Here's where to find Fourth of July fireworks, parades and other events in central Ohio (2024)

Here's where to find Fourth of July fireworks, parades and other events in central Ohio (1)

Fireworks, parades and other red-white-and-blue festivities will take place across central Ohio to ring in the Fourth of July weekend.

Communities across the region will offer family-friendly fun leading up to Independence Day, with events beginning Friday.

Find out below where you can celebrate, and which websites you can go to for more event information.

All events listed are free and will take place on July 4 unless otherwise noted.

More on Independence Day:Who put out the first chair for the Upper Arlington July 4th parade? It's a mystery

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Franklin County

Red, White & Boom parade, festival and fireworks

Columbus-based nonprofit will bring the largest Independence Day celebration in the Midwest to downtown Columbus on July 3. Attracting over 400,000 visitors each year, the single-day event will feature a parade, street festivals and two stages hosting live music entertainment from noon through 10:20 p.m.

The BOOM! Street Festival will kick off the day’s festivities at 11 a.m. and a parade will follow later, at 5:30 p.m., starting from the Main Street Bridge. Fireworks presented by Franklin University will begin at 10 p.m. from the east bank of Genoa Park.

Information: redwhiteandboom.org

Bexley 5K and live music

The city returns with its Independence Day celebration starting with the John Barr 5k Run/Walk at 8 a.m. on July 4. Early race registration has closed, but regular registration is still open for $35 through July 3 at 11:59 p.m. Those interested can register now online. The race will be followed by a parade at 9:30 a.m. beginning at Remington Road and Maryland Avenue. Music and festivities will commence at 6 p.m. on Capital University’s Main Street lawn, wrapping up with fireworks at 10 p.m. on the lawn.

Information: bexley.org/fourth/

Here's where to find Fourth of July fireworks, parades and other events in central Ohio (2)

Columbus Doo Dah Music Fest and Parade

The 40th Annual Doo Dah Parade will bring satire and jubilee to the Short North Arts District at 1 p.m. All who are interested are invited to line up for the parade at noon on Park Street. With no entry fee and no pre-registration, anyone is welcome to march in the “craziest parade in history.” Parade-goers can also enjoy live music in Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale St., from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. Brian Phillips, a radio personality on CD 92.9 FM, will be this year’s "less-than-grand marshal."

Information: doodahparade.com

Dublin July 4 celebration

The city of Dublin will kick off festivities at 8 a.m. with the Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby at Avery Park Pond (corner of Wynford Drive and Avery Road). A parade featuring floats, marching bands and community groups will follow at 11 a.m. beginning at Metro Center in downtown Dublin. At 4:30 p.m., an evening celebration will take place at Dublin Coffman High School, 6780 Coffman Road. Ann Wilson, lead singer of rock bands Heart and Tripsitter, will headline.

Information: dublinohiousa.gov/community-events/independence-day-celebration/

Gahanna fireworks, parade

On July 3, the city of Gahanna will host an Independence Day Celebration complete with food vendors and live music beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course. Fireworks will be launched from the course at 10 p.m. Those watching from their cars can tune into Rewind 103.5/104.3 for the city’s Independence Day soundtrack.

A parade hosted by the Gahanna Lions Club is set for July 4, beginning at 10:30 a.m. along Granville Street.

Information: gahanna.gov/gahanna-summer-event-details/

Grove City fireworks

Grove City plans to host a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. from Murfin Fields, 4570 Haughn Road. A soundtrack on Qfm96, WLVQ-96.3 radio will be paired with the show. For safety reasons, spectators are not permitted at Murfin Fields, but free parking is available at Windsor Park, Hayes Intermediate and J.C. Sommer elementary schools.

Information: grovecityohio.gov/topic/grovecityfireworks/

Groveport July 4 celebration

Groveport will host a day full of festivities beginning with a Red, White & Kids parade at 10:30 a.m. starting at 751 Main St. A main parade will begin at 11 a.m. starting from Richardson Road. After both parades, the city will host live music and other family-friendly activities on Wirt Road throughout the afternoon. The day will finish with fireworks at dusk paired with background music on 88.3 radio.

