July 4th Attractions for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Happy 240th birthday, America! It’s time for us to celebrate, and of course, to most of us, that means one thing. As Jenna Scherer said on CNTraveler, there’s only one thing America loves more than America: fireworks.
In fact, John Adams, in a letter to his wife, alluded to our nation’s most popular choice of celebration on Independence Day, saying that the momentous events of 1776 should be celebrated “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
Watching fireworks and participation in other outdoor July 4th activities can be senior-friendly, as long as you keep these tips in mind:
- – Bring along a wheelchair or lawn chair so you can stay comfortable throughout the event
- – Hydrate and take bathroom breaks as often as necessary
- – Keep warm, if it gets cooler at night
Note that if there are large crowds of people, especially if it is a standing-room only event, wheelchair users may not get an ideal view of the festivities – unless, of course, the spectacle is going on overhead.
For all of you who won’t be able to make it to the fireworks, you can always watch it live from the comfort of your home. Break out the red, white and blue and bring on the festivities with traditional foods, patriotic crafts and some karaoke. You may even want to consider a backyard barbeque in honor of America’s birthday.
As for the fireworks and other Independence Day events, we’ve hand-picked 50 of the greatest adult celebrations happening around the U.S. this July 4th for your entertainment. Many of these festivals are free; the others are worth the price (we think)! Click on the name of the event for details such as times, locations and prices. Unless noted otherwise, all events listed will take place on Monday, July 4th.
If you plan to go to any of these events, or have gone in previous years, represent your state and tell us all about it below! But most importantly, let us know if there’s going to be food!
Alabama
Thunder on the Mountain, Birmingham
Sparkling fireworks will fill the sky above Vulcan, Birmingham’s beloved iron man, to the backdrop of patriotic music.
Alaska
Fourth of July in Anchorage, Anchorage
The July 4th full-day celebration begins early, with a pancake breakfast in Delaney Park Strip, followed by a Parade and then a festival with plenty of games, vendors and, of course, food. As evening rolls around, the annual Alaska Baseball League doubleheader gets going, with a grand finale of fireworks at the end of the second game.
Arizona
4th of July Celebration, Surprise
In the city of Surprise, July 4th is celebrated with baseball, one of America’s favorite sports, followed by a beautiful display of fireworks.
Arkansas
Maumelle 4th Fest, Maumelle
The Maumelle 4th Fest parade is followed by a festival with family games, performances, boat races and more. The patriotic-themed day ends with a boom at the firework spectacular at Lake Willastein.
California
Lights on the Lake, Lake Tahoe
Each year, more than 100,000 fans gather at various locations to view this huge fireworks display over Lake Tahoe, one of the top five in the nation. The fireworks isn’t the only party going on in South Tahoe; the Red, White and Blue Celebration will start earlier on, with music, a full bar, giveaways and performances – and it will all be streamed live on TV!
Colorado
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad 4th of July Special, Antonito
Enjoy a scenic train ride on the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, complete with a sumptuous dinner and a world class fireworks display in the Village of Chama. One car on the train is ADA approved and fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Connecticut
Weston’s Family 4th Celebration, Weston
In Weston, the Independence Day party is going to be magnificent, with a barbeque, musical entertainment and The Magic Genie all preceding the highlight of the night – a beautiful show of fireworks.
Delaware
Annual Fireworks Celebration & Concert, Dover
On the eve of Independence Day, following a full day of food, entertainment and a parade, there will be a concert leading into the fireworks celebration, with a special discount offered for seniors.
Florida
4th of July Fireworks Cruise, Panama City
Over the historic St. Andrews Bay, the sky will be electrified with fireworks, and you can get a perfect view aboard the wheelchair-accessible Capt. Anderson Boat with a special senior discount. Enjoy the ultimate July 4th evening with DJ, a snack bar, beer and, of course, fireworks.
Georgia
Fourth of July Celebration, Atlanta
At the Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta’s residents and visitors will once again enjoy the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. Join the crowds this year on Independence Day and enjoy live entertainment by J-Fly and Friends before the fireworks show begins.
Hawaii
Ala Moana Beach Park Fireworks, Honolulu
Set yourself up somewhere along the shores on Independence Day and enjoy musical entertainment and a magnificent display of fireworks. Celebrate all weekend at Ala Moana Center with four days of entertainment, sweepstakes and a 25% savings pass.
