12 cities with the grandest 4th of July firework shows in the USA

The best July 4th firework shows

While your neighbor’s backyard bottle rockets might be amusing, these 12 cities take Independence Day pyrotechnics to ridiculous heights. We’ve tracked down the most epic, confirmed fireworks displays worth planning your July 4th around.

1. New York City, NY

The granddaddy of all fireworks shows is back and bigger than ever. Macy’s has been lighting up NYC since 1976, and for 2025, they’re taking over the Brooklyn Bridge again. We’re talking 80,000 shells exploding over the East River in a 25-minute spectacle that makes Times Square on New Year’s look tame.

What’s new this year: They’re turning the Brooklyn Bridge towers into massive projection screens while fireworks blast overhead. Expect to see wild effects like “crackling crown jellyfish” and “atomic rings” bursting 1,000 feet above the skyline.

2. Washington, DC

Nothing says “America” quite like watching fireworks illuminate the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol building simultaneously.

The coolest part is how the fireworks reflect in the Mall’s reflecting pool, essentially giving you two shows in one. Park yourself on the West Lawn of the Capitol and you’ll catch the PBS “Capitol Fourth” concert before the sky ignites. Just be prepared for serious security lines and arrive several hours early, this is DC, after all.

3. Philadelphia, PA

Philly takes its status as America’s birthplace seriously: their celebration spans over two weeks. The grand finale happens on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a free concert (LL Cool J is headlining in 2025) followed by fireworks framing the iconic Art Museum steps (yes, the Rocky steps).

The city shuts down the entire parkway for a massive block party that puts most street festivals to shame. You haven’t lived until you’ve watched fireworks illuminate the city skyline while standing where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Bonus: The whole thing is free, though you’ll want to stake out your spot by midafternoon.

4. Boston, MA

Boston’s celebration is basically what would happen if the symphony and pyrotechnics had a baby. The legendary Boston Pops Orchestra plays the “1812 Overture” complete with actual cannon fire while fireworks explode in perfect synchronization over the Charles River.

This show hits different because of the setting. The historic esplanade, the river reflecting each burst, and about 500,000 people “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” in unison. They’ve been doing this since 1973, and they’ve got it down to a science. Half the fun is watching the shells reflect off the John Hancock Tower and Prudential Center while the orchestra plays.

5. New Orleans, LA

Leave it to New Orleans to turn fireworks into a competition. Their “dueling barges” setup features two separate shows firing simultaneously from different points on the Mississippi River, essentially creating a pyrotechnic battle.

Only in NOLA can you watch world-class fireworks while sipping hurricanes and listening to live jazz. For the ultimate experience, book a spot on the Steamboat Natchez or Creole Queen riverboats and watch from the water.

6. San Diego, CA

San Diego’s Big Bay Boom earned unexpected fame in 2012 when a computer glitch set off 18 minutes of fireworks in 15 seconds (Google it—it’s hilarious). They’ve since recovered spectacularly, now hosting the largest display on the West Coast.

What makes this show killer is that they launch from four barges spread around the bay, creating a panoramic effect visible from miles around. The pyrotechnics reflect off both the bay waters and the city’s glass skyscrapers. Park yourself anywhere along the harbor—Harbor Island, Shelter Island, or the Embarcadero—and you’re guaranteed an epic view.

7. Chicago, IL

Chicago’s Navy Pier juts right into Lake Michigan, creating the perfect launching pad for fireworks that seem to explode directly over the water. The display frames the city’s magnificent skyline in bursts of color that reflect off both the lake and the glass-covered skyscrapers.

Before the show, ride the massive Ferris wheel for unbeatable views, then grab a spot along the pier. The synchronized soundtrack pumps through speakers along the waterfront, creating an immersive experience. Fair warning: This is one of the most crowded shows in America, so arrive early or book a lake cruise to escape the masses.

8. Addison, TX

How does a tiny Dallas suburb with only 16,000 residents host one of America’s top-rated fireworks shows? By going absolutely bonkers for Independence Day. Kaboom Town swells to 500,000 people on July 3rd (yep, they do it a day early) for a 30-minute show that’s been recognized by the American Pyrotechnics Association as one of the best in the country.

The pre-show features restored warplanes performing aerobatic stunts, and the main event uses shells so massive they’re visible from up to 20 miles away. Even better, you can watch from restaurant patios throughout Addison Circle and avoid the main crowds altogether.

9. Mountain View, CA

Silicon Valley knows how to combine tech and spectacle, and their July 4th celebration is proof. The San Francisco Symphony provides live accompaniment while computer-controlled fireworks create patterns you won’t see anywhere else.

The amphitheater setting is genius: nearly everyone gets an unobstructed view, and the surrounding hills provide natural seating for thousands more. Tech nerds will appreciate the precision timing that synchronizes each explosion perfectly with the music. Arrive early and picnic on the sprawling lawns before the show.

10. Nashville, TN

Nashville’s celebration is exactly what you’d expect from Music City: a massive concert featuring country music superstars (Dierks Bentley headlines in 2025) followed by fireworks choreographed to live music from the Nashville Symphony.

The downtown setting along the Cumberland River means the exploding shells illuminate the “Batman Building” (AT&T Tower) and other distinctive skyscrapers.

11. Los Angeles, CA

LA is so spread out that no single fireworks show would suffice, so the city hosts several spectacular displays. For one, Dodger Stadium blasts fireworks after their July 4th game. Universal Studios synchronizes their show to movie soundtrack hits (think Star Wars and E.T.), and Long Beach harbor launches from barges.

The Hollywood touch is obvious, because these shows feature dramatic build-ups, narrative arcs, and special effects worthy of a blockbuster. My recommendation? The Rose Bowl’s “AmericaFest” in Pasadena, where the fireworks follow a motorcycle stunt show. Because of course they do.

12. Portland, ME

For a more intimate but equally spectacular experience, Portland, Maine delivers classic New England charm with serious pyrotechnic punch. The Eastern Promenade, a sloping hillside park overlooking Casco Bay, creates a natural amphitheater where thousands gather with blankets and picnic baskets.

The Casco Bay Wind Symphony plays patriotic tunes while local food trucks serve up lobster rolls and craft beer. It feels like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life, if Rockwell painted explosions.