Top Firework Displays in the Wilmington Area And Beyond
Stephanie Lanier
Stephanie Lanier is the leader of Lanier Property Group, an award-winning real estate team at Intracoastal Realty in Wilmington, North Carolina...
Stephanie Lanier is the leader of Lanier Property Group, an award-winning real estate team at Intracoastal Realty in Wilmington, North Carolina...
There’s no shortage of fun activities to do on July 4th. From neighborhood parades to backyard cookouts with friends and family, Independence Day gives us more fun options than there are hours in the day. For those of us who want to celebrate the holiday with a bang, there’s no bigger bang than a firework show that goes all-out. We’ve rounded up some of the most jaw-dropping displays around Wilmington and across the country that will blow you away.
1. Topsail Island/Surf City Fireworks and Celebration - July 3, 2019
"Surf City's Annual July 3rd Independence Day Celebration. Starting at 5:30pm Wednesday, July 3rd at Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave,; Food Vendors, Johnny White & the Elite Band, and Fireworks at dusk."
2. Carolina Beach Independence Day Boardwalk Blast - July 3, 2019
"Celebrate Independence Day early with a special display of free fireworks and a free concert by The Polar Bear Blues Band by the sea. Constantly a crowd favorite for over 40 years, The Polar Bear Blues Band brings their own brand of rhythm and blues for a fun evening. Be sure to arrive early to grab your spot at the gazebo or on the beach to enjoy free entertainment and fireworks by the sea. Weather permitting and schedule is subject to change without notice. Please check their Website and Social Media for the latest updates."
3. Wilmington Fireworks Celebration
"The City of Wilmington's 4th of July Celebration invites everyone to shop and dine in downtown Wilmington. Then gather around the Riverwalk to watch the fireworks display beginning at 9:05 pm. For more information including parking and traffic information please visit the city's website."
4. Wilmington Red, White, & Bluegrass
"Come celebrate Independence Day on the riverfront in Downtown Wilmington. Enjoy live newgrass music from Massive Grass on the Pier 33 stage, with barbeque, sides, drinks and more available for purchase from the Marina Grill. Please RSVP on the above link to ensure you have one of the best spots to watch the July 4th Fireworks! You may bring blankets-- but chairs are prohibited."
5. Southport Festival & Fireworks
"The N.C. 4th of July Festival is held annually in the City of Southport. Join the over 50,000 people who attend the N.C. 4th of July Festival each year. Annual festival events include: Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Military Band Concert, Naturalization Ceremony, Flag Raising Ceremony, Flag Retirement Ceremony, Veteran’s Recognition Ceremony, Fire Fighter's Freedom Competition, over 100 arts & craft booths, food vendors, parade, children's games and entertainment, live stage entertainment, and fireworks. Visit Franklin Square Art Gallery’s National Art Show, Shine & Show's Classic Car Show, voter registration, Old Jail tours, Lions Club Boat raffle drawing, Cape Fear Yacht Club’s Commodore Regatta, St. Philip Church's self-guided tours, Old Smithville Cemetery tours, a pancake breakfast, and more."
BONUS: Our Favorite 4th of July Playlist & U.S. Firework Displays
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. This year, fireworks will go off from and near the iconic Brooklyn Bridge while paying homage to the theme of “American cinema.” You can expect to see tributes to the Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Superman and E.T. through a very dramatic score. In the area? There’s no better vantage point than on the water via the Circle Line, Seastreak, or Spirit cruises.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks & Concert
Philadelphia lives up to its status as "America's Birthplace" by starting the celebration days ahead of July 4th! There are two firework shows before the big one on Independence Day itself. On the 4th, the city shuts down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway leading up to the Philadelphia Art Museum (where the fireworks will go off overhead) for the biggest “block party” you’ll enjoy. In the hours before the fireworks, you’ll also get to enjoy a concert featuring Jennifer Hudson and Meghan Trainor.
3. Washington, D.C.: Fireworks at the National Mall
Our nation’s capital goes big with a fireworks display illuminating the many significant historical monuments and memorials in the area. Viewing areas include the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials, among others. The best spot may be the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, especially if you arrive early to enjoy the live concert, A Capitol Fourth, put on by PBS. This year includes a salute to the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street and a performance of the 1812 Overture by the National Symphony Orchestra.
4. Boston, Massachusetts: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
The nation’s oldest public Fourth of July celebration scores a 20-minute long fireworks display with music by the Boston Pops (this year, they’ll host special guest Queen Latifah). As with other shows, arriving early for a good spot will reward you with even more entertainment — like a 50th anniversary tribute to Woodstock by Arlo Guthrie.
5. Saint Louis, Missouri: Fair St. Louis
The Flaming Lips, Keith Sweat and Brett Young lead the entertainment at “America’s Biggest Birthday Party,” which takes place at the famous Arch. The fireworks show takes place nightly from July 4-6. Over the course of those three days, 15,000 pounds of fireworks will certainly let freedom ring.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana: Go Forth on the River
There’s nothing quite like New Orleans’ annual Fourth of July fireworks display. Where else can you see two displays going off at once from dueling barges on the Mississippi River? You can see this show from really any part of town, but the closer you get to the river, the better! For an extra-special night, make a reservation to watch from the New Orleans riverboats: the Creole Queen and the Steamboat Natchez.
7. Dallas, Texas: Addison Kaboom Town!
Located just outside of Dallas, Addison’s annual fireworks display routinely tops “best of” lists (including accolades from the American Pyrotechnics Association). While most fireworks shows go for 20 minutes, Addison's is one of the longest in the nation at 30! If you go, you’re in good company — the town of Addison’s population increases from around 16,000 to 500,000. Just make sure to arrive on the right day: The fireworks go off on the 3rd, not the 4th.
8. Pasadena, California: Americafest
One of Southern California’s largest fireworks display takes place at the Rose Bowl Stadium, where there’s plenty of seating to take in the spectacular scene. If you plan on getting there early — say, 2 pm — you can keep your little ones occupied at the Family Fun Zone held on-site.
9. Las Vegas, Nevada: Fourth of July Fireworks (multiple shows)
The Strip is a sight to see on Independence Day, and it’s not just because of the neon signs and fanciful casino light shows. From Mandalay Bay to Caesar’s, multiple casinos compete with shows and displays. It's up to you to decide which you like best!
10. San Diego, California: Big Bay Boom
If the name of this annual fireworks show rings a bell (and you’re not a local), it might be because of the famous 2012 viral video where all the fireworks in the 18-minute-long display went off in about 12 seconds. It hasn’t happened since, but the spectacle is no less spectacular in comparison.
