The Best Cities to Celebrate the Fourth of July in America (2023)

FAQs

The Best Cities to Celebrate the Fourth of July in America? ›

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches, and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches, and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

The first annual commemoration of Independence Day happened on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia. John Adams, a Founding Father and the second president of the United States, strongly believed Independence Day should be celebrated on July 2nd.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain.

1. New York, New York: Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. Now in its 43rd year, the nation's largest fireworks display lights up the night over the East River.

Families travel to many places in the U.S. to visit national parks, the mountains, beaches, and large cities. They go camping, visit theme parks, and stop at important national historic sites. Many people also visit Washington D.C., the nation's capital, to celebrate the 4th of July.

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.

On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies claimed their independence from Great Britain, an event that eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, U.S. citizens celebrate this historic event.

Where else is 4th of July celebrated? ›

Outside the U.S., Denmark is the only country to hold official 4^th of July celebrations each year. Since 1911, people from across Denmark come together in Rebild National Park in Jutland, where they listen to speeches, sing patriotic songs and hold picnics.

On July 8, 1776, the first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia's Independence Square to the ringing of bells and band music. One year later, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks.

There are two countries in the world that have recognized July 4 as their Independence Day: the United States of America and the Philippines.

Before the declaration, America was part of the Kingdom of Great Britain (now called the United Kingdom). In the 1600s, people came from Great Britain to settle in what is now North America.

The Fourth of July celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain.

By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain.

New York City. The annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration in New York City is the country's largest pyrotechnic show, with fireworks shot from multiple barges along the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge.

1. Missouri. Missouri comes in with a bang as the state that shoots off the most fireworks in the U.S. The state imports more than 42 million fireworks each, which means there are enough fireworks for each person to shoot off roughly 7.

1. New York, New York: Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. Now in its 43rd year, the nation's largest fireworks display lights up the night over the East River.

Two nationally recognized companies are credited with making New Castle, PA the “Fireworks Capital of America” – Zambelli Fireworks Internationale and Pyrotecnico both got their start in the mid 1800′s in Lawrence County (which was once the largest producer of fireworks in the world.)

What state has the most strict firework laws? ›

One state — Massachusetts — bans the sale and use of all consumer fireworks, including novelties and sparklers. Three states — Illinois, Ohio, and Vermont — permit the use of only wire or wood stick sparklers and other novelties, with Illinois and Vermont restricting sales to these same items.

Most firework shells launched per minute

Dubai has a history of putting on extravagant pyrotechnics shows to welcome the new year in. The 2013 event broke the record for the most firework shells launched per minute as 479,651 shells were fired in just six minutes – an incredible rate of 79,941 fireworks per minute.

Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed.

There are several awareness months celebrated in July — though the five that often get the most attention include Disability Pride Month, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, French-American Heritage Month, National Bison Month, and Plastic Free July.

For younger children, describe July Fourth as the nation's birthday, said Mary Eames Ucci, education director of the Wellesley College Child Study Center. Tell them the parade, fireworks and hot dogs are for the celebration. "As children get older, they can begin to understand what independence means," she said.

July was named in honor of Julius Caesar. Quintilis, which was his birth month, was renamed July when he died.

Also called Independence Day, the Fourth (4th) of July is a public holiday in the United States of America that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which declared the original colonies to be free from British rule.

The Continental Congress declared American independence on July 2, even though the final wording of the Declaration of Independence had yet to be approved. That approval came two days later, which is why American independence is celebrated on July 4.

Here are some of the notable people celebrating birthdays today, including Eva Marie Saint, Geraldo Rivera, Ron Kovic, Ralph Johnson, Domingo Ortiz, Pam Shriver, Michael Sweet, Tracy Letts, Al Madrigal, John Lloyd Young and Mo McRae.

