Fourth of July Fireworks and Festivities Across the U.S.

Washington, D.C.

What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the nation's capital? And if this isn't reason enough to go, D.C. also provides plenty of activities to honor this special holiday, including the National Independence Day Parade, An American Celebration at Mount Vernon, free concerts taking place all over the city, and, of course, the fireworks show over the Mall.

New York City, New York

New York knows how to throw a party, and the Fourth of July is the perfect reason to celebrate. Events take place all over the city and beyond, but the main event is Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show, where more than 40,000 explosions of lights and color will fill the night sky over Manhattan while the New York Pops Orchestra and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir fill the air with music.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As America's birthplace, Philadelphia is ideal for celebrating the country's birthday. The Wawa Welcome America! Festival takes place the week leading up to the Fourth of July and features a slew of events that honor this nation's proud past and hopeful future, including an Independence Day parade, free musical performances, a Taste of Philadelphia, and of course, a breathtaking fireworks show above the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Museum of Art.

Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World honors the Fourth of July this year with three of its parks celebrating in style. The Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will present dazzling pyrotechnics, and Epcot will add a patriotic flare to its "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" production. Be aware that this is one of the busiest days for Disney World, so get there early and claim your spot.

Boston, Massachusetts

This year, Boston will celebrate the Fourth of July in true patriotic fashion, with a kaleidoscope of fireworks, musical appearances from the likes of Toby Keith, and the traditional 1812 Overture performed by the Boston Pops. The Charles River Esplanade will be jam-packed with onlookers, so find a seat early and pack a picnic for the fireworks spectacular.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle celebrates Independence Day at Gas Works Park, with its lively and fun Family Fourth at Lake Union festival. Kite making, an inflatable slide and obstacle course, a beer garden, face painting, and much more will be available for partygoers throughout the day. When the sun sets, one of the top five fireworks displays in the country—according to Time magazine—lights up Lake Union with an array of colors.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus' Red, White, & Boom! celebrations may be the biggest in the Midwest, with all-day events, including an Ohio National Guard flyover, an Independence Day parade, the Taste of Boom!, and a spectacular fireworks show over the downtown Columbus Riverfront. And this year, the finale will be bigger than ever.

Reno, Nevada

Come see larger-than-life fireworks in the biggest little city in the world. Reno offers many different ways for visitors to celebrate America's birthday, including tethered hot air balloon rides and a milk carton boat regatta during the Star Spangled Sparks festivities. Carson City's four-day celebration is also quite popular among locals and visitors alike. However, if fireworks embody the Fourth of July to you, then you will not be disappointed because both cities put on spectacular shows.

Baltimore, Maryland

If you want to avoid the crowds in D.C., nearby Baltimore is a great alternative. The Inner Harbor is a happening place to be for the Fourth, with street performers at the amphitheater during the day and a spectacular fireworks show accompanied by music at night. For a peaceful evening, take a harbor cruise, which provides a scenic view of the fireworks, along with a dinner buffet and an open bar.

Austin, Texas

The Fourth of July celebrations take place all over Austin, but the biggest event is the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks, where more than 100,000 people will gather at Auditorium Shores for patriotic music performed by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, including the 1812 Overture with cannons, and a moving fireworks show over Lady Bird Lake. The concert is free, and the park is a delightful place for a picnic and a show.

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