What’s 4th of July without fireworks? For millions of people, firework shows are synonymous for feelings of pride for their country. Unfortunately, patriots face the choice of spending a pretty penny for fireworks or foregoing them altogether because they are illegal in their state. But there is another option that is family friendly and can save you a ton of cash. By attending professional firework shows, you can enjoy a spectacular pyrotechnic performance for free! Below you will find the top 10 free firework shows from all around the country:
Photo Credit: Flickr
1. Pops Fireworks Spectacular! - Boston, Massachusetts
If you're in the Boston, Massachusetts area and want a family friendly event, you have to visit The Boston Pops Firework Spectacular. This amazing event is completely free and open to the public. Not to mention, you can also enjoy concerts and events that are held on both the 3rd and 4th of July. You can find more information about this event here.
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Photo Credit: Janet Williams
2. 4th of July at Mount Rushmore
The Independence Day celebration at Black Hills, South Dakota is so big that it takes up two entire days! On the 3rd and 4th of July, this national monument features a huge patriotic event that attracts people from all over the country. If you decide to spend your summer here, you won't be disappointed. This event features performances by local dance troupes, the Air Force Honor Guard, local cultural groups, musicians, and so much more! The firework show begins on July 3rd around 9:30 pm and they are shot off right over the famous stone heads of Mount Rushmore.
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Photo Credit: The Tennessee Tribune
3. Let Freedom Sing!
The Let Freedom Sing! event attracts the largest July 4th crowds of the South. This event hosts daylong activities including musical performances by Lady Antebellum, Chris Janson, Lucie Silvas, and so many more! If you're anywhere near Nashville, Tennessee this summer, you can enjoy a 27-minute firework spectacular that is choreographed to a live performance by the award winning Nashville Symphony.
Photo Credit: McGilvray Images
4. The Lights on the Lake Spectacular
The Lights on the Lake Spectacular in Lake Tahoe, California is also known as one of the top celebrations in the country. Recently, The American Pyrotechnics Association rated this event as one of the top five shows in the nation - how's that for a glowing endorsement? Not to mention, this event is entirely free and can easily be seen from anywhere in town. However, we do recommend Edgewood and Lakeside Beach for front row seats of the fireworks.
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Photo Credit: Coastal Living
5. Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show in New York is the country's largest pyrotechnic show in the nation! It features fireworks that are shot from multiple barges along the East River, near the Brooklyn Bridge. In addition, the event features performances by A-list artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Ricky Martin, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, and so much more! If you can't make it to New York in time, it will be featured on a two-hour broadcast on NBC at 8pm.
Photo Credit: Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
6. Independence Eve Celebration
The biggest Independence Day celebration in the mid-west takes place on July 3rd in Denver, Colorado. The Independence Eve Celebration is held in Civic Center Park and overlooks the Denver City and County building. This elaborate light show and firework spectacular attracts people from all over Colorado, which is no surprise because it also features a free patriotic concert. This is perfect if you're looking for a family picnic, or if you want to do something special for the 4th of July.
Photo Credit: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News
7. AmericaFest - Pasadena, California
If you're celebrating the 4th of July on the west coast, you have to check out AmericaFest! This festival is hosted at the famous Rose Bowl stadium and is the largest firework show in Southern California. This event includes live entertainment, including Maddie Poppe, who is making her first live performance since winning American Idol! Here, you will also see motorcycle stunts, exhibits, vendors, and a pyrotechnic spectacular.
Photo Credit: Mark Damon, Las Vegas News Bureau
8. Sin City's Firework Celebration - Las Vegas, Nevada
There is always something fun to do in Las Vegas, Nevada but the city definitely goes all-out on Independence Day. Last year, thousands of people spent the holiday in Vegas, and it's easy to see why. 4th of July is a city-wide event that features fireworks that are shot over the Strip and from the rooftops of famous hotels including Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, The Stratosphere, Fremont Street, Red Rock Casino, and more! We recommend heading to Strip or a rooftop bar for the best view of the fireworks.
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Photo Credit: Boomin' 4th
9. Boomin' 4th - Hudson Oaks, Texas
Another amazing event that has made its place in history is the Boomin' 4th event that takes place in Hudson Oaks, Texas. Be sure to bring the kiddies and check out the Kids Korner where you can find fun events for children, a full food court, and plenty of vendors to visit before the fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. Not to mention, there will be live performances by Hotel California, a cover band of The Eagles, who are famous in their own right.
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Photo Credit: Nick Busse, Daily Planet
10. Red, White, and BOOM!
We couldn't compile this list without mentioning Red, White, and BOOM - an event that is full of star-spangled fun. The event itself is apart of a two-day, city-wide festival at Minneapolis, Minnesota that culminates in a huge firework display over the Mississippi River. Not to mention, there is also a pie-eating contest and a half-marathon course that is covered with patriotic trivia and games.