In honor of America’s independence, we like to take the day off, fire up the grill, and blow things up. Each year, over 280 million pounds of fireworks are detonated across the US. Here are the shows around the country that promise to be quite explosive (ugh, sorry, we hate ourselves for that one).
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, New York City
The country’s largest fireworks display is viewed live by 3 million people each year. For the 41st annual display, more than 60,000 shells will be detonated from 5 barges set up along the East River between 24th and 41st streets. Prime viewing spots include Long Island City, and Williamsburg/Greenpoint waterfront, and along the FDR Drive.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Join the half a million people who celebrate the 4th in Boston each year. Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, Andy Grammer, Melissa Etheridge, and Leslie Odom, Jr., of Hamilton fame will headline the show, which is as celebrated for the music as it is for the fireworks.
National Mall Independence Day Celebration, Washington, D.C.
It doesn’t get more patriotic than celebrating the Fourth of July in our nation’s capital. Grab a grassy spot on the National Mall – you’ll have to get there early – to watch fireworks burst over the Washington monument and the U.S. Capitol. The pyrotechnics are concentrated in a small part of the sky for maximum effect, and the show lasts for 17 minutes.
Kaboom Town!, Addison, Texas
The Dallas suburb of Addison is only home to 15,800 residents, but a staggering 500,000 flock the town each year for an epic fireworks display. Taking place on July 3, Kaboom Town! uses 3,500 pounds of fireworks, and has been considered one of the nation’s best fireworks shows in the US for over 30 years. Before the bangs, check out an airshow put on by the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, featuring aerobatics and pyrotechnics.
Wawa Welcome America!, Philadelphia
Celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace with a six day festival that leads up the the grand finale fireworks show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Lights on the Lake, Lake Tahoe
Head to this picturesque Northern California vacation spot to see the fireworks display light up the enormous lake. Grab a spot on the waterfront, or try a lake cruise for a unique perspective.
Big Bay Boom, San Diego
This 17 minute spectacular features fireworks set off from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South Marina Park and Coronado Ferry Landing.
America’s Biggest Birthday Party, St. Louis, Missouri
This multi-day festival will feature 15,000 pounds of fireworks set off in the shadow of the city’s iconic Gateway Arch, as well as performances from Akon, 3 Doors Down, Jake Owen, and more.