Idaho
Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, Idaho Falls
Pay tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom at to the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, a patriotic evening complete with dinner and musical entertainment. With an average of ten shells per second, this 31-minute spectacular is the largest pyrotechnic show west of the Mississippi River and is sure to dazzle your senses.
Illinois
The Fourth of July at Navy Pier, Chicago
Join 4 million spectators gathering along 50 acres of the historic Navy Pier shoreline, or find a quieter spot at the lakefront or on a friend’s rooftop to watch the July 4th fireworks. Celebrate all day with the live music, entertainment, shopping and beaches nearby.
Indiana
Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast, Indianapolis
This July 4th, head downtown for an evening that’s sure to be a blast! Get yourself some Donatos pizza, snacks and cold soda, and enjoy live entertainment by the Lemon Wheel band at the Indianapolis Colts Stage located on Michigan Street. When dusk falls, find a good spot on the Indiana War Memorial grounds to enjoy Indianapolis’ major Indy-Pendence Day fireworks celebration.
Iowa
Freedom Festival, Cedar Rapids
Beginning with a pancake breakfast and continuing throughout the day with a concert, a car show and other entertainment, the Freedom Festival culminates with the Celebration of Freedom, the largest fireworks display in all of Iowa.
Kansas
Wamego Fireworks Show, Wamego
Ranked as the #1 fireworks show in all of Kansas, the fireworks at this event are amazing – as one person put it, “The whole show looks like the finale!” But that’s not all: the Wamego Independence Day celebration starts early in the morning, with a car show, a historical ice cream & cake social, concerts, a parade and much more!
Kentucky
Campbellsville Fourth of July, Campbellsville
Starting off early in the morning with a Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza and continuing throughout the day with a car show, musical entertainment and more, Independence Day celebrations are done right in Taylor County! The day ends with a bang at the Fireworks Explosion, presented by Citizens Bank.
Louisiana
Go 4th on the River, New Orleans
Also known as the Dueling Barges Fireworks Show, this event features a unique dueling barges fireworks display over the Mississippi which can be seen from both banks, as well as live music and free concerts.
Maine
Stars and Stripes Spectacular, Portland
Celebrate our nation’s birthday with the Patriotic Pops Concert and a grand fireworks display at the famed Stars and Stripes Spectacular. As usual, this year’s memorable event will be the culmination of a full year of planning, which began on July 6th, 2015! Although the event is free, you may want to get yourself a VIP ticket if you’d like a BBQ dinner, front-row concert seating and transportation to the Eastern Promenade on the Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Maryland
Bel Aire Independence Day, Bel Aire
The day’s festivities will have a delicious start with an early morning blueberry pancake and sausage breakfast. Later on in the day, there will be a parade through downtown, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display launched from Rockfield Park, both sponsored this year by BGE in honor of their 200-year anniversary.
Massachusetts
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, Boston
Holders of the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Fireworks Display” ever recorded as well as the “Largest Pyrotechnic Image,” the famous Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will once again light up the sky over the Charles River this July 4th, following the Boston Pops Orchestra as well as performances by guest stars Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas. For those who need it, there will be a designated handicapped area.
Michigan
Star Spangled Fourth, Mackinac Island
As one of the only two remaining completely original Revolutionary War Forts in America, Fort Mackinac is the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day, with soldier demonstrations, dancing, cannon firing and more. Enjoy an All American Picnic, followed by stunning fireworks over the lake.
Minnesota
July 4th Funfest, Eagan
Celebrate Independence Day with a bang! Join the tenth, and possibly last, year of Eagan’s July 4th Funfest, an event that truly caters to both young and old. The festivities include a parade, car show, bingo, entertainment and more before the fireworks show begins later in the evening.
Mississippi
Independence Day Celebration, Pearl
Dress in red, white and blue and celebrate Independence Day the all-American way at the M-Braves ballpark! The July 4th game will be followed by a super-sized post-game fireworks display.
Missouri
Fair Saint Louis, Saint Louis
Everyone calls it America’s Biggest Birthday Party, and for good reason. This famous July 4th celebration includes tasty food and a full lineup of performances and popular music by big-name stars, followed by dazzling fireworks over the Grand Basin.
