The Fourth of July is almost here! If you’re looking for places to watch fireworks and celebrate Independence Day around Delaware, here are the upcoming festivities to bookmark.
Thursday, July 4
First Saturday at First State Heritage Park
Welcome Independence Day with a day of historic celebration. First State Heritage Park presents July 4 as it was enjoyed in the late 1800s. Enjoy local vendors, an old-fashioned peach pie-eating contest, a parade, live music and more. Plus, at 2 p.m., listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Old State House, just as it was in 1776. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:15 p.m. over Legislative Mall.
Hockessin Fireworks and Fireworks Express
For a fun Fourth of July experience, park at the Greenbank Railroad Station, and the train will take you directly into Hockessin for the annual fireworks. You’re welcome to bring coolers, blankets and folding chairs aboard the train, and you can skip the traffic on your way out after the show. Or, if you’re already in Hockessin, enjoy the award-winning Independence Day parade at 3 p.m.
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Wilmington Freedom Celebration Fireworks
Riverfront festivities in Wilmington begin at 2 p.m. and end with a fireworks display around 9:15 p.m. Enjoy activities like tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, a petting zoo and pony rides, arts and crafts for kids, face painting, live music and more. Find all the details at cityfestwilm.com.
Newark Liberty Day & 4th of July Fireworks
If you’re in Newark, enjoy vendors and entertainment at the University of Delaware Athletic Complex starting at 6 p.m. Fireworks are expected to start at dusk, around 9 p.m.
Smyrna/Clayton July 4th
There will be a parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Clayton. The fireworks will begin at dusk at the little league fields across from Smyrna High School.
Laurel’s Annual 4th of July Celebration
The city of Laurel kicks off the festivities with a car and truck show beginning at 4 p.m. on Front Street. There will be live music, food and other vendors and a parade throughout the evening. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
Lewes Boat Parade and Independence Day Fireworks
The festivities begin at 9 a.m. in Lewes with old-fashioned games for children on Second Street. Beginning at 2 p.m., the Independence Day Lewes Boat Parade is a longstanding tradition in which decorated boats wind their way down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. They will be across from the Coast Guard Station at 1:30 p.m. and will reach the judges’ reviewing stand at Fisherman’s Wharf around 2 p.m. Later in the evening, keep an eye out for the Lewes Fireworks, which will be launched from a barge off Lewes Beach at dusk. You can watch from the beach or high elevations throughout the city of Lewes.
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Bethany Beach 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
The Fourth of July parade in Bethany Beach kicks off at noon. In the evening, enjoy live music from The 1974 at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk.
Saturday, July 6
Rehoboth Beach Fireworks
Festivities in Rehoboth begin at 8 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to start by 9:30 p.m., but may begin before or after depending on sunset time and weather conditions. Fireworks will launch from south of Rehoboth Avenue and will be visible along the beach and boardwalk.
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