. You could have a small backyard barbecue, or go all out and plan a family trip to one of the nation’s many festivals or fireworks displays.
With fun Fourth of July celebrations being held across the country, how can you possibly pick just one? Well, to help you narrow it down a bit, here are our top 11 picks for the best Fourth of July celebration in 2016!
Falmouth, MA
Beginning in 1981, volunteers have worked tirelessly to provide the town of Falmouth with a spectacular fireworks display off the coast each and every year. This widely anticipated display brings East coast citizens out in droves, so if you’re planning on checking this one out, get there early to claim your spot on the beach. You can always bring a picnic or Frisbee and make a day of it. Once dusk sets in, a professional display is shot from a barge in the ocean. The whole show is set to a musical score that is broadcast over the radio. It’s truly a one of a kind experience.
Montpelier, VT
Independence Day is a huge deal in Montpelier – it’s the largest celebration you’ll find in the state! The tight knit town has a full blown festival leading up to the big event with activities including a parade, science activities at Montshire Museum, crafts and family-friendly activities at the Vermont History Museum, food vendors galore, a dance party, and so much more. This year, they’re even holding a Family Olympics competition in honor of the Rio Olympic Games coming up this August. But, the pièce de résistance is the fireworks display, which can be viewed from the State House Lawn. The fireworks light up the whole town – you won’t want to miss this display!
Addison, TX
Addison’s annual Kaboom Town! larger than life fireworks display is known nationwide as one of the most impressive displays around. Recognized in countless publications, like USA Today, Huffington Post, and more, the event draws people from far and wide for this one night only event. The main event is held at Addison Circle Park, but there’s really no bad view of the display – there are watch parties at businesses across town, or you can even enjoy the show from the comfort of your own home if you’re lucky enough to live in town. This year’s display will be bigger than ever due to an extended finale and new types of fireworks. If you’re a fireworks fanatic, you’re not going to want to miss this.
St. Louis, MO
The Fourth of July celebration in St. Louis is a weekend long extravaganza. It’s touted as “America’s Biggest Birthday Party,” and for good reason! Not only does the celebration feature typical festival activities, attendees can also enjoy concerts from well-known headliners like Flo Rida, Lee Brice, and Sammy Hagar. In case that’s not exciting enough, an outstanding fireworks display will close each night of the weekend. This Fourth of July celebration is definitely going to be one to remember!
Manassas, VA
This charming, historic small town holds one of the more traditional Independence Day festivals on this list, complete with an apple pie baking contest, a watermelon eating contest, and a patriotic bike decorating contest. The Manassas Museum lawn is the perfect vantage point for the fireworks display at the end of the evening, but this year, they’re also opening the rooftop of the city parking garage to those who’d like a bird’s eye view of the pyrotechnics. The remarkable Independence Day celebration definitely puts Manassas on the map!
Catonsville, MD
Every year, the whole town of Catonsville bands together months ahead of time to raise enough money for their annual July 4th celebration. The city puts on a dazzling display of July 4th fireworks with the generous donations – some estimates put the cost at $1,000 per minute of fireworks, so you can imagine the dedication it takes to raise enough money for a full show! The excitement ramps up days and even weeks in advance as spectators stake out their spots with lawn chairs. You’ll find the town decked out in red, white, and blue for the themed parade – this year’s theme is “Pathway to Tomorrow.” Other festivities include live entertainment, food vendors, and kid-friendly activities before the fireworks show. This town displays small town Americana in a big way – don’t pass up the chance to experience it!
Lakewood, OH
Off the shores of Lake Erie, this up and coming Ohio town holds a yearly 4th of July celebration that can’t be beat! Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Cleveland, attendees can enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Before the display, attendees can take a walk along the beach, get their fill of fair food, and listen to a performance from Lakewood Project offshoot, Lakewood High School’s Youth Rock Orchestra. Then, after dark, enjoy the fantastic fireworks display with a view of the cityscape lit up in the distance. If you’ll be in the area, this event is sure to be a fun time.
Currituck, NC
Pack your flip flops and head to Currituck, NC this Fourth of July. Held along the northern Outer Banks, Curritck is set to hold its 24th annual Festival of Fireworks, and it’s sure to be a good time. This is a popular event, so you’ll want to get there with plenty of time to spare. Luckily, there are fun family events, like cornhole tournaments, watermelon eating contest, and other games to take part in before the dusk display. Cap the evening off with the seaside fireworks display, which is, quite simply, beautiful. Venture to the Outer Banks and make this Fourth of July one you’ll never forget.
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Red, White, and Boom! festival begins bright and early with a 5K, half marathon, and relay event, and the fun just keeps on going from there! A Family Fun Zone is set up with live entertainment, an outdoor movie, fair foods, and high energy atmosphere. The evening ends with a “Boom!” as an impressive Riverfront fireworks display is shot off from Water Power Park. We guarantee you’ll never see a fireworks display more scenic than this.
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake’s Celebrate Freedom festival, located at the Chesapeake City Park, is jam packed with fun activities for every age. They have giant lawn games, face painting, a magic show, a silent auction and raffles, tasty food truck fare, and live entertainment. The U.S. Army TRADOC Command Band from Fort Monroe is scheduled to provide patriotic tunes, and The Jim Newsom Quartet will also perform before the fireworks display. You’ve got to check out this extraordinary event!
Delano, MN
Delano goes all out for Independence Day with a full-blown carnival, all-American baseball tournament, and oh so much more. In addition to the expected festival features, you’ll experience one of a kind events, like a performance from Dazzling Dave the Yo-Yo Champ, a fiercely competitive Battle of the Fire Departments (which is, of course, all in good fun), and thrilling Midway rides from GoldStar Amusements. Oh, and the fireworks are so highly anticipated, they even give a 5-minute teaser on July 3rd to pump up the crowd even more. Just imagine how impressed you’ll be by the grand finale fireworks display in Central Park on Independence Day!
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Will you be venturing out to any of these events or quietly celebrating at home? Did we miss any 4th of July celebrations on our list? Tell us about your plans in the comments!
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