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Fourth of July Celebrations 4th of July Events Fireworks Shows USA Indepencence Day Parties

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Complete guide to Fourth of July clebrations across the country in major cities, plus lakes andd rivers.



Fourth of July Celebrations in the USA
Independence Day in American Cities, Beaches, and Lakes


Huge events like the WaMu Family Fourth in Seattle light up the sky.
Photo: WaMu Family Fourth.


Americans celebrate their independence with fireworks across the USA.

From sea to shining sea – and over the beaches, through the rivers and lakes and beyond – Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style befitting such a large country.

Independence Day – as it's known by its more formal title – involves fireworks and friends and/or families, backyard barbecues and beer, parades and parties, a day at the ol' ballpark, or, at the beaches, martinis and bikinis.

It's sporting Uncle Sam costumes, waving the Stars & Stripes and red, white and blue. Normally, this is a much-anticipated multi-day event with the Fourth being the natural pinnacle of celebration. In 2007, the holiday is on "Hump Day," a Wednesday right in the middle of the week. While most city celebrations will begin on the previous weekend, there's also activities the following weekend. What days Americans have off work will naturally vary by employer.

So strike up the band and read about where to spend the Fourth of July 2007.

This article focuses on the major party places for Independence Day. It features city celebrations around the country, the best boat parties on the rivers and lakes and sports the key sporting events. It includes essential information, times and places of fireworks shows, links to official event websites and/or city sites (the ones without links either don't have specific event websites or the city's websites are so weak they offer little helpful information). A separate article on the Fourth of July in Los Angeles can be found at this link.

USA City Celebrations –


The show at the Rose Bowl is the biggest fireworks performance in L.A.

• BALTIMORE – All-day event starting at noon with entertainment at Inner Harbor Amphitheater located at Light and Pratt streets.
Fireworks: Inner Harbor. Watch from Federal Hill, Fell's Point, Canton and Rash Fiel. Or the Top of the World Trade Center ($5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children).

• BOSTON – Annual concerts held July 3 and 4 on the Esplanade. Charles River between the Longfellow and Mass Ave., bridges on both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. The Oval is the area in front of the Hatch Shell. People and boats pack the area.
Concessions:
Food and merchandise.
Cost:
Free First come, first serve for best seating.
Fireworks: July 4, 10 p.m. .Event Website.
Boston Harborfest.
June 28-July 4. A seven-day event along the waterfront that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of Boston and the American Revolution. The starting point is City Hall Plaza across from Faneuil Hall. Daily concerts on City Hall Plaza (times vary but about noon-7 p.m.; Friday features a beach-style band called The Flounders with patriotic music on July 4, 1-4 p.m.). A food highlight is Chowderfest on July 1, which crowns Boston's Best Chowder to a deserving restaurant (we personally have our own choice for best chowder).
Cost: Free. Chowderfest is $10, $7 for children under 12.
More Information: Event Website.

• CHICAGO – Taste of Chicago, June 29-July 9. Grant Park.
Event:
More than 70 participating restaurants, plus live music. Busiest day is usually July 3.
Music:
Daily headliners include Kenny Rogers, John Mayer, Black Crows and Cheap Trick.
Food: Chicago pizza and ribs (of course), alligator, cheesecake and cheeseburgers, cheeseburgers from that famous place. Food and drink tickets are $5.50 for a strip of 11. Food: 7-9 tickets.
Drink: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are sold on-site. Beer: 7 tickets.
Cost:
Free.
Fireworks:
July 3, 9:30 p.m.
More Information:
City of Chicago Event Website.
Navy Pier Fireworks: July 4. Starts 9 p.m. 10-minute show set to patriotic music. The Navy Pier also has fireworks displays every Sunday and Wednesday from Memorial Day thru Labor Day, on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
More Information:
(312) 595-7437. Navy Pier Fireworks Website.


Fireworks in Long Beach over the harbor and the Queen Mary.

