If you want fireworks on the Fourth, then fireworks on the Fourth you'll get.
We scoured the Internet for the details on the local displays and parades you won't want to miss, no matter where you live. Best of all, most viewings are free.
[Editor's note: If you look around, you'll see tons of Independence Day events happening the weekend of July 6 across the Tri-State. WVXU focused on events happening on July 4 proper, with the occasional July 3 celebration mentioned. Know of something we're missing? Let us know about it in the comments below.]
Southwest Ohio
- While , we'd be remiss not to mention LaRosa's Balloon Glow at Coney Island (6201 Kellogg Avenue), taking place the day before. Pay for parking ($12) but skip the park (and the crowds) to view the glowing hot air balloons at 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks display over Lake Como at 10 p.m., all from the comfort of your car.
- Head to New Richmond for its Freedom Fest, on the riverfront near Front Street. There you'll find a car show, live music, vendors, rides, food and drink, and a fireworks display on the holiday proper at 10 p.m.
- On July 3, Oxford holds its Freedom Festival (6801 Fairfield Road), featuring inflatables, games, a hot air balloon, a rock climbing wall and more. The event is free, but there is a $5 per car fee at the park.
- Kings Island (6300 Kings Island Drive) holds its annual 4th of July Spectacular, . Members of the military get free admission to the park July 1-4.
- On July 4 at Ault Park (5090 Observatory Circle), you'll find a filled with food, live music and of course, fireworks that start at 10 p.m.
- Northside's July 4 parade is not your typical processional. You'll find plenty of red, white and blue, sure, but also plenty of fun and funky floats and costumes (just ). The parade starts at noon on Hamilton Avenue and ends at Hoffner Park (4101 Hamilton Avenue) where you'll find the , featuring food, drink and live music.
- The Cincinnati Pops play Riverbend Music Center (6295 Kellogg Avenue) at 8 p.m. and will be joined by the U.S. Army Chorus for performances of songs like "America the Beautiful" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." . Tickets are $5 for active or retired military; $15 for everyone else.
- The amusement park Stricker's Grove (11490 Hamilton Cleves Road) will hold its Fourth of July Celebration (pay for rides, plus $5 parking) with fireworks at 10 p.m.
- At Red, White and Blue Ash in Summit Park (4335 Glendale Milford Road) you can expect live music by none other than John Waite, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, plus at 10 p.m. While you can set up as early as 7 a.m. for this free event, there are some (PDF).
- Finally, if fireworks aren't your thing, Washington Park (1230 Elm Street) "Independence Day" starring Will Smith, for free starting at 9 p.m.
Northern Kentucky
- Florence will celebrate early on July 3 with a day of at UC Health Stadium (7950 Freedom Way, Florence, KY) starting at 4 p.m. The band DV8 plays.
- Starting at 10:30 a.m. July 4, Fort Thomas Independence Day Celebration with a parade that marches from Highlands High School to Tower Park (900 S Ft Thomas Avenue), where a festival will take place featuring games, rides and food, plus an antique car show, sport tournaments, and live music by Soul Pushers, Motherfolk and Blessid Union of Souls. Fireworks shoot off at 10 p.m.
- Edgewood's July 4th Extravaganza by the classic rock band Red Idle at Freedom Park (550 Freedom Park Drive) at 7 p.m.
Southeastern Indiana
- Cambridge City with a fireworks display at Creitz Park starting at dusk.
- The city of Greendale at Greedale Cabin within Greendale Park (827 Nowlin Avenue), including a kids bike parade, a kids fishing derby, a 5k, and of course, fireworks at dusk.
- Hidden Valley in Lawrenceburg beginning at dusk.
- takes place at 9:30 p.m. at the Hagerstown Airport (999 Washington Street).
