H-E-B Austin Symphony Concert & Fireworks- Austin, Texas
The largest Independence Day fireworks show in Texas takes place on July 4th in Austin. Join the Austin Symphony Orchestra at the Vic Mathias (Auditorium) Shores for the H-E-B Austin Symphony 43rd Annual July 4th Concert and Fireworks. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will perform at 8:30 pm, followed by “mile-high” fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Best Viewing: Expect large crowds this year, over 100,000 attendees are anticipated. The main event and a great place to view the fireworks and performance is at the Vic Mathias (Auditorium) Shores. Also consider the 360 Bridge (Pennybacker Bridge), along the Lady Bird Lake Trail and Zilker Park. Another option is to rent a kayak from the Rowing Dock and enjoy the show while paddling on Lady Bird Lake.
Red, White & Boom – Columbus, Ohio
Ohio’s largest fireworks display takes place on July 3rd in downtown Columbus. The BOOM! Fireworks show starts at 10:00pm but get there early and enjoy the Ford Oval of Honor Red, White & BOOM! Parade and live music with 14 bands taking the stage throughout the afternoon and evening.
Best Viewing: Bicentennial Park is a great place to view the fireworks— claim your spot on a first come, first served basis. Alternatively, purchase a VIP ticket that includes food, drink and a live DJ all evening. Most importantly, VIP status provides access to an exclusive viewing area located less than 1,000 ft. from the fireworks launch area.
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks – New York, New York
For the 43rd year, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will take place over the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge and Pier 17. Over 70,000 fireworks shells launch from four barges at 9:20pm. Arrive early and spend some time in the Seaport District of lower Manhattan or across the river in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Best Viewing: There are a lot of options for clear views. We recommend the elevated public viewing areas along FDR Drive and lower promenade in lower Manhattan or a viewing package at the Millennium Hilton or the Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. There are also family-friendly fireworks cruises available—you surely won’t miss anything from these locations!
Fourth of July Celebration- San Francisco, California
San Francisco has two fireworks celebrations on July 4th. You can watch the fireworks at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Come early and spend the day around Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquatic Park Beach, or Ghirardelli Square to enjoy the live entertainment. The fireworks start at 9:30pm and last about 30 minutes. The festivities wrap up around 11:00pm.
Best Viewing: The San Francisco area is ideal for large crowds with unobstructed views of the bay. Consider watching the fireworks from Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquatic Park, Cannery, or from Coit Tower. You can even book a cruise on the Red & White or Blue & Gold fleets to watch from the water.
National Mall Fourth of July – Washington, D.C.
It’s hard to beat spending the Fourth of July in the Nation’s Capital. The fireworks show is amazing, but there are dozens of other activities to attend for celebrating America’s birthday. The Nation’s Independence Day Parade rolls down Constitution Avenue from 11:45am – 2:00pm. Celebrate “A Capital Fourth” with Carole King alongside the Broadway cast of Beautiful starring Vanessa Carlton, on the West Lawn of the Capital Building at 8pm. The fireworks spectacle runs from 9:07pm to 9:27pm—the launch site is over West Potomac Park this year
Best Viewing: Find a spot on the National Mall with the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, or Capitol Building as your backdrop. There will be long lines as you que and pass through security checkpoints.
Enjoy the fireworks from a rooftop— some of the hotels with viewing parties include the Watergate Hotel, Embassy Row Hotel, and The Hay-Adams. There are also many restaurants with rooftops and street level views of the fireworks, or you can book a cruise on the Potomac River.
