The 4th of July 2020… hmmm… so many questions surrounding that topic at the moment. Is the 4th of July 2020 canceled? Will there be fireworks for the 4th of July? How can we celebrate Independence Day safely? Will the fourth of July parades be held? It is unfortunate uncertainty around an otherwise fun holiday.
Initially, this started out as… “The Ultimate 4th of July Experience.” Something I’ve come to refer to as, the Pilgrimage of Patriotism. Inspired by Independence Day 2019, when we spent the week before the 4th in Boston and rode the train to Philadelphia to celebrate Independence Day.
2020 is a very different year though, and while doing some research, I realized… the 4th of July will be very different this year too. The United States is still in the middle of a battle against COVID-19, ongoing protests for racial equality are taking place in all major cities across the country, and we’re in the midst of, yet again, a contentious major election year.
Under these circumstances telling the story of our amazing Pilgrimage of Patriotism felt untimely and injudicious.
So without further ado… let’s get into what’s going on with the 4th of July 2020!
Is the 4th of July 2020… Canceled?
The short answer…
Of course not! The 4th of July will always mark the day when the United States Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress at the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
But… across the country celebrations, festivals, and yes, even firework shows are being canceled.
Status of Major 4th of July Celebrations
This year countless cities have decided to altogether cancel Independence Day events. Some cities have transitioned to virtual festivals. Others have canceled festivals while choosing to keep their firework shows, spectator free that is. And then, there are the few cities marching on, as usual, with their 4th of July festivities. We’ve compiled a list of all major cities and others known for big Independence Day celebrations with the most current information on the status of events.
(Note the status of events are changing fast the closer we get to July 4th. I spoke to many city officials who informed me press releases were planned for the upcoming week. This is the most current information available. I will work on updating this post as the holiday develops.)
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Drawing an estimated 250,000 people every year, Philadelphia, aka the Birthplace of America, has one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the country. We experienced it last year and are sad to find it will be very different in 2020.
Wawa Welcome America Philadelphia festival is going virtual and 100% Free.
There will be no large public events and no fireworks.
The one upside to this whole unfortunate turn of events… this event will be available to everyone across the United States. Check out the Festival Brochure! Activities include a unique assembly of music from the Philadelphia pops on July 3rd and a live show from Jason Derulo on the 4th.
Where to tune in for Wawa Welcome America Philadelphia 2020?
- Boston, Massachusetts
After Philadelphia, the next best place to celebrate the 4th of July in Boston. One of Americas’s premier Independence Day celebrations, “The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular,” draws several hundred thousand spectators annually.
This year much like Philly, there will be no large public events and no fireworks.
However, there will be the “Boston Pops Salute to our Heroes,” a virtual event honoring all the COVID-19 frontline workers freely available for all to experience. Here is the official press release.
Where to tune-in for the 2020 Boston Pops Salute to our Heroes?
Live stream broadcast available on bloomberg.com
Complete list of how to participate HERE
- New York City, New York
New York City and the Tri-State area were walloped by COVID-19, and bans on large social gatherings are still in-place. It’s shouldn’t be a surprise that most public 4th of July celebrations are now canceled.
However, the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show will go on! All the information is not fully available yet, but Mayor de Blasio promised back in April the fireworks will go on.
Where to tune-in for the 2020 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?
As of now, the show will be aired on NBC-TV at 8 p.m. EST.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is a Coney Island classic every 4th of July. This year it will be spectator free, but will go on as usual on ESPN at Noon EST.
- Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital usually celebrates the 4th of July in a big way! This year some celebrations are a “go,” while others are canceled.
The “National Independence Day Parade”, a D.C. tradition is canceled amid COVID-19 concerns.
However, the President’s “Salute to America celebration,” on the National Mall, will go on according to a recent White House press release. The exact details are not available yet, but the release promises music, military demonstrations, flyovers, and a fireworks display.
- Chicago, Illinois
“Fireworks at Navy Pier“ is Chicago’s iconic 4th of July celebration. For 2020, this event is canceled.
Here’s a full list of events in Chicago that have been canceled, rescheduled, or moved virtual.
- Nashville, Tennessee
In response to current event’s Nashville has decided to cancel all public concerts and restrict spectators from gathering within city parks.
The “Let Freedom Sing! Music City 4th of July” celebration has revised its lineup of events and will be airing a virtual festival to honor heroes, first responders, and frontline workers. The celebration will include a fireworks show – to be viewed at home only.
Where to tune-in for the Let Freedom Sing! Music City 4th of July?
Watch online via News Channel 5 Nashville
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis has canceled, “IPL Downtown Freedom Blast,” the cities largest Independence Day celebration. This includes no fireworks show as well.
Here is additional information about other 4th of July cancellations within Indianapolis.
- Detroit, Michigan
Ford Fireworks Detroit has chosen to postpone its 4th of July celebration to August 31, 2020.
The revised show will be televised only and will honor frontline workers and heroes of the COVID-19 crisis.
- Columbus, Ohio
The City of Columbus has revised its annual 4th of July, “Red, White, and Boom!” event for 2020. Historically this is one of the largest 4th of July events in the United States, drawing roughly 450,000 spectators each year.