Montana
July 4th Celebration, Laurel
The largest fireworks display in Montana has also been voted on Facebook as the best fireworks show around. This patriotic all-day celebration begins with a pancake breakfast and continues with a Grand Parade, a food and craft fair and much more, ending with the famed fireworks as evening sets in.
Nebraska
Seward July 4th Celebration, Seward
Seward is known as America’s Small Town 4th of July City, thanks to their award-winning Independence Day event which was included in the “Top Ten Fourth of July Celebrations in the USA” as well as named 2015 Top Festival of Nebraska. This celebration, which is now over 140 years old, will feature a Grand Parade, a car show, live entertainment and much, much more, all before the giant fireworks extravaganza which is called for 10 PM.
Nevada
Biggest Little City Wing Fest, Reno
Although there won’t be any fireworks at this event, this All-American bash is still the perfect celebration for America’s birthday. Throughout the weekend, over 20,000 pound of finger-lickin’ chicken wings will be served, with wing cookers competing with their most creative sauces ever. (Peanut butter and jelly wings, anyone?) With live entertainment and delicious foods besides the wings, this year’s Wing Fest is an event you’ll always remember.
New Hampshire
July 4th Spectacular, Gorham
In the White Mountains, the tiny town of Gorham celebrates July 4th in a big way. New Hampshire’s longest-running annual celebration includes a full weekend of events that ends on July 4th itself with a grand parade in the afternoon and a stunning display of fireworks in the evening.
New Jersey
Do A.C. Fireworks, Atlantic City
With three firing locations along the Boardwalk and in the Marina, the sky above the Atlantic Ocean will be ablaze this July 4th. Join the crowds on the Boardwalk or at one of the city’s many beaches for a spectacular 18-minute show.
New Mexico
Pancakes on the Plaza, Santa Fe
With live musical performances, a car show and an arts & crafts show, the Pancakes on the Plaza event is one you don’t want to miss. This 4th of July tradition includes – of course – pancakes, as well as a silent auction and other festivities.
New York
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, New York
The largest Independence Day fireworks display in the nation will be set off by four barges at this famous, 40-year old event which attracts over 2 million spectators each year. The Macy’s fireworks spectacular can be viewed from several locations along the East River in Manhattan, including some wheelchair accessible locations.
North Carolina
Battleship Blast Fireworks, Wilmington
Food vendors and musical entertainment abound at Wilmington’s Independence Day celebration, which features the region’s largest fireworks display. The fireworks will explode over the docked WWI Battleship North Carolina. You may want to try and reserve a seat at one of the waterfront restaurants for the perfect view.
North Dakota
Sertoma Festival and Fireworks, Grand Forks
For over half a century, Grand Forks has hosted the July 4th all-day celebration that ends off with an incredible fireworks display that can be seen anywhere in downtown Grand Forks. So if you’re in Grand Forks on Independence Day, cash in on some good old July 4th fun with a parade, musical entertainment, performances, a silent auction, food vendors, a beer garden and more!
Ohio
Red, White, and BOOM!, Columbus
On July 1st, over 400,000 people will go down to the riverfront to enjoy Red, White and BOOM!, the largest fireworks show in Ohio and the Midwest. Beginning early in the afternoon, the entertainment kicks in, including multiple concerts, the Independence Day Parade, and more, with even more fun following the fireworks which will take place at 10 PM.
Oklahoma
LibertyFest, Edmond
This week-long event culminates on July 4th with a parade, ParkFest and a fireworks extravaganza as the grand finale, and is considered by CNN & USA Today to be one of the 10 top places to be on July 4th. At the ParkFest, adults can indulge on traditional foods and ice cold drinks from vendors, as well as free watermelon, while enjoying musical entertainment from the local DJ.
Oregon
Fireworks Show @ the Ocean’s Edge, Rockaway Beach
Join the crowd of over 10,000 people in northern Oregon for one of the largest celebrations on the North Coast. The day’s festivities include the Independence Parade, an impressive flyover by the National Guard, a bake sale and a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean when it gets dark.