United States Independence Day is also known as the Fourth of July or the Fourth. This day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July, 1776 from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

What famous people were born on July 4th? ›

Post Malone

Gina Lollobrigida

Angelique Boyer

Mahiro Takasugi

Malia Ann Obama

Calvin Coolidge

Many families organize house parties and cookouts for Independence Day, while others head to local restaurants or gather for fireworks in town. Playa Del Carmen hosts Mexico's most patriotic party in front of City Hall, with food, music, drinks, and fireworks to end the celebration.

Canada: Although canada celebrates canada Day on July 1, the country does not have Independence Day. On 1 July 1867, the british North America Act (BNA) officially declared the Dominion of canada a self-governing entity. So July 1st is celebrated as canada Day.

Denmark is the only country outside of the United States that holds an official 4th July celebration. Celebrated annually since 1911, thousands of people from across the country gather in Rebild National Park in Jutland for picnics, speeches and to sing some American classics.

The Chinese believed these natural "firecrackers" would ward off evil spirits. Sometime during the period 600-900 AD, legend has it that a Chinese alchemist mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal to produce a black, flaky powder – the first “gunpowder”.

Wearing the Red, White and Blue

Because many associate the Fourth of July as a time to remember and proclaim their patriotism, people will often be seen proudly wearing the colors of the American flag (as they do on other holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day).

Bristol Fourth of July Parade, or Bristol Fourth of July Celebration (officially known as the Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade), founded in 1785, is a nationally known Fourth of July parade in Bristol, Rhode Island. The parade is part of the oldest Independence Day celebration in the United States of America.

As of 2021, the United States of America is 245 years old.

On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted a new name for what had been called the "United Colonies.” The moniker United States of America has remained since then as a symbol of freedom and independence.

Who came to America before 1776? ›

The British settlers came to these new lands for many reasons. Some wanted to make money or set up trade with their home country while others wanted religious freedom. In the early 1600s, the British king began establishing colonies in America.

Congress ratified preliminary articles of peace ending the Revolutionary War with Great Britain on April 15, 1783. On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, bringing the Revolutionary War to its final conclusion.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

When did the American Revolution end? The American Revolution officially ended on September 3, 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

To avoid traffic, your best bet is to travel on Thursday before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m., when the roads have cleared up a bit, AAA spokesperson Ellen Edmonds said. It's also safer to travel on Sunday and Monday, days when many travelers are at their destinations and in the thick of their holiday plans.

Avoid Heavy Traffic

The best travel time to avoid congested roads and heavy traffic around the Fourth of July is either on July 2 or alternatively on July 4 in the early morning. Avoid July 3 if possible.

On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies claimed their independence from Great Britain, an event that eventually led to the formation of the United States.

The top five destinations for Southern California travelers over the holiday weekend are expected to be Las Vegas, San Diego, Zion/Bryce Canyon National Parks, Grand Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park.

Fly on the 4th of July

Not only is the 4th a bargain for air travel for the holiday weekend, it's one of the least expensive days to travel in July. Take a flight in the morning and you'll be watching fireworks by evening. Done and done!

The Sunday after Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas Eve are two of the busiest travel days of the year. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.

What day is best to travel? ›

While it's important to note that the best day of the week to fly varies based on the route, typically, the best days of the week to fly are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The general rule is that mid-week flights will be cheaper and quieter.

Outside the U.S., Denmark is the only country to hold official 4^th of July celebrations each year. Since 1911, people from across Denmark come together in Rebild National Park in Jutland, where they listen to speeches, sing patriotic songs and hold picnics.

July in DC

While crowds are larger you'll also get a chance to see DC's firework display for the 4th. 4th of July is one of the best times to be in DC. The main fireworks display on the National Mall can be seen for miles. There are often huge crowds for the 4th and desirable locations for fireworks are busy early.

How Many Days to Spend in DC? Ideally, you'd come to Washington DC for a whole week or more! If that isn't feasible, we suggest that you need at least 3 days in Washington DC. There is enough here to fill up your days with attractions, museums, and tours, as well as great food, music, and art.

GAO-21-458 Independence Day Celebrations

The Independence Day Fireworks Display event estimated costs totaled about $2.6 million (see table 4).