Top 10 Firework Displays in the United States (scroll to bottom for Maine's best firework shows!!)
There’s no shortage of fun activities to do on July 4th. From neighborhood parades to backyard cookouts with friends and family, Independence Day gives us more fun options than there are hours in the day. For those of us who want to celebrate the holiday with a bang, there’s no bigger bang than a firework show that goes all-out. We’ve rounded up some of the most jaw-dropping displays across the country that will blow you away.
1. New York, New York: Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Now in its 43rd year, the nation’s largest fireworks display lights up the night over the East River. This year, fireworks will go off from and near the iconic Brooklyn Bridge while paying homage to the theme of “American cinema.” You can expect to see tributes to the Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Superman and E.T. through a very dramatic score. In the area? There’s no better vantage point than on the water via the Circle Line, Seastreak, or Spirit cruises.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks & Concert
Philadelphia lives up to its status as "America's Birthplace" by starting the celebration days ahead of July 4th! There are two firework shows before the big one on Independence Day itself. On the 4th, the city shuts down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway leading up to the Philadelphia Art Museum (where the fireworks will go off overhead) for the biggest “block party” you’ll enjoy. In the hours before the fireworks, you’ll also get to enjoy a concert featuring Jennifer Hudson and Meghan Trainor.
3. Washington, D.C.: Fireworks at the National Mall
Our nation’s capital goes big with a fireworks display illuminating the many significant historical monuments and memorials in the area. Viewing areas include the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials, among others. The best spot may be the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, especially if you arrive early to enjoy the live concert, A Capitol Fourth, put on by PBS. This year includes a salute to the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street and a performance of the 1812 Overture by the National Symphony Orchestra.
4. Boston, Massachusetts: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
The nation’s oldest public Fourth of July celebration scores a 20-minute long fireworks display with music by the Boston Pops (this year, they’ll host special guest Queen Latifah). As with other shows, arriving early for a good spot will reward you with even more entertainment — like a 50th anniversary tribute to Woodstock by Arlo Guthrie.
5. Saint Louis, Missouri: Fair St. Louis
The Flaming Lips, Keith Sweat and Brett Young lead the entertainment at “America’s Biggest Birthday Party,” which takes place at the famous Arch. The fireworks show takes place nightly from July 4-6. Over the course of those three days, 15,000 pounds of fireworks will certainly let freedom ring.
BONUS: Our Favorite 4th of July Playlist
6. New Orleans, Louisiana: Go Forth on the River
There’s nothing quite like New Orleans’ annual Fourth of July fireworks display. Where else can you see two displays going off at once from dueling barges on the Mississippi River? You can see this show from really any part of town, but the closer you get to the river, the better! For an extra-special night, make a reservation to watch from the New Orleans riverboats: the Creole Queen and the Steamboat Natchez.
7. Dallas, Texas: Addison Kaboom Town!
Located just outside of Dallas, Addison’s annual fireworks display routinely tops “best of” lists (including accolades from the American Pyrotechnics Association). While most fireworks shows go for 20 minutes, Addison's is one of the longest in the nation at 30! If you go, you’re in good company — the town of Addison’s population increases from around 16,000 to 500,000. Just make sure to arrive on the right day: The fireworks go off on the 3rd, not the 4th.
8. Pasadena, California: Americafest
One of Southern California’s largest fireworks display takes place at the Rose Bowl Stadium, where there’s plenty of seating to take in the spectacular scene. If you plan on getting there early — say, 2 pm — you can keep your little ones occupied at the Family Fun Zone held on-site.
9. Las Vegas, Nevada: Fourth of July Fireworks (multiple shows)
The Strip is a sight to see on Independence Day, and it’s not just because of the neon signs and fanciful casino light shows. From Mandalay Bay to Caesar’s, multiple casinos compete with shows and displays. It's up to you to decide which you like best!
10. San Diego, California: Big Bay Boom
If the name of this annual fireworks show rings a bell (and you’re not a local), it might be because of the famous 2012 viral video where all the fireworks in the 18-minute-long display went off in about 12 seconds. It hasn’t happened since, but the spectacle is no less spectacular in comparison.
LOCAL BONUS: Maine's Top Firework Shows
1. Augusta - Fireworks will be set off at Mill Park, located at 1 Water Street, at 9 p.m.
2. Bangor/Brewer - If you're spending the day in Bangor, consider ending it with a firework show over the Penobscot River at 9:30 p.m.
3. Bar Harbor- A fireworks display will start around 9:15 p.m. over Frenchman Bay.
4. Bath - The fireworks attraction on July 4 will start around 9 p.m.
5. Camden - Take on the 'Festival of Independence' in Camden with music, parades, and fireworks over Camden Harbor in the evening. Head to Camden Harbor Park at 55 Main Street to make sure you don't miss it.
6. Freeport - Freeport's annual fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. in the middle of town behind the L.L. Bean campus!
7. Greenville - Fireworks begin in Greenville at East Cove around 9 p.m. on July 4.
8. Lewiston/Auburn - Come to Veterans Park, located at 2-20 Main Street in Lewiston, for a fireworks celebration at 9:30 p.m.
9. Ogunquit - It will be hard to miss the Fourth of July fireworks display at Ogunquit Beach. The show starts around 9:15 p.m., and there are great views from Main Beach all the way up to Footbridge Beach, North Beach, and beyond.
10. Old Orchard Beach - Don't miss the Fourth of July fireworks at Old Orchard Beach! They will be set off by the Pier and Palace Playland on the beach around 9:45 p.m.
11. Portland - Celebrate the Fourth of July with the 'Stars and Stripes Spectacular' in Portland! Fireworks kick off over the waterfront around 9:20 p.m.
The city advises that people view the show from any of the following locations:
-Eastern Promenade Park
-Back Cove/Payson Park
-Peaks Island
-Casco Bay (via boat)
12. Saco - Funtown Splashtown is putting on a fireworks display from 9:30-10 p.m. to celebrate the holiday! Only catch -- it's happening one day early on July 3.
13. Sanford - A day before the holiday, The Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team is putting on a display, followed by fireworks on July 3. The Show Team will be at Number One Pond at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks will follow.
14. Winthrop - The Winthrop Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the town's annual July 4 fireworks! Anyone interested in watching should gather at Norcross Point at the southern end of Maranacook Lake at dusk -- around 9 p.m.
15. York - On July 4, fireworks will take place at York Beach at 9 p.m. Two days later on July 6, fireworks will light up York Harbor Beach, also at 9 p.m. Later this summer, the York Days Fireworks display will take place on August 4 at Short Sands Beach -- so if you can't make it on the holiday, you still have a chance to watch a show this summer!