Are you looking for the best places to celebrate the 4th of July?
As fireworks light up the sky and the smell of barbecue fills the air, Americans come together on this summer holiday. Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, freeing the United States from British rule.
These celebrations, from small-town parades to big-city parties, show how Americans honor their country’s history and values. From Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, to the beaches of Hawaii, we’ll highlight places that offer the best 4th of July celebrations.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is among the best places to be on the Fourth of July because of its rich history where America’s independence began in Philadelphia. The Wawa Welcome America festival runs from June 19 to July 4. It features free concerts with artists like Kesha and Ne-Yo, fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art, historical reenactments, and family activities. Pittsburgh also has a great celebration at Point State Park with live music, food trucks, and a 25-minute fireworks show lighting up the skyline.
What’s great about Pennsylvania is visiting the Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell while enjoying lively celebrations. For 2024, don’t miss the grand finale fireworks in Philadelphia, historical demos at Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Pittsburgh, and community events in central Pennsylvania, like Gettysburg Fourth and Stars Burst Over Carlisle.
Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the great places to celebrate the 4th of July because there are many fun events like the Freedom Fest at Pearl Harbor. Here, you can catch live performances by artists like BRELAND, Bryce Vine, and Theory of a Deadman, plus a fantastic fireworks show. Other highlights include Turtle Bay Resort’s BBQ and fireworks, the Haleiwa 4th of July Fireworks Festival on the North Shore, and the Ala Moana Center’s two-day concert with top Hawaiian bands like Common Kings, Anuhea, and Kapena.
What makes Hawaii’s 4th of July celebrations stand out is the amazing tropical setting with beautiful beaches, ocean views for the fireworks, and traditional Hawaiian hula dancing and local food. For 2024, don’t miss the Kailua Independence Day Parade, the Hukilau Marketplace celebration at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the Schofield Barracks event with an aerial parachute show by SOCOM Para-Commandos.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is one of the best places for the 4th of July, especially this year. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is marking its 50th anniversary, which will be amazing. It takes place on the Esplanade by the Charles River, featuring a concert by the Boston Pops Orchestra and Broadway star Kelli O’Hara. After the concert, there’s a spectacular fireworks show. Another big event is the Boston Harborfest, the country’s largest Fourth of July festival, with historical reenactments, parades, and live music.
Massachusetts was the first state to make Independence Day a holiday in 1781. This year, you can catch the Declaration of Independence being read from the balcony of the Old State House in Boston, a tradition since 1776, and see the USS Constitution’s 21-gun salute in Boston Harbor.
Other fun events include the Levitate Music and Arts Festival in Marshfield, which features performances by Sublime with Jacob Nowell, and the Star Spangled Springfield celebration, which includes fireworks over Riverfront Park.
New York
New York City is another great place to celebrate Independence Day, with the 48th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks returning to the Hudson River for the first time in over ten years.
Expect a huge show with over 60,000 fireworks in more than 30 colors and live performances by artists like Tanner Adell, Luis Fonsi, and Lainey Wilson. There’s also the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, rooftop parties with amazing views of the fireworks, and special cruises along the Hudson River for the best spots.
New York City is special for the 4th of July because of its famous landmarks, awesome viewing spots, and just how big the celebrations are. You can watch the fireworks against the Manhattan skyline or from the Edge at Hudson Yards, one of the highest outdoor observation decks. Plus, there are cool experiences like private parties at the Empire State Building’s 102nd Floor Observatory and themed rooftop parties all over the city.
California
California is one of the best states to celebrate the Fourth of July in 2024, with tons of great events. San Francisco has fireworks over Fisherman’s Wharf and a drone show in Tahoe City. There’s also the Big Bay Boom in San Diego and the Marina del Rey fireworks in Southern California. Theme parks like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios Hollywood also have special fireworks shows that families will love.
