Top Locals to Watch Fireworks and Celebrate Independence Day

Independence day is upon us so I figured I would do a piece on some fantastic spots in the nation where you can view a spectacular fireworks show and have a fantastic time doing so.

Washington, DC: The festivities start about a week early and some of the attractions include the Smithsonian Folk life Festival along the National Mall, There, you will find food, crafts, concerts, and more. The festival is free and it showcases all the different customs and cultures found in America. Check out the National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue. There you will enjoy bands, giant balloons, fantastic floats and military personnel marching past our national monuments. Take in a concert on the west lawn of the Capital Building where you will enjoy music by special guest performances accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. Following this is one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks shows in the nation, which uses the Washington Monument and the Capital Building as a backdrop.

New York City, NY: There is never a dull moment in NYC. Some of the fun festivities include the famous hot dog eating contest at Nathan’s on Coney Island. There is a free performance in Battery Park and a myriad of cruises to enjoy – most of which are family friendly. The Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular begins over the East River each year. In addition to the fireworks, fire boats in the river shoot patriotic streams of fire high into the air. Music is broadcast by local radio stations and the entire event is shown on national television by the local NBC station right there in the city. Grab a seat alongside the river and enjoy the show. As night falls, you will enjoy Macy’s fireworks show where fireworks are released from six barges on the Hudson River. Each year there is a theme (this year’s theme is American Harmony – a History of American Music) and the music is performed in sync with the fireworks. Always present are celebrities singing favorite tunes, military personnel and music groups. The NY Pops Orchestra will be performing this year along with Broadway Inspirational Voices, US Army Soldiers Chorus, etc.

Boston, MA: The Boston Harborfest is held for one week leading up to Independence day with over 200 events to fill your days. Most of the celebration focuses on Boston’s maritime and colonial past and held along the waterfront, Harbor Islands and downtown. Some highlights include the Boston Chowder fest, where Boston area restaurants compete for the title of the best chowder, the annual turnaround of the USS Constitution and the reading of the Declaration of Independence (read from the balcony of the Old State House). There are a myriad of concerts, cruises, tours and kid friendly activities as well. Once it gets dark, you will take in one of the most famous fireworks show in our nation’s history. The Boston Pops Orchestra plays a 4th of July Concert each year. People line the banks of the Charles river to watch the concert and the fireworks display where the Boston Pops plays a medley of new and old music but they always end with the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. It is quite moving and one you won’t want to miss.

Philadelphia, PA: Another week long celebration is held in Philly. There are concerts, movies and activities for the whole family. There are hot dog festivals, all you can eat ice cream parties and more, During the day, check out the Party on the Parkway Festival for great food and fun activities for the whole family. It stretches along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. At night, check out the concert which hosts famous bands and performers as well as the amazing fireworks display with the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the background.

Lake Tahoe, Navada: Lake Tahoe is simply an amazing place to visit but not usually considered to be a place to go for Independence day. Well, I suggest you reconsider. While there are a slew of events and activities (which are irrelevant to the holiday and can be enjoyed year round), the fireworks display is pretty cool as well! Considered one of the largest shows in the west, this fireworks display is amazing! The fireworks are shot from a barge on the lake and you can enjoy them from most any vantage point on the lake. People gather on the shores, docks and lake to enjoy the show. There are no live concerts but you can listen to music being broadcasted for the event by the radio stations.

Chicago, IL: The cities festivities kick off a few days prior to Independence day with festivals, concerts, ballgames and tours. As for the fireworks, the city of Chicago and the Navy Pier cosponsor the event. Check out the display from the shores of the lake, around Buckingham Fountain, or in beautiful Grant Park. Or, take a dinner cruise before the show and enjoy the display from the water.

San Diego, CA: Head down to the shores of Mission and Pacific beaches for some BBQ, sunbathing, bonfires and outdoor activities. You can even camp out overnight and make it a weekend event! There are carnivals, the Freedom Day’s Parade and San Diego County Fair to enjoy leading up to the fireworks show. The fireworks are shot out from four barges along the bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the Coronado Ferry Landing. Fireworks also will be discharged at the Imperial Beach Pier.