All patriotic hands on deck! No matter the city or the summer heat, one thing remains the same: Fireworks are still the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July.
From downtown’s big display to sparks outside city limits, here are the best places to party in the U.S.A., then kick back and enjoy the show.
Pops on the River, Little Rock
Firework shows don’t get much better than on the Arkansas River every July 4, and this display at the First Security Amphitheater is downright iconic. Over the years, Pops on the River has become a must-attend for those looking to celebrate the holiday with a side of food trucks, family activities, vendors and live music. The free fireworks show is accompanied by a performance from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m. Learn more here.
FYI: Parking downtown can be a little tricky with big events, so check out this list of lots and garages around the River Market to get a game plan before you set out.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum Watch Party, North Little Rock
Raise your hand if you’ve ever watched fireworks from the deck of a World War II submarine. Expect to feel more patriotic than ever surrounded by food, friends and fireworks atop the USS Razorback, aka the longest-serving submarine in the world. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock
The ballpark is getting an extra dose of all-American fun. The Tavs are taking the night off, but the park will be open for anyone wanting a special view of the fireworks show on the river, not to mention a pre-show screening of “The Sandlot” on the big screen. Plus, concessions and drinks will be available for purchase, so you can load up on those all-American snacks and settle in for the show. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
4th Fest Parade & Fireworks, Maumelle
Who doesn’t love a parade, especially with stars, stripes and spangles? This year’s free festivities kick off with the parade along Millwood Circle and Club Manor Drive with walkers, cars and trailers decorated to the nines. Next is the festival with vendors, food, entertainment and games at Lake Willastein, ending with a fireworks show. The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. and the fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Big Bang Fireworks Show, Jacksonville
Set at the Jacksonville Community Center, these annual free festivities are back for another year, complete with a full lineup of live music, food trucks, games and activities for the kiddos. Gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks start at dusk. Learn more here.
Red, White & Boom, Benton (July 3)
If you’ve got a busy Fourth on the books and want to kick it off right, this one’s for you. Break out the blankets and head to the River Center (behind Holland Chapel Church) to get your fix. Music, food and activities for the kids start at 7 p.m. The show starts at dark, or about 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Fireworks & Food Trucks, Sherwood (July 3)
That’s one way to use a golf course. This free event is getting the party started early this year, too, with a kids’ zone, food trucks and entertainment at The Greens at North Hills starting at 6 p.m. At dusk, just sit back, relax and enjoy the fireworks. Learn more here. Bonus: If you want the best seats in the house, opt for the Balcony Blast fundraiser and support the Sherwood Fire Department and Camp Aldersgate while you’re at it.
Have details on an event we missed? Email us at [email protected].
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