Information: groveport.org/449/July-4th

Hilliard Freedom Fest, fireworks and parade

The city of Hilliard will hold its Freedom Fest celebration on Saturday at Municipal Park, 3800 Veterans Memorial Drive. Food trucks will start serving at 3 p.m., followed by family-friendly activities at 5 p.m. and live music at 5:15 p.m. Fireworks will be launched at dusk (approximately 9:45 p.m.) with a soundtrack broadcasting from WCLT-T100.

Davidson High School student Lisa Curtis will kick off the fireworks singing a rendition of the national anthem at 9:45 p.m.

On July 4, the Franklin County Agriculture Society will host a parade at 9 a.m. starting from the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

Information: hilliardohio.gov/freedom-fest/

New Albany July 4 festivities

New Albany will host an Independence Day Parade & Festival featuring live entertainment, food trucks, bounce houses, face painters, balloon twisters and caricature artists. The celebration will begin at 11 a.m. with a parade starting from the New Albany Primary School parking lot.

The festival will begin at 6 p.m. at 6600 E. Dublin-Granville Road. Featured among the festival’s live entertainment is the Ohio National Guard 122nd Army Band and The Fabulous Johnson Brothers.

Fireworks will be held at 9:45 p.m.

Information: cm.newalbanychamber.com/events/details/independence-day-parade-festival-17137

Northland parade

The Northland Community Council will host its 59th annual Fourth of July Parade beginning at 11 a.m. at 4660 Karl Road. This year’s grand marshal is nationally renowned basketball player and Northland High School alum Georgeann Wells.

Information: northlandparade.org

Reynoldsburg parade and fireworks

On July 3, Reynoldsburg will hold its Independence Day Celebration at Civic Park, 6800 Daugherty Drive. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and feature entertainment, bounce houses, food vendors, a fun kids’ zone and a fireworks display. Fireworks will be held at 9:45 p.m.

On July 4, the Reynoldsburg Community Association will host its annual parade beginning at 10 a.m. from the corner of Rosehill Road and Main Street.

Information: reynoldsburg.gov/339/Independence-Day-Celebration

Here's where to find Fourth of July fireworks, parades and other events in central Ohio (3)

Upper Arlington parade and fireworks

A parade will kick off the day’s festivities beginning around 9 a.m. at the intersection of Northwest Boulevard and Zollinger Road. Traffic closure details for the parade can be found online. Mike Borders, coordinator of Upper Arlington Special Olympics, will serve as this year’s grand marshal.

Party in the Park will begin at 5 p.m. in Northam Park and feature music, award presentations and food trucks. The fireworks display will start at 10 p.m.

Information: directors1933.uaca.org/wordpress/events/independence-day/

Westerville Independence Day Celebration

The rotary club will host its 61st annual Independence Day Celebration under the theme “Red, White and Blue and Liberty Too” beginning with a Vets 5K Run/Walk at the Westerville Sports Complex, 325 N. Cleveland Ave, at 8 a.m. A Kids Fun Run will be held for young children shortly before, at 7:45 a.m.

A parade along State Street will kick off at 10:30 a.m. from Old County Line Road. A free concert will begin at 4 p.m. and a food truck festival will start at 5 p.m. at the Westerville Sports Complex. A fireworks display will launch at 10 p.m. from Heritage Park.

Information: westervillerotary.com

Whitehall fireworks

On July 3, the city will host a fireworks viewing party starting at 6 p.m. at Whitehall Yearling High School, 675 S. Yearling Road. Tickets, which are required for entry, can be picked up from the city Service Department at City Hall now through 5 p.m. on Friday.

The Whitehall Community Celebration Association will also be hosting an Independence Day Parade with details regarding date and location coming soon online.

Information: whitehall-oh.us/429/Fireworks-Viewing-Party

Worthington picnic and fireworks

The 18th annual Rotary Family Picnic will be held from 5 through 9 p.m. in the baseball outfield north of Thomas Worthington High School, 300 W Dublin Granville Road.Fireworks will be launched at 10 p.m. with viewing locations available in the grandstands of the school's football stadium and on the grassy area to the south of the stadium and track.

Those who are able are encouraged to walk or bike to the day's festivities, with parking extremely limited due to construction. Families can text WORTHOH to 888777 for event information and emergency updates.

Information: https://worthington.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1533

Summer fun:Your guide to the big stars, festivals and other events coming to Columbus

Delaware County

Delaware fireworks and parade

The City of Delaware will kick off its festivities with a parade at 11 a.m., taking off from the county fairgrounds' Liberty Street gate on Pennsylvania Avenue. Later, the Central Ohio Symphony will perform an outdoor concert at 7:30 p.m. on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus, with outdoor seating available at Phillips Glen lawn.