• LOS ANGELES – The biggest fireworks show is at the Rose Bowl but the biggest parties are at the beach. So take your pick. Or apply this knowledge: families go to the Rose Bowl – or for fireworks in Long Beach or Marina del Rey – and single partiers head for the beach.
The Rose Bowl:
Concessions inside and outside the stadium beginning at noon. California Philharmonic Orchesta plays inside the stadium at 7; fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking: $20. Rose Bowl admission $12, kids under 7 free (no alcohol sold inside). Tailgate beforehand at "the backstop" outside of the Rose Bowl's signature entrance.
More Information: (626) 577-3101. Rose Bowl "Amerifest" Website.
Long Beach Fireworks:
The best combination of family fun and young and fun singles and young adults. Live performances by local bands as well as Augustana with stadium and GA seating ($25-35, beach chairs allowed). Bands start at 3 with fireworks at 9 p.m. The location is Rainbow Lagoon across Shoreline Drive from Marina Green and Shoreline Village. Fireworks over the water can be seen from several places along Marina Green and the patios of the seaside bars in Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor (free). Part of the two-month Long Beach Sea Festival.
More Information:
Event Website and the Long Beach Sea Festival Website.
Marina del Rey Fireworks:
Annual event over the main channel attracts thousands; best place to view is Chase Park where music to the fireworks is played over loudspeakers. Fireworks begin 9 p.m. Earlier in the day, there's a parade in adjacent Westchester, from Loyola Blvd. to Loyola Marymount University.
More Information:
Event Website.

For activities on the Southern California beaches, scroll below.


Summerfest combines a huge music festival with the holiday.

• MILWAUKEE – Rolled into the World's Largest Music Festival, Summerfest, there are fireworks over the water. The Black Crows and Asia are the big bands on the Fourth. Concessions, bars, the works. $15.
More Information: Read our writeup on Summerfest. The Summerfest Website is here, but opt for non-Flash option; otherwise the too-fancy-for-its-own-good version will produce more frustration than information.

• MINNEAPOLIS – The Taste of Minnesota. June 29-July 4. Harriet Island Regional Park. Minnesota's' largest festival features live music, an amusement park, food and fireworks.
Fireworks: July 4, 10:15 p.m.
Music:
Strong lineup includes George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Marshall Tucker followed by the Charlie Daniels Band (Monday, July 2) , the Village People and, for a streak of patriotic spirit, the US Air Force Heartland of America Band.
Food:
Snacks, Hamburgers, spare ribs (plus cole slaw and cornbread), Italian sausage sandwiches, bratwurst, gyros, burritos, American fair food (corn dogs!) and dessert (chocolate covered cheesecake, ice cream, sundaes)
Cost:
Free.
More Information:
Official Event Website.

• NEW YORK CITY – New York is so big they have to launch fireworks from three locations. which together comprise the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks over the Manhattan skyline.
Fireworks:
Starts at 9 p.m., precededed by a US Air Force flyover. Fireworks will be launched from the East River in Midtown South Street Seaport and Liberty State Park. The show will be televised on NBC.
Other Events:
A free concert by Belle and Sebastian in Battery Park, 3:30 p.m. Hot dog eating contest at Nathan's on Coney Island (for best viewing, arrive by 11 a.m.). More than 30,000 people watched it in 2006 and the event is televised on ESPN. On Long Island, there's a police car demolition derby followed by fireworks on July 1. (5:30 p.m.) There are Fourth of July parades in Port Jefferson, Southampton and Southhold and fireworks in Jones Beach State Park, in Mantauk at Umbrella Beach and Shelter Island on Crescent Beach.

• PHILADELPHIA – Multi-day event with concerts, two nights of fireworks, the Taste of Philadelphia and an Independence Day parade.
Independence Day Events:
Independence Day ceremony, Independence Hall, 10 a.m. Happy Birthday America, National Constitution Center, noon-2 p.m. Party on the Parkway, Ben Franklin Parkway, 2-6:30 p.m. Fourth of July parade, Ben Franklin Parkway, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Fireworks:
Saturday, June 30, Great Plaza at Penn's Landing. 8:30-9:30 p.m. Fourth of July: Steps of Art Museum. 8:30-11 p.m. Hall and Oates concert , 8:30-11 p.m.
More Information: Official Event Website.


