It’s almost Independence Day, and cities around the country are ready to celebrate with parades, barbecues and, of course, fireworks. Here are some of the best places to catch a fireworks show on the 4th of July.
New York, New York
The New York skyline will light up tomorrow night during Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, a 25-minute show with more than 40,000 fireworks over the Hudson River. The 37th annual event is the largest in the country, and will go off to a musical score curated by Usher. Performances by the likes of Mariah Carey and Taylor Swift round out the night. Can’t make it to NYC? Not to worry, you can book your flight for next year’s event while catching this year’s show on NBC.
Lake Tahoe, California
The American Pyrotechnics Association calls the annual Lights on the Lake display that lights up Lake Tahoe one of the country’s top five displays. To catch some of the best views of the show, stake out a spot on Nevada Beach or Timber Cove Marina, or book a lake cruise to enjoy dinner as you watch the fireworks illuminate both the sky and the water.
New Orleans, Louisiana
If one fireworks display doesn’t offer enough pyrotechnics for you, why not watch two displays duke it out in the sky? The annual Go 4th on the River event in New Orleans offers an extra dose of excitement as dueling barges have at it over the Mississippi River. Hop on a riverboat for a cruise during the show or head to Woldenberg Park in the French Quarter for the best views.
Boston, Massachusetts
Independence Day in Boston is celebrated with a free concert and fireworks show over the Charles River for a half-million spectators during the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, now in its 40th year. Among the show’s traditions are performances of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” set to cannons, church bells and fireworks, and “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” combined with a ceremonial flag drop and confetti shot. If you can’t get to the Oval at the Esplanade, you can still catch the music and fireworks along the river or on Memorial Drive in Cambridge.
Washington, D.C.
What could be more patriotic than taking in a fireworks show on the 4th of July in the nation’s capital? Every year, fireworks are launched from the Reflecting Pool at the National Mall, lighting up the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial in spectacular bursts of red, white and blue. Before the show, you can catch America’s National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Ave. and 7th Street or enjoy A Capitol Fourth, a 90-minute concert on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn.
Addison, Texas
With a name like Kaboom Town!, Addison’s annual fireworks display doesn’t disappoint. Held on July 3, the 30-minute Kaboom Town! show is another favorite of the American Pyrotechnics Association. An air show with historic planes sets the tone for this display, which is set to music and simulcast on local radio.
Where will you be watching the fireworks this year?
(Main image: NYC & Company)
