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My favorite July Fourth was in 1976. I went with the family to New York City from our home in Long Island to see Operation Sail. Fifty of the most magnificent sailing ships came from around the world to honor America’s bicentennial. The show was followed by an incredible fireworks display. Talk about a BIG celebration!
We probably all have memories of a great celebration around the founding of our nation. They may include our favorite traditions: picnics, barbecues, baseball games, fireworks, etc. But what are the BEST Independence Day celebrations? Do they still exist?
The answer is an enthusiastic yes. Here is a list of can’t-miss locations to enjoy your Fourth of July this and every year.
This list is not an exhaustive roundup of all the fabulous small-town celebrations most of us know and love, so pick a spot, take your friends and family, and make some memories. Happy Independence Day.
Petersburg, Alaska
Fourth of July attendees in Petersburg, Alaska.
Susan Erickson
Prefer an old-time Independence Day? Check out the Red, White and Blue Celebration in Petersburg, a homespun days-long festival that may be the best celebration in all of America. With about 3,200 residents, Petersburg goes all out, featuring food booths, a colorful parade, a carnival, street games (such as the 2 x 6 boot stomp), logrolls, a herring toss and obviously a massive fireworks display always held at 11 p.m. — when the sky is dusky but never dark. If you ever have a chance to visit, please do!
Philadelphia
Performers participate in Philadelphia's Fourth of July parade. The city's July 4 festival is the largest in the U.S., according to officials.
George Widman/Visit Philadelphia
Philadelphia, where America’s independence began with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, celebrates in a big way with block parties, children’s activities, a parade and pyrotechnics. Party on the Parkway features food, live music, games, adult beverages and fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Look for the Rocky statue while you’re there.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Civil War re-enactment participants march in the Bristol (Rhode Island) Fourth of July Parade.
Ken Zirkel
Bristol was settled in 1680 and is home to the oldest Fourth of July party in the country. The event, started in 1785, is a celebration of patriotism and independence that draws more than 200,000 people to this town of roughly 22,000. The original Bristol Parade was founded by citizens who fought in the Revolutionary War. Now it features concerts at Independence Park, a Fourth of July Ball, a parade, a carnival and fireworks over Bristol Harbor on Independence Day eve.
Boston
Confetti fills the air during the finale of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Boston.
Nicholas Pfosi/Boston Globe/Getty Images
The American Revolution began with the Boston Tea Party followed by the “Shot Heard ’Round the World.” It is said that no city does Independence Day like Boston. Harborfest lasts a week and attracts millions of visitors. Events include Chowderfest and the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Fourth. Be at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River for a free concert, which ends with the “1812 Overture” and the annual fireworks display.
New York City
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is a staple of July 4 festivities in New York City.
Steven Ferdman/WireImage/Getty Images
Not to be outdone, New York’s celebration features the legendary Macy’s fireworks show, the largest in the country. If you are feeling a little hungry, enter Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island. The world record is 76 hot dogs (and buns).
Washington
Fireworks burst over the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., during an Independence Day celebration.
Oliver Contreras/SIPA USA/AP Images
Our nation’s capital has a noon parade along Constitution Avenue. The annual National Symphony Orchestra concert, featuring many guest stars, takes place at dusk. The finale is Tchaikovsky’s masterwork, the “1812 Overture,” which accompanies cannon fire and fireworks. It’s hard to beat the venue under the stars on the National Mall surrounded by the Capitol, Smithsonian museums, the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials and the Washington Monument.