The crowd at the WaMu Family Fourth. Photo: WaMu Family Fourth.

• SEATTLE – In a show of true American spirit, Seattle combines a barbecue, festival and a beer garden into its Fourth of July scene. Called the WaMu Family Fourth and held at Gas Works Park, it's topped by fireworks set to music over Lake Union. Simultaneously, another celebration takes place at Myrtle Edwards Park, the Jul-Ivar's over Elliott Bay. This used to be an all-day party but is now confined just to the fireworks (no alcohol allowed).
Concessions:
At the free WaMu Family Fourth, it's hot dogs, pizza, corn-on-the-cob, gyros, and "elephant ears" and non-alcoholic beverages. Coolers are allowed for personal picnics and people are free to use BBQs inside the park. No alcohol can be brought in, but that's where the beer garden comes into play. Noon-10 p.m.
Beer Garden:
Noon-9:30 p.m.
Fireworks: Starts at 10 p.m. Both shows can be seen from the Space Needle's Observation Deck and SkyCity Restaurant at a price – $35 for adults, $15 for children.
More Information:
Official WaMu Family Fourth Event Website.

• WASHINGTON, D.C. – The nation's capitol naturally makes a big deal out of the Fourth.
Events: America's Independence Day Parade, 11:45 a.m., starting at National Mall and moving down Constitution Ave., between 7th and 17th streets. Marching bands, floats, military units and VIPs. Attracts 500,000 spectators. Popular music groups play from mid-afternoon until the fireworks. The National Symphony Orchestra, with guest stars and soloists, performs at 8 p.m.
Fireworks:
The show is over the Washington Monument. Preceded by a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and popular bands performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m., and last approximately 30 minutes. Viewing at the National Mall. Some prefer to watch from the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. PBS will televise the show.
Cost: Free.

• WILLIAMSBURG, VA – Actors portray life in the days leading to the revolution in the town and historic houses. Fireworks at dusk.

Fourth of July Beach Parties –


Bikinis and martinis – The 4th at American beaches is a party.

• LOS ANGLES BEACHES: Hermosa, Manhattan Redondo Beaches – All up and down the Strand - particularly in party-hearty Hermosa – people gather at houses along the beach. Some are small gatherings while others are huge keggers with live bands. Strap on the rollerblades, hop on the bike or just walk and enjoy. Alcohol is technically not permitted on the Strand or on the beach, though concealment in plastic containers is usually tolerated. This will start on Saturday, July 1, and build to July 4. Fireworks are launched from the Redondo Beach Pier, El Segundo and Marina del Rey; often all three can be seen from single vantage point.

• ORANGE COUNTY, CA – According to "Mister OC," the palce to party is the singles-friendly Newport Beach. For years the city has closed the Newport Peninsula to control the hundreds of parties that spring up on this festive day. Every block in every location has what seems like an endless series of booze, beautiful tanned bodies, cutting edge music and raucous fun!. You'll see live bands, kegs stacked high, lots of tanned bods, and more action than you can absob, all within a block or two of the expansive Newport Beach coastline. Enjoy, but don't drink on the streets!

Just up the coast, Huntington Beach hosts the largest Fourth of July parade west of the Mississippi draws 250,000 people (starts, 10 a.m.). Afterward, Pier Plaza Expo at the foot of the HB Pier is worth taking in, featuring entertainment and street vendors all day into the evening. Many private parties abound in the local area; just cruise around and you'll spot them, always under the watchful, wary eyes of the local PD lest things get a little too rowdy. The day settles into night with a huge fireworks display at dusk, over the water, just an epic presentation with hundreds of boats and 100,000 viewing on the shore.

More Information: Mister OC Website. Also, PubClub's Los Angeles Fourth of July Party Guide.

• PACIFIC BEACH, CA (SAN DIEGO) – The young and fun seaside community is much like Manhattan/Hermosa and Newport in that its a year-round party. But on certain occasions like the Fourth of July it gets absolutely nuts. Case in point: A group organizes an annual beach party consisting of beer pong, canopies, a 30-foot flag pole, tubs of beer, grills, a generator, PA system, blenders, slip & slide... Well you get the picture. In all about 1.5 million people are surfside in PB (as it's known to locals) and neighboring Mission and Ocean beaches.
More Information: Pacific Beach Bars & Restaurants.

