Freedom, family, friends, food and fireworks — we all know the formula for a good time during the Fourth of July, especially since we all experienced it not too long ago. There’s no shortage of fireworks displays in the United States on Independence Day, and now after the fact, perhaps you’re wondering about some of the best Fourth of July celebrations for next year. Here is a short list to get right to the point, featuring three shows you’ve probably heard of and two that might surprise you.
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks—New York, New York
It may be cliché, but no fireworks list would be complete with this astounding event. Arguably the most well-known fireworks display in the country, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show features pyrotechnics blasted off from barges on the East River. In its current form, the show has existed since 1976, though the show technically began in 1958 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Macy’s store.
The show requires 50 pyrotechnicians hand-wiring the shells on two barges to a computer, which has 1,600 lines of programming. Starting around 9:25 p.m., the massive display features 1,900-2,200 shells per minute!
Good places to view the fireworks include FDR Drive at East 23rd Street, East 34th Street and East 42nd Street, Gentry Plaza State Park. And if you don’t mind watching fireworks on a screen, you can view the show on NBC, the Peacock app, and YouTube TV, among other streaming services.
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks and Concert—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What could be better and more patriotic than watching Fourth of July fireworks in the City of Brotherly Love, the birthplace of America? WaWa Welcome America, sponsored by the Wawa convenience store company, is actually a 16-day festival from June 19 to July 4, with the grand finale being the fireworks display, which takes place over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The festivities and concerts are completely free, and a number of museums and institutions offer free admission, including the art museum, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and the National Constitution Center! The pre-fireworks concert starts at 7 p.m. in front of the art museum. The fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.
And don’t forget the parade! It starts at 11 a.m. at the intersection of 2nd and Market Streets in Philadelphia’s Old City.
Big Bay Boom—San Diego, California
Touted as California’s largest fireworks display, the Big Bay Boom features fireworks launched from four barges in the San Diego Bay starting a 9 p.m. Before the big finale, you can explore the Maritime Museum of San Diego and other areas of the bay. But what makes this firework show stand out is all the unique locations for viewing. Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Waterfront Park and various hotels and restaurants are all available.
You can even watch them on the flight deck of the USS Midway or on another boat in the water! And if you’re itching for a good patriotic soundtrack, head over to South Embarcadero Park and listen to the San Diego Symphony Pops while you enjoy the pyrotechnics.
Melaleuca Freedom Celebration—Idaho Falls, Idaho
Most people don’t think of Idaho when they think of America’s best fireworks shows, but, believe it or not, Idaho Falls hosts the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi River. The show is sponsored by Melaleuca, a consumer goods company based in the area, and attracts more than 200,000 people. The day’s festivities begin at 9 a.m. with the city’s Independence Day Parade. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., live entertainment, activities for children, crafts, food, and even helicopter rides can be enjoyed at Snake River Landing, an area off the Snake River that consists of shopping centers, parks, trails and residential areas.
The fireworks begin at 10:00 p.m., and the launching of more than 18,000 shells over the Snake River lasts for 31 minutes. The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration has appeared more than once on the American Pyrotechnics Association’s list of “must-see Independence Day fireworks displays.” What’s more, most of the fireworks in the show are made in the good old USA — just another patriotic perk for the biggest fireworks show in the American West.
Everett’s July Fourth—Everett, Washington
Just north of Seattle, Everett is a small waterfront town that sits on the shores of Possession Sound. While the fireworks can be watched from numerous places, the festivities take place at the city’s Legion Memorial Park. Starting at 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy food trucks, live music, activities for children (including the park’s playground and ballfields) and a beer garden (for adults, of course).
The city-hosted fireworks begin at 10:30 p.m. and are accompanied by a musical soundtrack on local radio. Just note that if you want to view the fireworks at Legion Memorial Park, there isn’t any available parking — you would have to take a shuttle or an Uber or find some other way to get there.
Each of these shows is fantastic and can offer a unique experience for next year’s Fourth of July. You could watch the largest pyrotechnic display in New York City or celebrate independence with bursting aerials in America’s birthplace. Or you could enjoy the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi in east East Idaho, stand in awe at bright colors over the San Diego Bay, or ogle at pyrotechnics in the night sky in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Whether you view experience one of these events or some other, you’re sure to have a good time. Of course, there’s plenty of time before July 2024, so need to rush! Let fireworks and freedom ring!
