With Independence Day just around the corner, many Americans are scoping out the best place to catch an awe-inspiring, patriotic pyrotechnic display. In other words, where are the country’s most impressive fireworks displays?
With an estimated 16,000+ fireworks shows to choose from throughout the country, there’s no shortage of options. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to watch your fireworks over cityscapes, along the banks of rivers, above beautiful beaches, or silhouetted against mountain ranges. If you’re more of a homebody, many of the largest displays are televised.
But if you really want your socks knocked off, and maybe are willing to travel, the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) has pinpointed 5 extra-special fireworks shows that shouldn’t be missed.
1. Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks – July 4 – New York City, NY
If you’re looking to go big, there is no bigger than the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks put on over the East River in Midtown Manhattan. It takes five barges to house the 65,000 shells and effects that will light up the sky (and your television sets!).
2. Kaboom Town! – July 3 – Addison, TX
More than three decades in, Kaboom Town! continues to be one of the largest and best-attended firework displays in the country – sometimes drawing more than 500,000 viewers.
Addison itself is a tiny town, but the 25-minute-long fireworks spectacular can be viewed from anywhere in its 4.4 square miles. The show is preceded by live music and an airshow put on by the Addison Airport.
3. Branson Landing’s 15th Annual Liberty Light Up – July 3 – Branson, MO
The Liberty Light Up combines a lively concert with a free fireworks display over Lake Taneycomo that is celebrated by the APA year after year.
The boardwalk and town square of Branson Landing also features an impressive fountain, making for a beautiful setting to enjoy a patriotic pastime with family and friends.
4. Red, White, and Blue Ash – July 4 – Blue Ash, OH
After scaling back significantly in 2020 and 2021, Red, White, and Blue Ash is back and better than ever, once again featuring live music along with its fireworks show, which has been hailed as the biggest and best in the region. Settle in for a full 35 minutes of pyrotechnics!
Celebrating America’s independence at Summit Park in Blue Ash is a family affair, complete with festival rides, character performances, and local food and drink vendors.
5. Melaleuca Freedom Celebration – July 4 – Idaho Falls, ID
The largest firework show west of the Mississippi will kick off its 29th year in fantastic form, releasing more than 18,000 shells into the air over the Snake River. Entirely free to the public, the APA has praised the incredible display for years.
“Every year we’re looking for something new and different that is spectacular and draws a large crowd of spectators,” said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. “The size of the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration and the location really jumped out to us. It’s one of those shows that’s worth making the jaunt to see.”
Nearly every element of the show is made in the U.S.A., which is an impressive feat. The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration pays tribute to America’s Founding Fathers, as well as the veterans, soldiers, and their families who have sacrificed to secure and preserve the freedoms of this great nation. The show is paid for by Melaleuca, a company that manufactures health and wellness products in the United States.
And if you make the trek to Idaho, you’ll be in good company – in the past, more than 100,000 spectators have witnessed the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration!
50 pyrotechnicians work to produce a show that releases 1,920 shells per minute and ultimately provides for two hours of entertainment. After 46 years, you can bet that Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks is the biggest and best in the business.
No matter where you choose to celebrate this July 4th, be safe and remember that we live in the greatest nation in the world! Happy Birthday, America!