The day will finish off with fireworks at 10 p.m. from the city’s Cherry Street property.

Information: delawareohio.net/home

Orange Township Independence Day Parade

Orange Township will be hosting an Independence Day Parade under the theme "Red, White and You" beginning at 10 a.m. from the round-about in front of Olentangy Orange Middle School, 2680 E Orange Road. Limited parking for those watching the parade will be available at Olentangy Orange High School, 2840 E Orange Road.

More information: https://www.orangetwp.org/township/parade/

Sunbury Square July 4 celebration

Sunbury Square will be hosting an antiques, arts and crafts fair throughout the day, from 8 a.m. through 2 p.m. Vendors can register online for $40 in advance or register the day of for $60.

The Big Walnut Civic Association will also be hosting an Independence Day parade at 10 a.m., followed by Kid Zone on the Square at 11 a.m. The Kid Zone fee is $5 per kid with a family cap of $20, cash only.

Family-friendly fun will take place in Sunbury Square throughout the rest of the afternoon, including a hot dog-eating contest at 12:30 p.m., followed by a pie contest and a “Men in Heels” race. At dusk, fireworks will be displayed at the old Big Walnut High School, 555 S. Old 3C Highway.

Information: sunburybigwalnutchamber.com

Fairfield County

Buckeye Lake BLASST

On July 3, the Buckeye Lake Area Star Spangled Tradition (BLASST) will be launching fireworks at 10 p.m. from Fairfield Beach.

Information: facebook.com/buckeyelakeblasst

Lancaster parade and fireworks

Lancaster-Fairfield County will host a parade at 10 a.m. starting from the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. Right after the parade, everyone is welcome to enter the fairgrounds and enjoy a day full of festivities — including a crafts show, live entertainment, kid-friendly rides and a raffle of local goods. A fireworks display will close out the day at 10 p.m.

Information: 4thofjulylancaster.com

Pickerington parade and fireworks

On July 3, the City of Pickerington will be launching fireworks at 10 p.m. from Pickerington Central High School, 300 Opportunity Way. On Independence Day, the city will be hosting a parade starting at 10 a.m. through Olde Pickerington Village.

Information: ci.pickerington.oh.us/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/july-4th-celebration/

Licking County

Granville contests, food and fireworks

Festivities will entertain crowds Saturday through July 4 in downtown Granville, with a fair running 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. July 1 - July 3. On July 4, the Granville Rotary will host a Firecracker Five Race starting at 7:45 a.m. followed by a Decorated Bicycle Contest at 10:30 a.m. and Mile Long Parade at 10:45 a.m. The fair will be running from noon through 8 p.m. that day.

Featured on the weekend’s event schedule is bingo at Opera House Park, a Granville High School Jazz Band Concert and “Granville’s Got Talent” taking place July 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Fireworks will take place Sunday, July 2 at Wildwood Park at 10 p.m.

Information: granville4th.com/schedule

Independence Day festivities:How to celebrate July 4 in Licking County

Utica July 4 celebration

The Village of Utica will be hosting a Cornhole Tournament at South End Park, 60 Blacksnake Road, starting at 6:30 p.m. The entry fee is $10 per team, with all proceeds going to the Utica Merchants Association’s scholarship fund.

Information: facebook.com/VillageOfUtica

Madison County

Plain City July 4 celebration

The Village of Plain City will be hosting a day full of festivities, starting with a parade at 10 a.m. beginning from Pastime Park and moving down Chillicothe Street. Those interested can register to be in the parade online. A farmers market will be held from 9 a.m. through noon in in Bicentennial Park, paired with live music, bounce houses and face painting.

Fireworks will close out the day at 9:45 p.m.

Information: plain-city.com/services-2

West Jefferson festivities

West Jefferson Streetfest will take place Sunday through July 4, featuring rides, food and live entertainment downtown on South Center Street and Pearl Street.

On the Fourth of July, a parade will kick off the day at 10 a.m. at the same location. A fireworks display will be held at 10 p.m.

Information: facebook.com/westjeffstreetfest

Pickaway County

Ashville parade, fireworks

A five-day celebration featuring a fish fry, free entertainment, daily ride specials, karaoke and the Miss Ashville 4th of July Contest will take place Friday through July 4 at Ashville Park across from 200 East Station Street.

