The United States turns 250 this Independence Day, and Greater Cincinnati is ready to celebrate.
Independence Day, which falls on a Saturday this year, marks the country’s 250th birthday. Along with fireworks, grilling and other red-white-and-blue traditions, events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary take place across Greater Cincinnati and beyond.
Here’s a roundup of Fourth of July festivals, concerts and fireworks displays across the region this year.
Fourth of July events across Cincinnati
July 2
Blanchester: Fourth of July Festival, 5-10 p.m. July 2, 4-11 p.m. July 3, 11a.m.-dusk July 4, downtown Blanchester, Main Street. July 2: Christ and Community Music Festival with Rachel Lee, Spencer Robinette, Truesong. July 3: Fourth of July music festival with Strong Sibling Rivalry, Patrick Roush, Jester and Life After This. July 4: Parade at 11 a.m., live music and entertainment and fireworks at dusk. blanchesterchamber.org.
Oxford: Freedom Festival, 5-10:30 p.m. July 2, Oxford Community Park, 6801 Fairfield Road. Large inflatables, games, carriage rides, face paintings, food trucks, beer garden, live music and more. Fireworks at 10 p.m. $5 parking. enjoyoxford.org.
July 3
Cincinnati: All-American Birthday Bash, 2-10 p.m. July 3. Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E. Pete Rose Way. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a classic American car show, live music and fireworks. cincinnati-oh.gov.
Colerain Township: 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular with The Whammies, 7 p.m. July 3, Drew Campbell Memorial Commons, 4160 Springdale Road. Food trucks, live music from The Whammies, activities for children and fireworks at 10 p.m., with a special display in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Free parking, shuttles and admission. colerain.org.
Fairfield: Red, White & Kaboom, 7-10 p.m. July 3, Harbin Park, 1300 Hunter Road. There will be food trucks, live music from the 2nd Wind Band, and Rozzi Fireworks at 10 p.m. fairfield-city.org.
Florence: Independence Day Celebration, 5-10:30 p.m. July 3, Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way. Live entertainment City of Florence Community Band and the Rusty Griswolds, kid’s zone, and Rozzi fireworks at 10 p.m. Rain date is July 4. florence-ky.gov.
Green Township: Independence Day Celebration, 5:30-11 p.m. July 3, Kuliga Park, 6717 Bridgetown Road. Live music from Saffire Express, food, and a fireworks and drone show at dusk. Free shuttle service and convenient parking options. greentwp.org.
Independence: Independence Day Celebration and Saturday Fireworks, 5-11 p.m. July 3 and 12 p.m.-12:30 a.m. July 4, Memorial Park, 2099 Jack Woods Parkway. Friday: Live pro-wrestling show from 6-8 p.m., live music with the Michelle Robinson Band from 8-10 p.m. and roman candle show at 10 p.m. Saturday: Parade at 12 p.m. from Summit View Academy (5006 Madison Pike) to Simon Kenton High School (11132 Madison Pike), rides, family-friendly activities, live music, Vito’s Fireworks at 10 p.m. Free; ride wristbands are $20 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. facebook.com.
Madeira: Friendly Fourth, 6-10:30 p.m. July 3, McDonald Commons Park, 7502 Dawson Road. The annual Independence Day parade and festival kick off at 6 p.m. and end with the fireworks at 10 p.m. madeiracity.com.
Mason: Red, Rhythm & Boom, 4-10 p.m. July 3, Mason Municipal and Community Center Campus, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road. Enjoy live music from Fitz & The Tantrums and Vertical Horizon, a kids’ zone with 9-hole putt-putt golf, slides, bounce houses, carnival games, a trackless train and more. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks at 10 p.m. Lawn seating is first-come, first-served beginning at 3 p.m. imaginemason.org.
Mason: Star-Spangled Nights at Kings Island, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 3-5, Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive. One of the largest and most immersive fireworks displays in the area. visitkingsisland.com.
Middletown: Independence Day Celebration, 4-11 p.m. July 3, Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave. Enjoy a free kids zone, inflatables, face painting, live music, skydivers and fireworks. Free. cityofmiddletown.org.
Milford: Sparks in the Park, 7-10 p.m. July 3, Riverside Park, 425 Victor Stier Drive. Food trucks, and live music from Dat Band, followed by Rozzi Famous Fireworks at 10 p.m. milford.org.
Montgomery: Patriotic Concert, 7:15 p.m. July 3, Montgomery Park, 10105 Montgomery Road. Enjoy a patriotic concert by the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra. bamso.org.
Mount Healthy: Concert in the Park, 7-10 p.m. July 3, Mount Healthy City Park, 1541 Hill Ave. Live music from Soul Pocket and fireworks. mthealthy.org.
Newport: Cincy Blast, 5 p.m. July 3, Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with live music, entertainment, face painting and a Rozzi’s Famous fireworks and drone show at 10 p.m. BB Riverboats is offering ticketed cruise options to coincide with the event, which require reservations. Blast admission is free. newportonthelevee.com.
New Richmond: Freedom Fest, 4 p.m. July 3, 10-11 p.m. July 4 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 5. Golf cart parade at 5 p.m. July 3. Regular parade at 11 a.m. July 4. Festivities include cornhole tournaments, a scavenger hunt, cardboard boat races, live music and more. Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks at 10 p.m. July 4. facebook.com.
Northside: Rock ‘n’ Roll Carnival, 4 p.m.-1 a.m. July 3, 12 p.m.-1 a.m. July 4, Hoffner Park, 4109 Hamilton Ave. The 20th anniversary Rock ‘n’ Roll Carnival boasts live music, food vendors, a MadTree Brewing truck, Northside merch and more. Free. northsiderocks.com
West Chester: All American Bash, 4-11 p.m. July 3-4, Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, 8070 Tylersville Road. Enjoy live music, food and beverage vendors, hot air balloon rides, circus performances, a petting zoo, face painting, balloon animals and more. Fireworks cap off the night July 4 at 10 p.m. Free admission. travelbutlercounty.com.
July 4
Anderson Township: Beechmont Bolt, 9:40 a.m. July 4, Christ Hospital Outpatient Center, 7545 Beechmont Ave. 1-mile race for runners, joggers and walkers. $20. runsignup.com.
Anderson Township: Independence Day Parade, 10 a.m. July 4, Anderson Township Operations Center, 7954 Beechmont Ave. Parade ends at Anderson Towne Center (7500 Beechmont Ave.). andersontownshipoh.gov.
Anderson Township: Red, White & Boom, Gates open at 6:30 p.m. July 4, Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave. Join conductor John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for a showcase of American favorites, followed by fireworks. Featuring Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez and members of the United States Army. $10, free for military and children 2 and under. cincinnatisymphony.org.
Blue Ash: Red White & Blue Ash, 4-10:30 p.m. July 4, Summit Park. 4335 Glendale Milford Road. Enjoy food trucks, restaurants, a beer garden provided by MadTree, carnival rides and family fun. Live music with headliner Billy F Gibbons and the BFGs with opener Redferrin. Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics at 10 p.m. set to patriotic music. Free. summitparkblueash.com.
Covington: Friends of Peaselburg Neighborhood Assn. Fourth of July Parade, 11 a.m. July 4, St. Augustine School, W. 19 St., Covington. See decorated bicycles, wagons, strollers, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, banners, dogs, cars, trucks and floats. Social gathering with refreshments follows. Free. facebook.com.
Edgewood: 4th of July Extravaganza. Independence Day 5K Race at 7:30 a.m. July 4 at Presidents Park (283 Dudley Pike). Parade at 9:30 a.m. from Caywood Elementary and Turkeyfoot Middle School campus (3300 Turkeyfoot Road). Live concert at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. at Freedom Park (550 Freedom Park Drive). Free. edgewoodky.gov.
Evendale: Conquer the Hill 10K, 8 a.m.-noon July 4, Evendale Recreation Center, 10500 Reading Road. 10K run course is USATF certified. Walker’s course is family-friendly and non-professional. Awards. $25. runsignup.com.
Fort Mitchell: Independence Day Parade, 12:30 p.m. July 4. Evendale Recreation Center, 10500 Reading Road. 10K run, 4.5 mile walk and 10K steps challenge. $25 entry fee. fortmitchell.com.
Fort Thomas: Independence Day Tennis & Pickleball, All day July 4. Tower Park (900 South Fort Thomas Ave.) and Highland Hills Park (Mayfield Ave). fortthomasky.org.
Fort Thomas: Independence Day Celebration, 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. July 4, Tower Park, 900 S. Fort Thomas Ave. YMCA Firecracker 5K at 8 a.m., parade at 10:30 a.m., food trucks, activities and live music with Sly Band at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. fortthomasky.org.
Franklin: Independence Day Parade & Celebration, 10a.m.-10 p.m. July 4. Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Festival begins at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. franklinohio.org.
Hamilton: 4th of July Celebration, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4. Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from Butler County Fairgrounds (1715 Fairgrove Ave.). A free concert at RiversEdge will be followed by a fireworks show. Free. travelbutlercounty.com.
Harrison: 4th of July Parade and Celebration, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4, Harrison Community Center, 300 George St. Parade at 10 a.m. Family-friendly festivities, food vendors, live music with P&G Big Band and Final Order, cornhole tournament, and fireworks at dusk. Free. harrisonohio.gov.
Lebanon: Run4Home 5K and Kids Fun Run, 8:30-11 a.m. July 4, Armco Park, shelter 33, 1223 State Route 741. 3.1-mile course in shaded park. Fruit, yogurt and bagels after race. $10-$25. runsignup.com.
Liberty Township: 4th of July Parade, 9 a.m. July 4, Lakota East High School (6840 Lakota Lane). liberty-township.com.
Liberty Township: Freedom Bells and Community Picnic, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4, Hughes Schoolhouse, 6010 Princeton Road. Community picnic at 11:15 a.m., Freedom Bells ceremony at 11:45 a.m. and National Bell Ringing at 12 p.m. liberty-township.com.
Loveland: Independence Day Celebration, 2-11 p.m. July 4, City Hall, 120 W. Loveland Ave. Food trucks, drum performance, family activities, bingo, adult spelling bee, pie-eating contest, lip sync battle, live music, kids line dancing and fireworks. Parade kicks off at 4 p.m. from Loveland Elementary School, 600 Loveland Madeira Road. Free shuttles will be running continuously. lovinlifeloveland.com.
Middletown: 4th of July Parade, 9-11:59 a.m. July 4, Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave. Parade starts at 10 a.m. with marching band, Butler County drum and pipe corps, car clubs and sports clubs. cityofmiddletown.org.
Monroe: 4th of July Parade, 10 a.m. July 4. Parade begins at Monroe Kroger, 3033 Heritage Green Drive. First-ever float competition will take place. Prizes will be awarded to the top entries. monroeohio.org.
Monroe: Light Up the Sky, 4-10 p.m. July 4, Monroe Community Park, 500 S. Main St. Food trucks and refreshments, kids’ activities, hot air balloon rides, live music by DV8 and fireworks show. monroeohio.org.
Montgomery: Independence Day Parade & Festival, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4, Montgomery Park, 10101 Montgomery Road. Parade starts at 10 a.m. along Cooper and Montgomery Road and ends at Montgomery Park. Live music, food, drinks, games and pony rides. montgomeryohio.gov.
Mount Lookout: 4th of July Children’s Parade, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. July 4, Ault Park, 5090 Observatory Circle. Kids parade with decorated bikes and strollers at 11 a.m. cincinnati-oh.gov.
Mount Lookout: 60th Annual Ault Park Fireworks, 6-10:30 p.m. July 4, Ault Park, 5090 Observatory Circle. Live music from the Cassette Junkies, food trucks, a beer vendor and a fireworks display by Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks. cincinnati-oh.gov.
Northside: Fourth of July Parade, 12 p.m. July 4. The parade will travel down Hamilton Avenue from Ashtree to Hoffner Park. General paid entry up to $50. Entry is $200 for political campaigns. 4thparade-northsidecommunitycouncil.nationbuilder.com.
Norwood: Hometown Fireworks, 7 p.m. July 4. Shea Stadium, Norwood Athletic Complex, 2603 Harris Ave. facebook.com.
Over-the-Rhine: Fourth of July Celebration, 6-10 p.m. July 4, Washington Park, Elm Street. Family-friendly games, activities and food from local vendors. Fireworks after sunset. Free. washingtonpark.org.
Rising Sun: Stars & Stripes Celebration, 4-10:30 p.m. July 4, Front Street and Riverfront Park. This celebration boasts arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, a DJ and live music from The Whammies and Groove Masters, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs. Free. facebook.com.
Ross: Stricker’s Grove 4th of July Celebration, 4-11 p.m. July 4, Stricker’s Grove, 11490 Hamilton Cleves Road. Enjoy rides, food, live music and fireworks. Unlimited ride bracelets are $25. Admission to park is free, parking is $5 before 6 p.m. and $10 after 6 p.m. facebook.com.
Sharonville: 4th on the Loop, 12 p.m. July 4, Downtown Loop, 11115 Main St. Parade at noon followed by an afterparty. Free. sharonville.org.
Springboro: Boro Boom, 6-10 p.m. July 4, Springboro High School, 1675 S. Main St. Bounce houses, food trucks, live music by Reel 2 Real and kids’ activities. Fireworks at 10 p.m. cityofspringboro.com.
Wyoming: 4th of July Celebration, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4. Parade at 10 a.m. at Village Green, 400 Wyoming Ave. Free swimming from 12-5 p.m. or all Wyoming residents at the Wyoming Family Aquatic Center, 9940 Springfield Pike. Enjoy inflatable bounce houses, obstacle course, games, food, live music and Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks from 6:30-9:45 p.m. at Oak Park. 928 Oak Ave. Free for Wyoming residents. wyomingohio.gov.
The Enquirer’s Grace Tucker contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fourth of July events, parades and fireworks in Cincinnati
Reporting by Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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By Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
