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.
40th Annual 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 music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
FYI: Parking can be a little tricky with big events, so check out this list of lots and garages around downtown Little Rock to get a game plan before you set out.
Dickey-Stephens Park Fireworks Watch Party, North Little Rock
Dickey-Stephens is getting an extra dose of patriotism this year. There’s no Tavs home game on the schedule, but the park will be open to the public (free admission!) for those wanting a unique view of the Pops show across the river. Plus, guests can get in on ballpark concessions, on-field fun, train rides for the kiddos and access to Otey’s Splash Pad. Gates open at 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
Bonus: The Travs may be out of town on Thursday, but they’ll be getting into the fireworks fun early with their own displays at the home game on Wednesday. More on that 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. Click here for more info.
Big Bang Fireworks Show, Jacksonville
Set at Five Points on Main Street (a move from recent years at the Jacksonville Shooting Sports Complex), 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 9:15 p.m. Click here for more info.
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 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. Click here for more info.
Independence Day Celebration, 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. Click here for more info. And if you want the best seats in the house, head for The Balcony Blast Fundraiser and support the Community-Oriented Policing and Problem Solving initiative while you’re at it.
FYI: No word yet on Bryant’s Pops in the Park event. We’ll update this list if that changes.
Have details on an event we missed? Email us at info@littlerocksoiree.com.