On July 4, a Grand Parade will set off at 11 a.m. Fireworks will be displayed at 10 p.m.

Information: ashville4thofjuly.com/index.html

Union County

Marysville parade

The City of Marysville will host an Independence Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m. at the American Legion Park, 205 Park Ave.

Information: marysvilleohio.org

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Here's where to find Fourth of July fireworks, parades and other events in central Ohio (2024)

FAQs

Where is the biggest 4th of July fireworks display? ›

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.

What is the biggest firework show in the Midwest? ›

Red, White & BOOM! is an experience and a tradition for over 400,000 visitors who come together each Independence Day to celebrate our country, our community and honor our military and veterans. BOOM! is a safe and FREE event which features a parade, our famous street festival, and live musical entertainment!

What time are the Westerville fireworks? ›

Westerville's 2024 Fireworks Display

The fireworks will be launched as they have been since 2021, from Heritage Park near Everal Barn. The pyrotechnics display begins at 10 p.m.!

Where is the best place to spend 4th July? ›

Here are the best places to be in the United States on July 4 that double as great weekend trip destinations.
  • New York City, New York. ...
  • Bristol, Rhode Island. ...
  • San Francisco, California. ...
  • Washington, D.C. ...
  • Nashville, Tennessee. ...
  • Boston, Massachusetts. ...
  • St.
Feb 29, 2024

Where is the firework capital of the US? ›

New Castle is known both as the "hot dog capital of the world" and the "fireworks capital of America".

What state lights off the most fireworks? ›

Missouri, with a population of just over 6 million people, spends the most per capita on fireworks at $13.36 per person. Fireworks are legal to buy in Missouri between June 20 and July 10 and with the exception of the capital, they are legal to set off around Independence Day.

What state sells the most fireworks? ›

Missourians spend the most on fireworks out of all Americans, report shows. Missouri beat out all other states in terms of firework spending last year, with sales totaling nearly $125.9 million. ST.

What city in Ohio has the best fireworks? ›

Check out our picks for Ohio's Best!
  • 1) Red, White & BOOM– Downtown Columbus, Ohio. ...
  • 2) P&G Riverfest- WEBN Fireworks Show– Sawyer Point- Cincinnati, Ohio. ...
  • 3) Clevelands Light Up The Lake– Downtown Cleveland- Cleveland, Ohio. ...
  • 5) Put-in-Bay Ohio's Fireworks Over The Bay – Put-in-Bay Ohio.

What state shoots the most fireworks? ›

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.

Who is the largest fireworks display? ›

The largest straight-line firework display is 22,240 and was achieved by Sheikh Zayed Festival and Ministry of Presidential Affairs (both UAE), in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 1 January 2022.

What time is Hilliard fireworks? ›

Schedule of Events
Event ScheduleTime
Opening Act 2: Harper Grace6:45 - 7:45 p.m.
Headliner: Big & Rich8:20 - 9:30 p.m.
National Anthem by Davidson High School Student Cinna Carter9:45 p.m.
Fireworks*Dusk (approximately 9:45 p.m.)
7 more rows

Where do you park for Westerville fireworks? ›

Parking is available at the Westerville Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.)

Are fireworks legal in Westerville Ohio? ›

Only novelty fireworks (e.g., sparklers) are allowed, all other fireworks should be left to the professionals. The City of Westerville fireworks Ordinance 1519.04 is available online for review. Read the State of Ohio fireworks law.

Where is the world's largest firework display? ›

The World's Largest Fireworks Display in Dubai

In total, this display used 479,651 fireworks, all of which were manually counted by Guinness World Records adjudicators, fired at a rate of 80,000 shells per minute, or 1,332 per second.

Is Thunder Over Louisville the largest fireworks display? ›

How did Thunder Over Louisville get started? In just 33 years, what started as a better than average fireworks display has become the pinnacle of pyrotechnics. Thunder is the nation's largest annual fireworks event.

Where is the fireworks capital of the US? ›

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.)

Where is the best firework display in the world? ›

Extravagant New Year's Eve in Dubai

The United Arab Emirates is well renowned for hosting the most famous fireworks display in the world. The fireworks are launched by the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa, so you can watch them from anywhere in the city.

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