There’s no better way to celebrate our great nation’s Independence Day than watching impressive fireworks with family and friends. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 9 best fireworks displays in the country. In no particular order, these are our favorites:
WASHINGTON, DC
National Mall Independence Day Celebration
TIME: 9:09pm ET
Because it’s at the nation’s capital, the National Mall Fourth of July Celebration stands as one of the country’s largest fireworks displays. Hundreds of thousands of people fill the National Mall to maximum capacity to see the fireworks fire off from the Reflecting Pool. The 18-minute firework show lights up the D.C. skyline.
ADDISON, TEXAS
TIME: 9:30pm CT
Just twenty minutes north of Dallas, the town of Addison, Texas, (population 19,000) swells each July 3rd to a half-million people as folks show up to party at Kaboom Town! The event at Addison Circle Park also includes a daytime Air Show. At 9:30pm, 1,500 pounds of fireworks blast into the sky for 30 minutes. The show is perfectly timed to music simulcast on a local radio station.
PHILADELPHIA, PA
TIME: 10:00pm ET
The pride of Philly, Wawa Welcome America is billed as the largest free concert in America. The event started on Monday, but it culminates in a spectacular fireworks celebration. (Pro tip: There are two smaller fireworks shows on July 1 and 2 at 9:30pm at Penn’s Landing.) Where better to celebrate the country’s birthday than the birthplace of America?
PORTLAND, OR
Portland Fireworks Show & Waterfront Blues Festival
TIME: 10:05pm PT
This is the largest fireworks show in Oregon, and for good reason! There are around 11,800 fireworks that blast off for 22 minutes. The spectacular display is set up by a five-generation family fireworks business that has been producing shows like these for over 60 years. The fireworks are choreographed perfectly to a sound track simulcast on a local radio station.
PASADENA, TX
TIME: 9:30pm CT
Nestled near Houston, Pasadena’s largest city-sponsored event is its Fourth Fest. There is live music, a BBQ cook-off and a car and truck show before a massive 20-minute fireworks show.
MIAMI, FL
Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
TIME: 9:00pm ET
With most everyone flocking to South Beach, Key Biscayne is an often forgotten gem of Miami. But this South Florida island steals the spotlight on Independence Day. A massive parade starting at 11am ends with a beautiful fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Seafair Summer Fourth at Lake Union
TIME: 10:20pm PT
Seafair is a month-long festival with an impressive display of fireworks at two lakefront parks. Gas Works Park has a family-focused day that begins at noon with food trucks, a kids’ zone and even an all-American pie eating contest. South Lake Union Park boasts live music, food booths and a beverage garden. Both parks have open and reserved seating options, and both have equally spectacular views of the fireworks.
NORFOLK, VA
Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks
TIME: 9:30pm ET
Town Point Park hosts tons of food and live music before an amazing fireworks display along the gorgeous Downtown Norfolk Waterfront.
NEW ORLEANS, LA
TIME: 9:00pm CT
Fireworks are packed onto two barges anchored in the middle of the Mississippi River. The yearly crowd-pleaser can be seen from Woldengerg Park, Crescent Park and the Piety Street footbridge. Jump on the Canal Street Ferry to get an amazing view of the city skyline from the levee at Algiers Point. You can even book a steamboat cruise for a unique view on the river! The fireworks is accompanied by patriotic music simulcast on several local radio stations.