Pennsylvania
Wawa Welcome America, Philadelphia
This July 4th, celebrate America’s independence in the home of Declaration of Independence. The day-long celebration begins with the Independence Day Parade and free entertainment at the Party on the Parkway. This is followed by Philly’s July 4th Concert, the largest free concert in the USA. The world-renowned fireworks display in the evening puts an exclamation point on a day full of American fun in America’s birthplace.
Rhode Island
Bristol 4th of July, Bristol
Join visitors from all over the U.S. in Bristol, RI, the town known as America’s most patriotic town thanks to the long lasting celebrations in the weeks leading up to Independence Day. The weeks of free concerts, fireworks and other festivities officially kicks off with Flag Day on June 14, and continues until their historic July 4th parade, which is now over 230 years old.
South Carolina
Blast at Patriots Point, Charleston
Declared by the New York Times to be one of the top 5 Independence Day celebrations, this event is one you don’t want to miss. Enjoy a tour in the historic U.S.S. Yorktown, hear veterans share their stories of their bravery for the sake of our country and enjoy a sparkling display of fireworks at night. This year, they will be streaming live video from drones that will by flying through the fireworks on Monday night.
South Dakota
Gold Camp Jubilee Days, Lead
The celebrities on July 4th start off with a pancake feed, and continue with a plethora of activities, live entertainment and parades, with vendors and a beer garden for refreshments. Then, at dusk, the largest fireworks in the Black Hills are set off over the Homestake Open Cut.
Tennessee
Let Freedom Sing!, Nashville
Celebrate July 4th in Music City! Free music concerts will be happening all day in downtown Nashville, the city built on music. Then, at 9 PM, the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony will be performing live music synchronized to the 30-minute fireworks show, the largest pyrotechnic display in the South.
Texas
Kaboom Town!, Addison
There’s no end to the fun in Addison Kaboom Town! on July 4th! One of the highlights of the day is the Addison Airport Airshow with aerobatic stunt pilots and more, including an amazing night airshow by Dan Buchanan, who flies in his wheelchair on a motorized hang glider with pyrotechnics! You can also join 500,000 spectators for the Kaboom Town! fireworks show that is recognized by yahoo.com as the #2 Independence Day fireworks display.
Utah
Sugar House 4th of July, Salt Lake City
Enjoy Sugar House Chamber’s annual pet parade, arts festival and fireworks festival (and food!) in the capital of Utah. There will be over 100 artists at the festival, as well as live music and entertainment throughout the day.
Vermont
Bristol Fourth of July, Bristol
Another historic parade by Bristol – but this Bristol is in Vermont. More than just a parade, their two-day celebration has something for everyone, with raffles, live music, and then, on July 4th itself, an outhouse race and the Grand Parade.
Virginia
Stars & Stripes Explosion, Virginia Beach
Join tens of thousands of visitors at the oceanfront for multiple live performances, including the U.S. Fleet Forces Wind Ensemble, in celebration of our nation’s independence. The show will end with an explosion of fireworks over the ocean at 9:30 PM.
Washington
Seafair Summer Fourth, Seattle
Head to Gas Works Park to enjoy a day filled with live music and entertainment, a National Guard flyover, hot food, snacks and drinks, and a grand finale featuring nearly 8,500 lbs. worth of fireworks.
West Virginia
Alderson’s 4th of July, Alderson
The longest Independence Day celebration will be in Alderson, beginning on June 25 and continuing until July 5. Their 55th annual event features a full lineup of contests, socials and more, and then on July 4th itself, some of the festivities include a car show, a parade, musical entertainment, and a grand finale of fireworks.
Wisconsin
Madeline Island 4th of July, La Pointe
Voted one of the coolest small towns in the U.S., Madeline Island is host to Wisconsin’s best July 4th celebration. Head over to downtown La Pointe this year to celebrate Independence Day with a parade, musical entertainment, and a breathtaking pyrotechnic show that lasts about 45 minutes.
Wyoming
Celebrating the Fourth of July, Jackson Hole
In the “purple mountain majesties,” experience a magical July 4th with a parade, fireworks and food! Beginning with a pancake breakfast on Town Square, the day continues to delight with a parade, a reenactment of the Jackson Town Square shootout, the Fourth of July Rodeo and fireworks in two locations.
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