Hopefully we can all celebrate Fourth of July in 2023 again. Since July 4th, 1776 the US celebrates Independence Day on July 4th to commemorate the Declaration of Independence. From parades, fireworks, battle reenactments and readings to barbecues and contests, there are many ways to celebrate freedom and more and more cities are offering events in person. Here you can find how cities at the east coast celebrates USA’s 245th birthday!
1. Watch a Parade and Fireworks at Boston Harborfest
Boston, Massachusetts, US. Keith J Finks / Shutterstock.com
Boston Harborfest is America’s largest Fourth of July festival. This four-day festival starts each year at July 1st and is packed with events. The festival includes fireworks on July 3 and a parade, wreath laying, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
2. Commemorate the Battle of Gettysburg in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
4th of July in Gettysburg commemorats the 159th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, honoring fallen soldiers with Taps playing as part of the One Hundred Nights of Taps, and fireworks at a park! The festivities start at 6 p.m. with food trucks and live entertainment and culminate with fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
3. Listen to Live Music and Eat Hoagies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. Credit: Wawa Welcome America
Philadelphia’s celebrate its 30th annual Wawa Welcome America this year with 50 free city-wide events beginning June 19. The patriotic fun continues with Wawa Hoagie Day, a July 4th concert, and the Wawa Welcome America Fireworks Spectacular.
4. Attend a Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
In Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living museum in the US, you can listen to readings of the Declaration of Independence from the courthouse steps and enjoy live musical performances. Finish the day with the Lights of Freedom fireworks display.
5. Talk to Dead Presidents at Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota, US.
The four former presidents carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore became a symbol of freedom and hope, making it a great place to visit. There won’t be fireworks but presidential reenactors of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt will pose for photos and giving autographs.
6. Celebrate at America’s Oldest Fourth of July Celebration in Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol, Rhode Island, US. Credit: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com
Don’t miss the oldest Fourth of July festival in Rhode Island. The Bristol 4th of July celebration starts on Flag Day, June 14. In 2023 the celebration includes a 2.5-mile Military, Civic, and Firemen’s Parade, fireworks, and a Fourth of July Ball at the Marine Museum.
7. Paint Fences during the National Tom Sawyer Days in Hannibal, Missouri
Hannibal, Missouri, US. Credit: National Tom Sawyer Days
Hannibal, Missouri celebrates each July 4th with the National Tom Sawyer Days. This is a four-day festival that includes a carnival, frog jump contest, mud volleyball tournament, patriotic parade, fireworks, and fence painting.
8. Watch Flyovers and Fireworks in Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C, US.
The annual Fourth of July celebration in DC includes the Salute to America, flyovers from military planes, and a massive 17 minutes red, white, and blue fireworks on the National Mall.
