Fireworks, concerts, parades, reenactments — you can experience all this and more on the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day. Each city in the United States adds its own flair to the celebration, but some truly go all out. Here are some patriotic places where you’ll be sure to experience a memorable Fourth of July in 2019.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a stop that you should definitely consider adding to your Fourth of July travel list. The largest city in New England, Boston played a major role in the American Revolution, so it’s not surprising that it’s home to a fantastic lineup of Independence Day events.
38th Annual Boston Harborfest
Kicking off the celebration on July 1 is the 38th annual Boston Harborfest. The festival will include live entertainment, Freedom Trail walks, and boat tours through July 7.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is one of the largest annual outdoor concerts in the world. Concerts are held on July 3 and July 4 at 8 p.m., while the fireworks show will only take place on July 4 at 10:30 p.m. The headliner for the 2019 event is Queen Latifah.
Footloose On The Freedom Trail
On July 4, get Footloose on the Freedom Trail from 9 a.m. to noon. This 2.5-mile route will take you on a patriotic tour of 16 historic sites; by the time you’re through, you’ll be an expert on America’s colonial history.
Official Independence Day Commemoration
The city of Boston’s official Independence Day celebration will begin at 9 a.m. on July 4 with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall Plaza followed by a parade to the Granary Burying Ground. The parade will then proceed to the Old State House, where there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10 a.m.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol, Rhode Island, is home to some of the nation’s oldest Fourth of July festivities. This year marks the town’s 234th Independence Day celebration, and there will be food and fun aplenty. For a full calendar of events, visit the town’s Fourth of July website.
4th Of July Parade And Picnic
Bristol’s big Fourth of July parade will step off from the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street at 10:30 a.m.
The Linden Place Mansion, located at the center of the parade route, has hosted the annual Fourth of July picnic for more than 25 years. You can enjoy a continental breakfast or a picnic lunch under the shade of the property’s linden trees. Don’t forget to tour the mansion and take a stroll through the gardens!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia was home to Benjamin Franklin and served as the nation’s unofficial capital throughout the American Revolution. It was also where the First Continental Congress and Second Continental Congress were held. With such a rich history, the city deserves a spot on our list. Philadelphia hosts a grand total of 56 Independence Day events — here are just a few.
Independence Day At Philadelphia Museums
From June 29 through July 7, learn more about America’s struggle for independence at the Museum of the American Revolution.
On June 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can view items such as the only surviving first edition of Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack for free at The Rosenbach.
There will also be a free Independence Day celebration at Fort Mifflin on June 30. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you can view cannon demonstrations and take a guided tour of the site that defended Philadelphia against the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution.
Fireworks And Fountains Show At Longwood Gardens
Gather at the Longwood Gardens on July 3 at 9:15 p.m. for the Star Spangled Spectacular Fireworks and Fountains show. You’ll enjoy fireworks, choreographed fountains, and patriotic music. Tickets are limited, so purchase yours today!
Salute To America Independence Day Parade
Watch brightly colored floats, marching bands, and approximately 4,000 participants marching through the streets of Philadelphia’s historic district on July 4 from 11 a.m. to noon. This is a Fourth of July parade you won’t want to miss!
Wawa Welcome America Concert And Fireworks
Want to experience a free concert featuring stars like Jennifer Hudson and Meghan Trainor? Then the Wawa Welcome America Concert is for you! On July 4, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., close out the holiday in City of Brotherly Love with a spectacular celebration featuring fireworks above the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Washington, D.C.
It almost goes without saying that Washington, D.C., — the capital city of the U.S. and the home of the White House, the Supreme Court, and the Capitol Building — is a great place to celebrate America’s birthday. Here are some of the big events that will take place in the capital this upcoming Fourth.
Annual Independence Day Concert
On July 4 at 11 a.m., organists Tom Sheehan and George Fergus, accompanied by the Washington Symphonic Brass, will perform a program of patriotic favorites at the Washington National Cathedral.
National Independence Day Parade
Don’t miss the National Independence Day Parade! It will begin at the corner of Constitution Avenue NW and 7th Street NW at 11:45 a.m. and end at the corner of Constitution Ave NW and 17th Street NW at 2 p.m.
4th Of July Fireworks On The National Mall
Head to the National Mall on July 4 for a colorful fireworks display starting at 9 p.m.
Yorktown, Virginia
Yorktown, Virginia, was the site of the last major land battle of the American Revolution — and it’s also one of the best places in the country to celebrate the Fourth of July. All of this year’s Independence Day events will actually take place on July 4.
Yorktown Independence Day 8K And 5K
Start your Independence Day with a run along the scenic roads and trails of the Yorktown Battlefield. If the 8K is a little much for you, you are welcome to participate in the 5K instead.
Both runs will take place at 8 a.m. and begin and end near Surrender Field. You can register, park, and pick up your race packet at York High School. Entry fees can be found on the race’s website.
Yorktown Independence Day Parade
Yorktown’s Independence Day parade will begin at 9 a.m. Music will be provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center’s ceremonial band.
Sounds Of Liberty Bell Ringing
In 1963, Congress passed a resolution recommending that Americans ring bells on the Fourth of July each year. Join in the fun at 7 p.m. on the Riverwalk Landing stage. Parking for the event will open at 4 p.m. at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street.
Patriotic Concert And Fireworks Display
That’s not all — a patriotic jazz concert featuring Conni Ironmonger will take place at 8 p.m. on the Riverwalk Landing stage. Don’t miss the beautiful fireworks display over the York River at 9:15 p.m.
Photo Credits: happystock / Shutterstock
Photo Credits: Billion Photos / Shutterstock