What’s great about California is that you can check out the Freedom Fest at the USS Hornet in Alameda, which has ship tours and live music, or join the golf cart parade on Catalina Island.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is another great place for your 4th of July celebrations this year if you want to attend Bristol’s 239th Annual Celebration. It features the oldest continuous Independence Day parade in the U.S., an epic fireworks show over Bristol Harbor, and plenty of concerts leading up to the big day.
Providence also has a great celebration at India Point Park on July 2nd, with live performances by hip-hop violinist Big Lux and the Nettukkuskqk Singers, plus an amazing fireworks display. Other cool events include Newport’s fireworks over the harbor, Block Island’s multi-day party, and even “quiet fireworks” at Beavertail State Park for people sensitive to loud noises.
Rhode Island is ideal for everyone into big parades in Bristol or smaller-town celebrations. The state is small, so you can easily check out multiple events, from beachside fireworks to historical reenactments.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC is an amazing place to celebrate the Fourth of July in 2024. The main event is on the National Mall, where you can enjoy the “A Capitol Fourth” concert with top performers and the National Symphony Orchestra, followed by a fantastic fireworks show. The National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue also has marching bands, floats, and military units.
Washington, DC is the nation’s capital, where the original Declaration of Independence is kept in all the historic landmarks, like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the National Archives. In 2024, you can catch fireworks from places like the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, rooftop bars, or even a Potomac River cruise.
South Dakota
South Dakota is a great place to celebrate the Fourth of July. With Western heritage and awesome landscapes, like the Black Hills and prairies, it’s the perfect setting for fireworks and outdoor fun. Be sure to check out the Mount Rushmore Independence Day celebration for presidential performances, cultural demos, and the monument lighting ceremony.
The Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche runs from June 30 to July 4, with rodeo action, a cattle drive, parades, and two fireworks nights. Sioux Falls has a fun run/walk, parade, free picnic lunch, and entertainment at the Levitt Shell. Other highlights include the Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo in Mobridge, the Uncle Sam Jam in Brookings, and fireworks shows at places like Royal River Casino in Flandreau and over Ravine Lake in Huron.
Texas
If you still haven’t decided where to spend U.S. Independence Day, Texas is an awesome place in the city or by the lake. In Austin, you’ve got the Austin Symphony H-E-B July 4th Concert & Fireworks at Auditorium Shores, which features live music and a huge fireworks show over Lady Bird Lake. Dallas has the Fair Park Fourth celebration with music, food, and fireworks.
Over in Fort Worth, the Fourth at Panther Island Pavilion offers festival food, kids’ activities, live music, and a massive fireworks show over the Trinity River. In Houston, the Freedom Over Texas event at Eleanor Tinsley Park has one of the most stunning fireworks, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
This 2024, check out the Granbury Hometown Fourth of July with its old-fashioned parade, artisan vendors, and fireworks over Lake Granbury. The Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival is another great option, with shopping, live music, and fireworks in a scenic setting. Plus, the Boots and Eats on the Beach in Galveston features beachfront fireworks and food trucks.
Florida
Florida is an awesome place to celebrate the 4th of July in 2024, with a mix of classic patriotic fun and unique experiences. The state’s theme parks, like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort, are going out with special Independence Day fireworks and themed events. For example. LEGOLAND offers a unique experience using 3D glasses to make the fireworks look like exploding LEGO bricks. Beyond the theme parks. Florida’s beaches and waterfront spots are perfect for watching fireworks, like the “Fireworks at the Fountain” event at Lake Eola Park in Orlando.
Now that you have a clear picture of how people celebrate the 4th of July, Americans mark the day with vibrant parades, festive barbecues, patriotic concerts, and dazzling fireworks displays nationwide. From historic reenactments in Philadelphia to watching fireworks display, there are countless ways to commemorate Independence Day.
If you’re considering traveling to experience these celebrations firsthand, sign up on OneAir to access exclusive deals on cheap flights, hotel accommodations, and exciting locations like New York City, Boston, or South Dakota this Fourth of July.
