Roundup

The Best 4th of July Events Around the Country

Last updated 17th June 2019

Independence Day is practically synonymous with fireworks, food and family festivities. You can count on these three things at all the 4th of July events across the United States — but some cities take it up a notch. From Lake Tahoe to Colonial Williamsburg, we’ve rounded up some of the absolute best 4th of July events across the country. Gear up in your red, white and blue and hit these celebrations.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

What better place to celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s birth than Colonial Williamsburg? An epic Independence Day destination, Colonial Williamsburg was where founding fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and George Mason established and instituted the principles and policies that led to the founding of our nation. Colonial Williamsburg offers an immersive 4th of July experience, where the best traditions of past and present meet and mingle in America’s most magical historic city.

The American spirit fills every block in Colonia Williamsburg. Throughout the day there are special patriotic programs in the village’s interpretive venues including a firing of muskets and cannons and a salute to the 13 original colonies. With admission, kids can play colonial games at Patriots at Play and even try a new form of hands-on, 18th-century education at the Ax Range. Enjoy unforgettable performances from Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums and be sure to stick around for the fireworks.

Best 4th of July Events

Disneyland, California

Salute the stars and stripes with a patriotic, pyrotechnic grand finale firework show after the new Disneyland Forever show. Over at Disney California Adventure Park, you can celebrate the USA’s 239th birthday with an extra burst of patriotic color before each performance of the new World of Color — Celebrate! nighttime water show. And, for even more red, white and blue excitement, military bands will provide musical entertainment at Disneyland.

Panama City Beach, Florida

This year Panama City Beach is hosting a red, white and blue extravaganza with a full week of Fourth of July events. With its 27 miles of award winning beaches, emerald water and All-American atmosphere, Panama City Beach invites visitors of all ages to celebrate America’s independence on its sugar-white shores and enjoy a variety of events for the whole family.

Panama City Beach is serving up five nights of spectacular fireworks (the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast!) in a variety of locations, a Veterans Memorial Ceremony and a free country concert in Bessant Park Amphitheater — bring your own picnic and lawn games!

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville’s July 4th celebration is a family affair! Climbing walls, water slides, samples, games, live music, and so much more will keep every member of your family having a great time. Be sure to stop by the Music City Walk of Fame Park for the Wyler’s Light Family Fun Zone for music, inflatables and games. Dr. Pepper will also be there giving away free samples to stay hydrated before the big event: the spectacular fireworks show at night.

Baltimore, Maryland

In Baltimore, you can trace our country’s journey to independence through the War of 1812 when soldiers, stationed at Fort McHenry, defended the city from British attack and Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star-Spangled Banner,” which became the national anthem. Visit the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House to see the home where Mary Pickersgill sewed the flag that inspired Key.

Baltimore offers the perfect setting to don red, white and blue and honor America’s birthday. This year, there’s a great line-up of events for families: the Visionary Pets on Parade, a Frederick Douglass speech presentation, the Star Spangled Spectacular fireworks show, the Independence Day Deck Party on board the USS Constellation and more.

Best 4th of July Events - Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, California

Families flock to Lake Tahoe on the 4th of July for the sandy beaches, food and drinks, community events and fireworks shows. What sounds better than spending the 4th of July with family and friends on a nice sandy beach, mingling with the crowds until the sun recedes and the fireworks shows begin?

The July 4th fireworks extravaganza is one of the most popular Independence Day celebrations in the West with 100,000 plus onlookers. This annual family tradition is choreographed to music and broadcast on local radio stations. The fireworks are launched from offshore barges and can be seen from all corners of town. South Shore offers convenient access to viewing areas via public transportation, paved bike trails and nearby park and walk venues.

Washington, D.C.

Each year Washington, DC, celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang. Savor summer’s biggest holiday in the nation’s capital with fireworks on the National Mall, attend the free “A Capitol Fourth” concert on the lawn of the capitol, honor the Founding Fathers (and their time-tested documents) at the National Archives or sit back for America’s favorite pastime: a daytime baseball game at Nationals Park. Experience the fun and spirit of Independence Day in the most American of settings.

By Bridgette Langdon