• ST. PETERSBURG, FL. – Fourth of July @ the Pier. Billed as a family event, it opens at 5 with concessions the Community Concert Band at 7 p.m., and fireworks at 8:30 over the bay.
More Information:
Event Website.

Down On the River –


Austin's Lake Travis and Indy's Geist Reservoir are best for boat drinks.
(Bottom photo: LakeTrash.com)

•  LAKE TRAVIS, AUSTIN TEXAS– The ultimate party place on the water is here. Lake Travis is great anytime but holiday weekends are absolutely off the hook. It's a party at Devil's Cove, where boats tie up and all the ladders are down. Houseboats have kegs, DJs, sometimes even bands. Then follow the crowd to Carlos & Charlies. There's no more better party in America than Lake Travis.
More Information: PubClub's photos & party guide.

• LAKE LEWISVILLE, DALLAS – Another typical titanic Texas water bash. The "cove party" is the place, then it's onto the bars (Charlie's and Sneaky Pete's; people make river runs between the two). But be on the alert for the "new" boaters who have more money than brains. Don't have a boat? No problem; they rent for as little as $55 an hour.
More Information: Lake Lewisville Website.


It's a pretty – and pretty good – Fourth party near Indy. (Photo: LakeTrash.com)

• GEIST RESERVOIR, INDIANAPOLIS – Live Music, 30,000 fireworks, and a houseboat full of celebrities such as Indy 500 race car driver Rick Treadway are part of the show for the Best Fourth of July Party. It's hosted by LakeTrash.com, the fastest growing social club and merchandise provider in the U.S., sponsored by Jagermeister. 9406 Promontory Circle, Indianapolis.
Music:
Hoosier-born singer-songwriter Rich Hardesty.
Food & Beverage: This will be a fully catered event with beverages included.
Fireworks: The 30,000 firework display will start at 10 p.m
Cost: VIP Lake Trash members admitted at no cost. The Lake Trash VIP membership fee is $69.00 and can be paid at the door of the party or online LakeTrash.com.
More Information: (317) 823-9169. Website: LakeTrash.com

• LAKE HAVASU, ARIZONA – This is a place that gets so crowded people can practically walk across the water. Of course, that's because there are so many boats it can be an effort actually getting into the water.
Lake Havasu Party Guide.

• LAKE OF THE OZARKS, CENTRAL MISSOURI. A popular spot for Midwestern aquatic party seekers. There are fireworks shows at the Horney Toad Entertainment Complex, the Four Seasons, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Morgan County Fairgrounds/ City Park (Versailles, MO), and a Family Fun Day at Eldon Air Park (Eldon, MO). The Horney Toad, Four Seasons and Tan-Tar-A Resort are in the heart of the Lake of Ozarks and are located just 15 minutes from each other. For singles, the place to be is the Horny Toad (Lake Ozark, MO), while the Four Seasons and Tan-Tar-A are also vibrant, mostly with famlies.
More Information: Lake of the Ozarks Event Website.

Sporting Events–


See our "ballparks and beer" guide to Fenway Park.

•  BASEBALL, A DAY AT THE 'OL BALLPARK – Baseball, hot dogs and peanuts are a perfect way for many to pass the day (dads and sons especially). Home games on the Fourth are in these major league cities: Arlington (Texans) Boston, Chicago (White Sox), Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles (Dodgers), New York (Yankees) Oakland, Pittsburgh, San Diego, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
More Information: Major League Baseball Website.

•  PEPSI 400 NASCAR, DAYTONA BEACH – Where's the best place to spend the Fourth of July in the South? Hard ta say, but for fans of the National Association of Stock Car Racing it's the Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Okay, make that the Pepsi 400 now but many people still refer to its original name. This year's event is Saturday, July 7, with a Busch race on Friday the 6th.
More Information: NASCAR Website.

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