There is no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day in the Bluegrass State. Communities host parades and families decked in red, white, and blue plan backyard barbecues. Some swim in pools or lakes, and others picnic in the park. Across the state, Kentuckians enjoy fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July. I enjoy finding out where to watch fireworks near me. If you like celebrating with the big booms and soaring whistles that accompany a fireworks show, check out these July 4 fireworks in Kentucky:

1. Waterfront Park Fourth of July, Louisville

Louisville's Waterfront Park Fourth of July celebration begins on July 4 at 5 p.m. and is free. The event is at the city's Big Four Lawn, located on River Road on the banks of the Ohio River. Event highlights include a variety show called Waterfront Park's Most Talented, where local singers, dancers, musicians, and comedians will perform. The celebration will conclude with a fireworks show over the river. For more information, visit the event's website.

2. Crescent Hill 4th of July Festival, Louisville

The Crescent Hill Community Center is hosting an all-day Fourth of July festival in 2024. The event starts at 10 a.m. with an opening flag ceremony presented by the Sons of the American Revolution. Throughout the day, there will be a pet contest, a cake contest, children's lawn games, and live band music. The festival will end with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. More details and a festival schedule are available at the Crescent Hill Community Council event website.

3. Paristown Fourth of July Celebration, Louisville

The Paristown Fourth of July Celebration features an artisan market on Brent Street, live music, and tasty food. A doughnut-eating contest will begin at 8 p.m. and a fireworks show will blast off at 9:45 p.m. For event details visit the Paristown event website.

4. Fourth of July Festival and Market, Lexington

Lexington Parks and Recreation will host a weeklong Fourth of July celebration. On Thursday, July 4, 2024, a 10K race, fun run, festival market, and parade are planned. At 10 a.m., the Declaration of Independence will be read at the city's historic courthouse. The day will end with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. Visit the event's website for more information and the week's detailed schedule.

5. Fourth of July Celebration, Richmond

The city of Richmond, Kentucky, will host a fantastic Fourth of July Celebration at Lake Reba Park. The event includes live music, swimming, and playing at Adventure Falls. Event-goers can also peruse craft, food, and wine vendors on site. A fireworks celebration will round out the event at 10 p.m. For more information, visit the event website.

6. Fourth of July Celebration, Independence

Where better to celebrate Independence Day than in Independence, Kentucky? The city hosts weekend festivities on July 5 and 6, 2024, including a parade, live music, rides, and fireworks. The city's event website has more details.

7. Ameribration Celebration, Calvert City

The Ameribration Celebration is a weeklong event in Calvert City, Kentucky. On July 4, 2024, the festivities will take place at Memorial Park from 12 to 9 p.m., including a parade, kids' activities, food trucks, and fireworks. For event details, visit the Ameribration Week Celebration 2024 website.

Now that I know where to watch fireworks near me on July 4, I cannot wait for the day to arrive!

Public fireworks displays in Kentucky are a safer alternative to shooting off fireworks yourself, which can be very dangerous. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 9,700 injuries and eight deaths from fireworks in 2023.

There are so many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July. If you plan to celebrate Independence Day with a hike, check out our ultimate hiking essentials.