There is nothing that brings people together like an old-fashioned 4th of July celebration. We like to celebrate with dazzling firework displays, all-Americana parades, BBQs, and all-around family-friendly fun.
Whether you get into fireworks shows, like small-town parades, enjoy annual neighborhood block parties, or like to do all of the above, this list sure looks fun. If you’re not certain where to go or what to do this holiday, we’ve curated a list (more events to be added up until 4th of July)
This guide was sponsored by Music Lab Folsom
Annual Fourth of July Family Blast in Placerville
Freedom & Fireworks at the Placerville Speedway
LIVE ON THE BOULEVARD in El Dorado Hills
Madison Hudson at Crawdads on the lake after Folsom Rodeo!
Folsom Ranch 4th of July Bike Parade
Fireworks & Freedom in El Dorado Hills
4th of July Nevada City Parade & Street Fair
4th of July at the Auburn Fairgrounds
Folsom Firecracker Run/Walk 2024
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Fun Things to Do on the 4th of July to Entertain the Whole Family
As if summer in itself isn't enough of an excuse to gather with friends and family, Independence Day gives us even more reason to have fun in the sun! Regardless of where you're located in the country, Independence Day offers a plethora of pursuits beyond cookouts and parades! So, crank up your patriotic playlist and immerse yourself in a day of honoring the U.S.A. We've got you covered with tons of exciting ideas and 4th of July activities for the whole family!
Looking to turn your Independence Day celebration into a full weekend? Plan a road trip to a historic landmark or spend the night camping under the stars. It's a great way to reconnect with your loved ones and the land that you love. No matter how you celebrate, don't forget to take fun photos of your 4th of July festivities
Make Red, White, and Blue Treats
Make a festive display of sweet treats using these 4th of July desserts as a guide, also check out Pinterest for more recipes including cakes, pies, and mouth watering red, white, and blue ice cream sandwiches!
Have an Outdoor Patriotic Movie Marathon
Unwind after the fireworks by playing a couple of 4th of July movies on an outdoor projector or screen! Whether you're after inspirational stories of Americans, classic '80s movies, or your favorite war films, you'll enjoy sitting back and relaxing in the cool night air after a long day of celebrating.
Host a Hot Dog Eating Contest
The first thing you're going to want to do on the 4th is fire up the grill. Make things even more fun by hosting your own hot dog eating contest at home, and let the (eating) games begin!
Blast a Patriotic Playlist
Queue up a festive and lively playlist full of everyone's favorite patriotic tunes. You could even enlist your most musically inclined guests to pick up a guitar or mic for a fun jam session!
Make Refreshing Cocktails
You could serve your usual libations at your bash. Or you could make a batch of fun (and delicious) red, white, and blue cocktails inspired by a summery twist on the margarita that's made with tequila and fresh watermelon. Cheers!
Plan Patriotic Outfits
Looking to show off your patriotic pride? Dress up in your favorite red, white, and blue attire, and see who can pull off the most patriotic outfit!
Go to an Amusement Park
A fun-filled day spent riding rollercoasters, eating fair food, and playing games screams quintessential American summer, so there's no better time to do so than on the 4th! Amusement parks often have patriotic parades or costume contests in addition to their usual fun rides and attractions for even more festive fun!
Rent a Boat
Hit the seas (or at least the lake) to cool off from the heat with fun water activities like swimming, fishing, or simply lounging on a boat! Bonus points if you can catch enough fish to grill later in the day!
Learn Some American History Trivia
Even if you were born and raised in this country, it can be hard to know all the facts! Challenge your friends and family to brush up on their American history with a fun game of trivia or by reading July 4th fun facts.
Decorate Your Home
Whether you're throwing a patriotic party or having a chill day at home, sprucing up your space with red, white, and blue accents is a surefire way to add festive spirit to your day! There are countless store-bought and DIY 4th of July decorations to choose from for your yard!
Enjoy an Outdoor Concert
What better time to experience live, outdoor music than a warm summer evening? Chances are you can find a concert near your hometown to celebrate the holiday, whether it's a local band or a big touring artist. Break out those picnic blankets and coolers, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the tunes.
Go Fishing
Independence Day is the perfect time for classic summer activities, too. Get out and enjoy nature by casting a line or two. Fishing is a beautiful, calming way to spend the day outdoors with loved ones. Plus, if you make a good catch, cook it up during the holiday grill!
Visit a National Park
It's no secret that our nation has some of the most pristine and downright gorgeous protected wilderness areas. Celebrate that by taking a trip to a national park for a day of hiking, site seeing, and feeling the pure majesty of this land. Don't forget to pack a good lunch, too!
Go Berry Picking
Make the most of berry season by picking your own strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Many local farms offer U-pick options that let you load up on your favorite summer fruit. Once you've filled your baskets, use the berries to bake a beautiful summer pie.
Play Ball
Baseball is an American past-time so it’s the perfect game to take part in on the 4th of July. Set up a family ball game by splitting up into teams. You can even get creative by making your own personalized baseball jerseys.
Go Camping
Take advantage of the time off by planning a camping trip. Cook dinner over an open fire, play some music, and stargaze before bed.
Read Up on American History
Spend the morning reading a few pages from a book about American history. Dive into a biography on famous figures, like Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton that inspired the hit musical, or David W. Blight's Frederick Douglass. There are also tons of informative children's books you can get from the library to read with your little ones.
This guide was sponsored by Music Lab Folsom
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