As the summer heat reaches its peak and the scent of barbecue fills the air, there’s no doubt that the 4th of July is just around the corner. Get ready to dive into a sea of red, white, and blue this year by traveling to one of these 6 spectacular celebrations.
1. New York City | Macy’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks
The Macy’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks is one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in the United States. Millions of people travel from around the country to get a front-row seat for the iconic show. While the show usually takes place over the East River in Manhattan, the actual location is not announced until a couple of days leading up to the event. Stay in the know by checking out Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks website.
For a really unique experience, book a ticket for the NYC July 4th Fireworks Cruise, where you will sail around the city, taking in the skyline while enjoying drinks and a bite to eat with the full fireworks show on display.
2. Washington D.C. | National Mall Independence Day Celebration
Every year in Washington D.C., the National Park Service hosts the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall. Before the fireworks, make sure to catch A Capitol Fourth, taking place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capital, with live performances by The National Symphony Orchestra, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and other artists.
Looking for a daytime activity before the festivities? Secure tickets to watch the Washington Nationals take on the Cleveland Reds at Nationals Park. With great restaurants and bars in and around the ballpark, you’ll have loads of fun on Independence Day in D.C..
3. Boston | Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Join more than a million spectators along the Charles River in Boston this 4th of July to experience the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Every year before the event, the July 4th concert takes place, featuring the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with special guests, such as 10-time Grammy winner, Chaka Khan.
If you’re traveling to Boston before July 4th, check out the Boston Harborfest, a celebration of the city’s colonial and maritime history. The festivities begin on June 30th and last until July 4th. Some events are free while others, such as the Harborfest Fireworks Cruise, are ticketed.
4. Philadelphia | Wawa Welcome America
What better way to celebrate America’s independence than in America’s birthplace? Every year, starting on Juneteenth (June 19th) and ending on July 4th, Wawa Welcome America hosts a plethora of family-friendly events and activities around the city. On certain days during this two-week period, you can enter the African American Museum in Philadelphia, The Science History Institute and other museums free of charge. Additional events include the Salute to Independence Day Parade where spectators can enjoy dance performances, patriotic floats and historical reenactments.
The festivities conclude with a July 4th concert and fireworks at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This year, Demi Lovato and Ludacris will perform with a spectacular finale of the annual fireworks show.
5. San Francisco | July 4th Celebration at the Pier
San Francisco is the ideal place to celebrate July 4th this year, with two sets of synced fireworks taking place along Fisherman’s Wharf to ensure everyone in the city can catch a glimpse of the show. Travel to the waterfront early and grab some fresh seafood at Fog Harbor Fish House, where you will enjoy scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge before the fireworks begin.
If you catch yourself in the city a couple of days before Independence Day, make sure to secure tickets to the Fillmore Jazz Festival happening July 1st and 2nd. This festival is a great way to experience everything San Francisco has to offer from artist performances to local food and drinks.
6. Nashville | Music City July 4th
Nashville is known as the country music capital of America and hosts one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the country. At this year’s Let Freedom Sing! July 4th party, you can pull up your boots and celebrate with some of the biggest names in country music, such as Brad Paisley, The War and Treaty, Langhorne Slim, Tiera Kennedy and more. The event, which is complimentary to attend, ends with an eye-catching fireworks show that’s synchronized to a live performance from the Nashville Symphony.
To get the ultimate Music City 4th of July experience, check out this July 4th Exclusive Fireworks Viewing Experience, with a top-notch view of the fireworks in a private area away from the crowds. The ticket also includes free snacks, a private cash bar, seating and luxury restrooms.
Bonus: Jutland, Denmark | Rebild Festival
Looking to celebrate America’s independence in a different way? As crazy as it may sound, Jutland, Denmark hosts an annual 4th of July celebration. If you’re wondering why – in 1912, a group of Danish immigrants in America (based in Illinois) purchased 140 acres of land in the woods between Rold and the Lindenborg Stream. They then gifted it to King Christian IX on the condition that it remain natural and available for an annual American 4th of July celebration. Since then, the Rebild Festival has been a homecoming celebration for Danish Americans around the world.
The festivities begin on July 1st and conclude with the Rebild Festival on July 4th. This year’s festival will include a performance by Danish singer, Oh Land, and speeches by Bureau Chief of The New York Times, Elisabeth Bumiller along with Danish TV chef and entertainer, Adam Price.
Travel freely with Faye
Here’s to a day full of freedom, family and friends. And if you’re traveling to get to your 4th of July destination, make sure you do so with Faye Insurance.