Cancellations include all in-person events, parades, and fireworks. Instead, “Red, White, and Boom!” will air a 4-day televised event beginning on July 1st. The program tribute past Independence Day celebrations and include highlights of past firework shows.
- Atlanta, Georgia
Fourth of July events throughout the Atlanta area are now canceled or postponed.
“Fireworks at Centennial Olympic Park” are canceled.
The “Rock Ranch Celebrate America Fireworks Spectacular” is canceled for 2020.
The “AJC Peachtree Road Race” is rescheduled for November 2020.
- Charleston, South Carolina
The city of Charleston has decided to cancel the “Patriots Point 4th July Blast.”
The neighboring city of North Charleston has also decided to cancel their “4th of July Festival.”
- Williamsburg, Virginia (including Colonial Williamsburg)
Williamsburg / Colonial Williamsburg, like others, have chosen to cancel their 4th of July fireworks show. However, there are some activities planned to take place in honor of Independence Day.
- St. Louis, Missouri
“Fair St. Louis” is the cities largest annual 4th of July celebration. For 2020 “Fair St. Louis” is going completely virtual and bringing the festival to everyone safe at home.
This year the event will include musical performances from Chingy, The Little Dylan Band, and Jordan Suter. It’s unclear yet if fireworks will be a part of this show.
Where to tune-in for Fair St. Louis?
See here for more info on 4th of July events around St. Louis.
- New Orleans, Louisiana
For 2020, New Orleans has canceled “Go 4th on the River” the cities annual fireworks show and festivities.
Full press release here.
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Jacksonville, Florida
Florida has consistently been a mixed bag of news throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This year for the 4th of July, Jacksonville Beach has canceled their fireworks show.
Then, the Mayor of Jacksonville indicated the cities fireworks show will actually be expanded creating multiple firework shows throughout the city. (IMHO… That’s the best idea yet!)
There is still a bit more uncertainty for other cities across Florida, here you’ll find more about what is and isn’t canceled.
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Houston, Texas
Houston’s “Freedom Over Texas” 4th of July celebration will go on modified to accommodate social distancing guidelines. The Houston Symphony Orchestra is set to perform a virtual concert streamed on local TV followed by a fireworks show.
Residents are encouraged to watch the fireworks either virtually or from cars and from home where possible.
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Fort Worth, Texas
Forth Worth has canceled their 4th of July festival, but have plans to go ahead with a fireworks show. Residents are encouraged to social distance and enjoy the fireworks from home.
Where to tune-in for Fort Worth’s 4th of July Fireworks?
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Austin, Texas
Austin’s annual “H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks” event at Auditorium Shores is canceled.
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San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s Official 4th of July Celebration at Woodlawn Lake Park is canceled for 2020.
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Granbury, Texas
This little town in Texas is famous for their 4th of July festivities! After a conversation with a city official, I learned the event will is a “go.” There will be a street fair, parade, and fireworks. However, this year they’ve taken measures to limit the number of vendors and parade participants.
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Minneapolis, Minnesota
The City of Minneapolis “Red, White and Boom” event is canceled for public health concerns. No live music and no fireworks for 2020.
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Denver, Colorado
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Phoenix, Arizona
This 4th of July in Arizona, cities across the valley have canceled Independence Day firework shows …Phoenix, Tempe, Avondale, Fountain Hills, and Anthem.
Not all celebrations are canceled, though. Here’s a full list of the event’s still on.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
This year, Las Vegas will have only one live firework show for the 4th of July. The Plaza Hotel and Casino is the who’s responsible for the show.
(This one was surprising?!?)
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Los Angeles, California
California has responded seriously to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, it should be no surprise many 4th of July events across the state are canceled.
In Los Angeles, the July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl is canceled.
Additionally, the cities Grand Park 4th of July Party has moved to a virtual event. It’s currently unclear how this will affect the fireworks show in the LA.
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San Diego, California
Two notable events have been canceled in San Diego for 4th of July 2020: “San Diego’s Big Bay Boom” and “Coronado’s Independence Day Celebration.”
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San Jose, California
The Rotary Fireworks show in San Jose is canceled for this year’s 4th of July.
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South Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is a favorite getaway for many families on the 4th of July. This year, however, the annual “Lights of the Lake” fireworks display has been canceled.
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Portland, Oregon
The City of Portland has decided to cancel or postpone most 2020 4th of July events.
The Portland Craft Beer Festival is canceled.
The Portland Waterfront Blues Festival is canceled.
It’s unclear whether there will be fireworks or not in Portland.
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Seattle, Washington
In Seattle, Seafair canceled all planned 4th of July events.
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Anchorage, Alaska
Although it may seem like a strange city to include, it’s here because Anchorage consistently comes up when searching for top places to spend the 4th of July. Unfortunately, it’ll have to wait until next year… Anchorage has decided to cancel their 4th of July celebrations for 2020.
While the 4th of July 2020 may seem like an abysmal one, it’s a reflection of where we are now. While on the one hand, it is sad to see so many celebrations across the country canceled for a beloved holiday; on the other hand, maybe it’s a reaffirmation that our United States is more united for the greater public good than it feels.
I have to imagine, faced with the same challenge, our founding fathers would also act in the public’s best interest and safety. Sure we may be missing some fireworks, but there are things more important than fireworks on the 4th of July… FAMILY.
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