If there’s one thing America is known for, it’s our loud-and-proud firework displays every Independence Day. Every year, it seems like a contest to top the firework show of the previous year. They become bigger, louder and more colorful at the next celebration. Who doesn’t love an excuse to blow up stuff? Whether you’re setting off small ones in your street, lighting sparklers in your backyard, or visiting your community’s display, we hope your Fourth of July is bright and loud! If you want the best scoop for which displays to go see, no matter where you are in the country, check out the list of firework shows below.
Macy’s Annual Fireworks, New York
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display has evolved into the largest ongoing Independence Day pyrotechnic show in America—a two-hour nationally televised celebration that features the biggest names in music today, from Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Usher and Taylor Swift to Brad Paisley, Britney Spears and many more. The 25-minute display will feature dynamic pyro effects fired from four barges on New York City’s East River. A number of spirited musical selections will be featured in the score, including an exhilarating new arrangement of America the Beautiful, with vocals by Jennifer Holliday and the USAF Band. 2016’s headline performer will be Kenny Chesney. If you cannot make it to NYC, don’t worry, the show will be available on NBC at 8pm EST.
Centennial Olympic Park’s Fireworks, Georgia
This Fourth of July celebration will offer fun and entertainment for the entire family, including free music and the Southeast’s largest fireworks display. Musical entertainment will be provided by J-Fly and Friends. He is a professional drummer, and has played at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards held in Atlanta, and was the Music Director for the 2011 Heisman Trophy Awards. J-Fly also formed his nonprofit foundation “How Big Is Your Dream?!” which was established to help promote, educate, and develop young minds to excel and reach their dreams in music. Gates at Centennial Olympic Park open at 6pm EST. The celebration will be broadcasted by local ABC affiliate WSB-TV, as well.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Massachusetts
Boston’s show is easily one of the most well known, and, at $2.5 million for the entire show, one of the most expensive. This historic American city’s show is renowned for its accompaniment—live music performed by the legendary Boston Pops Orchestra, culminating in Tchaikovsky’s resounding 1812 Overture, which features—yes—real cannon fire. More than 20,000 pounds of fireworks are set off during the 21-minute spectacle as 500,000 revelers “ohh” and “ahh.” The fireworks are shot over the Charles River, so both Harvard and Longfellow bridges offer unobstructed views. However, locals say that the best view comes from across the river, in Cambridge, MA. You decide.
Wawa Welcome America, Pennsylvania
Wawa Welcome America! is one of this historical eastern city’s celebrations of the United States of America, and it encompasses an extensive series of events leading up to the 4th of July. The event is televised on WPVI-TV, and the Mayor of Philly gives a speech to commemorate this occasion. The festival features a diverse lineup of events, and past festivals have included things like the Taste of Philadelphia highlighting Philly foods, a large block party in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, screenings of Rocky, an ice-cream fest, concerts from the Philly Pops, a hoagie sandwich celebration and several more happenings over multiple days. And of course, the holiday’s festivities are capped off with a large display of fireworks at many locations throughout the city. The headliners for 2016 include: Leslie Odom, Jr., Yazz the Greatest, and Brotherly Love. Come out to Philly, or watch the display from the comfort of your home.
Let Freedom Sing, Tennessee
What better way to celebrate our country’s independence than with free live music in the heart of the city built on music? Add to it a full day of family fun and an incredible fireworks show and you’ve got Let Freedom Sing! You don’t want to miss what has been named one of the best July 4th events in the country. With the McDonald’s Family Fun Zone, the Jack Daniel’s Stage at Ascend Amphitheater, and the Music City Stage at The Green at Riverfront Park, it’s all happening in downtown Music City. The best part? It’s all free! Performances will be given by Sheryl Crow, Maddie & Tae, Andrew Combs and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. It is one of Nashville’s biggest shows of the year, and it is not to be missed.
