Fireworks are synonymous with July 4th in the United States. Other nations may celebrate New Year’s Eve or their Independence Day but for America’s Yankee Doodle Day, it’s about lighting up the sky.
ThinkFives polled our firework fanatics and created this list of our American fireworks displays. Look at the skies and enjoy!
And for more July 4th merriment, check out our recent post on July 4th Fun Facts!
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th (Nashville, Tennessee)
The free Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event in Downtown Nashville. 2023 headliners include Brad Paisley along with The War And Treaty, Langhorne Slim, Tiera Kennedy, and more. Past performers have included Keith Urban, Chris Young, Billy Currington and Sheryl Crow. This Fourth of July festival features a Family Fun Zone and the largest fireworks shows in Nashville. This year the pyrotechnics will be synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony.
Teachers can find great enjoyment in attending Music City July 4th as the event offers a diverse and vibrant music scene that can inspire teachers and reignite their passion for music. Music City July 4th also provides teachers with cultural enrichment opportunities, allowing them to deepen their understanding of American traditions, history, and the significance of Independence Day.
Big Bay Boom (San Diego, California)
San Diego is always a great place to visit and never more fun than on the Fourth of July. San Diego’s North Bay, also known as the Big Bay, will be lit up with a spectacular fireworks display orchestrated to originally produced music selections. This is the largest annual event in the western United States with over 500,000 people viewing the show.
The Big Bay Boom is more than just a fireworks show; it is a celebration that unites the community in honoring Independence Day. Teachers understand the importance of fostering a sense of civic pride and community engagement among their students. Attending this event allows teachers to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, witness the collective spirit of celebration, and strengthen their connection to the local community.
This experience can be translated into meaningful classroom discussions about the significance of community involvement, active citizenship, and the value of national celebrations. Teachers can utilize the Big Bay Boom as a catalyst for encouraging students to take pride in their community, engaging in acts of service, and promoting a sense of responsibility and unity.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks (New York City)
Everything needs to be bigger and better in New York and Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display is no different. The fireworks will begin at 9:25 p.m., and there are more than 65,000 shells fired into the air from five barges on the East River. The show lasts 25 minutes and is one of the largest and most exciting events in the country.
The event also includes a show featuring popular singers and musicians including The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus and Broadway Inspirational Voices. For those of you not in the Big Apple during the 4th, it will be broadcast live on NBC television.
With the stunning backdrop of New York City’s skyline, including landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, the fireworks display creates a sense of awe and grandeur. Being in the heart of the bustling metropolis during the show provides a breathtaking visual experience and an unforgettable celebration of independence.
Witnessing the dazzling fireworks, perfectly timed to a curated musical soundtrack, offers a memorable experience that captivates the audience and immerses them in the magic of the event.
National Mall Fireworks (Washington D.C.)
One of the most quintessential portraits of our American celebration of freedom is the kaleidoscope of fireworks seen over the Capital and the Washington Monument in DC. This annual Independence Day fireworks celebration is hosted on the National Mall and launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. There are also patriotic festivities that take place in honor of Independence Day on the southeast grounds of the monument and the annual A Capitol Fourth Concert to entertain visitors.
Taking place at the iconic National Mall, this fireworks display holds great historical and patriotic significance. The National Mall is home to many iconic landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Being in the heart of the nation’s capital during the fireworks show creates a sense of national pride and a connection to the country’s history.
The fireworks burst high above the National Mall, creating a colorful and awe-inspiring scene against the backdrop of the iconic monuments. The show’s magnitude and the precision of the fireworks create a captivating atmosphere that leaves spectators in awe.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (Boston, Massachusetts)
Our choice for the number one fireworks presentation in the United States is not the largest nor the one in our US capital. Instead, we chose the city that started it all with a spontaneous tea party, Boston.
During the day, families can walk the Freedom Trail and at night gather for the renowned Boston Pops Independence Day Concert at the Hatch Memorial Shell stage on the Boston Esplanade.
What makes it quintessentially patriotic is the explosion of fireworks over the shell as the Boston Pops’ music crescendos Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture across the Boston waterfront.
The Boston Pops Orchestra, renowned for its exceptional performances, takes center stage at this event. The orchestra, led by esteemed conductor Keith Lockhart, delivers a captivating musical experience that transcends genres and delights audiences of all ages. With their dynamic interpretations of classical pieces, iconic pop hits, and patriotic tunes, the Boston Pops Orchestra creates a powerful and engaging musical backdrop for the fireworks display.
The event is held along the Charles River Esplanade, with picturesque views of the city skyline and the iconic Hatch Shell performance venue. This historic setting adds depth and meaning to the celebration, creating a sense of connection to the nation’s past. Being in Boston during the fireworks show allows attendees to appreciate the city’s rich history and the role it played in shaping the United States. It’s an opportunity to celebrate independence in a place steeped in historical significance.
Honorable Mentions
Waterfront Blues Festival (Portland, Oregon)
The Waterfront Blues Festival is downtown Portland’s largest and longest-running music festival and one of the most renowned celebrations of the Blues in the world.
WaWa Welcome America July 4th Concert & Fireworks (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The Philadelphia Welcome America Festival is an annual series of celebrations leading up to Independence Day, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The US is not alone in terms of great fireworks. Check out ThinkFives Top 5 International Fireworks Display.
Sources
- https://www.rd.com/list/independence-day-fireworks-each-state/
- https://www.lakesrealtygroup.com/blog/us-fireworks
- https://www.macys.com/social/fireworks/
- https://www.visitmusiccity.com/july4th
- https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalmall4th/things-to-do.htm
- https://www.bso.org/boston-pops-fireworks-spectacular/tune-in
- https://welcomeamerica.com/event/wawa-welcome-america-july-4th-concert/
- https://waterfrontbluesfest.com/festival-information/
- https://bigbayboom.com/donate/about-the-fireworks-show/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bay_Boom
I’ve always wanted to go to the DC fireworks. But…I hate crowds, so there’s that problem 🤣🎆🎇
They’re all beautiful and I love the colors but I won’t fight the crowds! 💥
Wanna go to New York City fireworks🥳