Photo courtesy of America’s Freedom Festival at Provo
No. 10:
America’s Freedom Festival at Provo – Provo, Utah
A Grand Parade in downtown Provo, complete with floats, bands, balloons, and equestrian groups, precedes the Freedom Festival’s annual Stadium of Fire, with live performances at LaVell Edwards Stadium on the campus of Brigham Young University. The finale is the largest stadium fireworks show in the United States.
Photo courtesy of Zach Dalin
No. 9:
Fair Saint Louis – St. Louis, Missouri
Stars like Elton John, Martina McBride, and Nelly have taken the stage at St. Louis’ annual 4th of July weekend party, which is free of charge to attend. The climactic fireworks display takes place above the Mississippi River, framed by the Gateway Arch, in a show that can last as long as 30 minutes.
Photo courtesy of PORT OF SAN DIEGO
No. 8:
Big Bay Boom – San Diego, California
Billed as a salute to military members and their families in a city that hosts the U.S. Navy’s second-largest surface ship base, Big Bay Boom is an 18-minute fireworks display. The spectacle can be seen from anywhere in San Diego’s North Bay, including the Embarcadero, the Marina District, Shelter Island, and Harbor Island.
Photo courtesy of Photographer: Alan Poizner
No. 7:
Let Freedom Sing! – Nashville, Tennessee
You’d expect 4th of July fireworks in Nashville to be accompanied by country music, and Music City does not disappoint. Nashville’s annual Let Freedom Sing! celebration not only pairs a patriotic party with downtown concerts by established and rising country stars, but also synchronizes its climactic fireworks display with a live performance by the Nashville Symphony.
Photo courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
No. 6:
Wawa Welcome America – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What better place to celebrate the 4th of July than the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776? The free Wawa Welcome America festival runs for more than two weeks, starting on Juneteenth and culminating in a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The fireworks are best viewed from the parkway between Eakins Oval and Logan Circle.
Photo courtesy of Town of Addison
No. 5:
Addison Kaboom Town! – Addison, Texas
Every Independence Day weekend, the Dallas suburb of Addison, Texas, is transformed into “Kaboom Town,” with up to half a million visitors arriving to enjoy an air show at the Addison Airport followed by an impressive fireworks display. Visible from anywhere in town, the air show and fireworks can also be enjoyed at a variety of locally organized “watch parties” as well as Addison Circle Park.
Photo courtesy of Dusty Hoskovec Photography via Minneapolis Aquatennial
No. 4:
Minneapolis Aquatennial – Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Minneapolis Aquatennial always takes place the third full week of July. Popular attractions include the Torchlight Parade and the huge Target Fireworks show along the Mississippi riverfront. The display features more than 10,000 pounds of fireworks choreographed to a soundtrack.
Photo courtesy of Amelia Earhart Festival
No. 3:
Concert in the Sky at the Amelia Earhart Festival – Atchison, Kansas
Amelia Earhart’s hometown of Atchison, Kansas, honors the aviator during their Amelia Earhart Festival in July. One of the most popular attractions at this weekend fest is the Concert in the Sky fireworks show. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the entertainment before the big event, which includes live music and stunt pilots flying above the Missouri River.
Photo courtesy of The Parade Company
No. 2:
Ford Fireworks – Detroit, Michigan
The Ford Fireworks show in Detroit is so big that it takes not one, not two, but a total three barges to hold the pyrotechnics. In addition to the colorful display exploding above the Detroit River, spectators can enjoy live music and plenty of food and drinks.
Photo courtesy of Barry Butler Photography
No. 1:
Navy Pier – Chicago, Illinois
One of Chicago’s secret pleasures is that you can enjoy fireworks at the iconic Navy Pier almost any time of year, including shows twice a week during the summer and when welcoming in the new year with a blast every December 31. In addition to viewing from the pier itself, pyrotechnic lovers can watch the show from charter boats on Lake Michigan, hotel rooftops, Maggie Daley Park, or along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail.