July 4th fireworks events: Dazzling shows are back on for 2021

Editor’s Note — Watch CNN’s “Fourth in America Special,” which will air starting 7 p.m. ET Sunday, July 4. Anchors Dana Bash, Don Lemon, Victor Blackwell, and Ana Cabrera will host coverage as the United States celebrates its independence and collective effort to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic. (CNN) — After a pandemic-induced hiatus last year, many places in the United States known for their Fourth of July celebrations will be back in action for 2021. And the highlight of many of those celebrations? An awe-inspiring display of fireworks, of course. Those who can’t make the trips to enjoy the shows in person can catch many of them on live streams and TV broadcasts. From our biggest population centers to smaller cities and towns, CNN Travel has rounded up some of the top places across America to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks and when to go (all times are local).

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Addison, Texas

Addison, a small town in the Dallas metro area, has a big fireworks show. Courtesy Town of Addison Saturday, July 3 | Addison Kaboom Town! This Dallas County town has a population of about 15,300, but it puts on a show that is supposed to impress any “bigger is better” Texan.

While tickets for the celebration in Addison Park Circle are sold out, restaurants and hotels still have watch-party packages. The town will have a live stream on its YouTube channel. A “Freedom Flyover” patriotic airshow starts at 7:30 p.m., and the fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Find out more here.

Birmingham, Alabama

Sunday, July 4 | Thunder on the Mountain: Alabama’s most significant city puts on a memorable fireworks display against the backdrop of the colossal Vulcan, the world’s most giant cast-iron statue.

Vulcan Park and Museum will close at 6 p.m. to prepare for the show. VisitVulcan.com says prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and the UAB campus. The 9 p.m. show will be televised. Find out more here.

Boston

Boston has one of the most anticipated July 4 fireworks shows in the country. Kyle Klein Sunday, July 4 | Fireworks and Pops Concert: This annual event is beloved not only in Boston but across New England. In 2021, the fireworks and the concert will be held in different locations.

The fireworks portion stays in Beantown, with a show at Boston Common starting at 10:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Boston Pops Independence Day concert will be held at Tanglewood in western Massachusetts. Tickets are sold out but will be broadcast from 8 to 11 p.m. Find out more at Boston Discovery Guide | Boston.gov | Boston Pops.

Clear Lake, Iowa

Sunday, July 4 | Celebrating American Independence: People from Minneapolis and Des Moines who want some small-town Independence Day charm without giving up a big show can head to little Clear Lake.

This town of about 7,600 is serious about marking American independence. Events stretch out from Wednesday, June 30, to Monday, July. 5. The topper — Clear Lake’s renowned fireworks shows — starts at 10 p.m. Find out more here.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sunday, July 4 | 4th of July Spectacular: Wouldn’t it be nice to listen to the Beach Boys before watching fireworks shot over balmy ocean waters? People in Fort Lauderdale will be able to do both this year.

The Beach Boys perform live from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and the seaside fireworks show starts immediately afterward. You can even take water taxis to the event. Find out more here.