MONTGOMERY – Fireworks, great summer food and live entertainment highlight July 4th celebrations across Alabama. Visitors can choose from more than 25 Independence Day events and firework shows.
The celebrations include the Spirit of America at Point Mallard in Decatur, Thunder on the Mountain at Vulcan in Birmingham and Independence Day 1776 at the American Village in Montevallo. Families can also enjoy a picnic at the Riverfront in Montgomery, watch reflections of fireworks on the waves at Gulf Shores or sample fresh watermelon at the Watermelon Festival in Grand Bay.
The Alabama Tourism Department suggests the following July 4th events.
Alexander City– 4th Of July Blast
Lake Martin. Watch fireworks over the lake from the lawn of the amphitheater after enjoying a concert. Activities from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. 256-397-1019. www.lmat.org. Admission charged.
Athens– Athens Fireworks Show
Athens High School. Annual fireworks show 8:30-9 p.m. 256-867-1438. www.visitathensal.com. Free.
Auburn- Annual Fourth of July Celebration
Duck Samford Stadium. Fireworks, live music and giveaways for children. 6-9 p.m. 334-501-2936. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Free.
Birmingham– Thunder on the Mountain
Vulcan Park and Museum. Birmingham’s annual fireworks display with Vulcan as the centerpiece of the program. 9 p.m. 205-933-1409.www.thunderonthemountainbirmingham.com. Free.
Childersburg– Sound, Light and Water Show
DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park. Patriotic show that tells of America’s history. Shown on every tour of the caverns from Jun 8-Jul 31, Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., 1-5:30 p.m. 256-378-7252. www.desotocavernspark.com. Admission charged.
Cullman– Smith Lake Park Independence Day Festival
Smith Lake Park. All-day entertainment, arts, crafts, food, fireworks, putt-putt golf and more. 256-734-0454. www.cullmancountyparks.com/smithlake.htm. Free.
Daphne– Daphne’s Jubilee Independence Day Fireworks Display
Trione Sports Park. Annual fireworks display. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. 251-621-8222. www.daphneal.com. Free.
Decatur- Spirit of America Festival
Point Mallard Park. Celebrate the nation’s birthday at one of the state’s largest patriotic festivals, featuring children’s activities, live music, the Miss Point Mallard Pageant and a fireworks show. 800-232-5449 or 800-524-6181. www.spiritofamericafestival.com. Free.
Demopolis– Freedom on the River
Downtown and along Tombigbee River. Fireworks show on the river with bands, food vendors and a children’s patriotic parade. 5-9 p.m. 334-289-0270. www.demopolischamber.com. Free.
Dothan– Family 4th Celebration
Center Stage. Enjoy a day of family activities, including water slides for the kids, shows, music, games, rides and festival foods. Music all day, with a headline act at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks display shortly after 9 p.m. 334-699-1475. www.family4thcelebration.com. Admission charged.
Fairhope- Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Display
Henry George Park and Fairhope Municipal Pier. The Baldwin Pops Band Independence Day Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with a variety of patriotic music before and after the fireworks display. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. 251-929-1466. www.cofairhope.com. Free.
Florence– Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration
McFarland Park. Live music and family activities with food vendors onsite. Fireworks show after dark. 2-10 p.m. 256-740-4141. www.visitflorenceaL.com. Free.
Greenville– Celebrate America
Greenville High School Stadium. Family activities and fireworks. 7-9:30 p.m. 334-382-3251. www.greenville-alabama.com. Free.
Gulf Shores– Independence Day Fireworks
Gulf Shores Public Beach. Fireworks shot over the beach and accompanied by special patriotic music broadcast on Sunny 105.7FM radio. 9 p.m. 251-968.1172. www.gulfshores.com. Free.
Gulf Shores– Fort Morgan Salute to American Independence
Fort Morgan State Historic Site. Independence Day is celebrated at Fort Morgan with artillery firing, small arms firing and special tours of the Fort. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 251-540-7202. www.fortmorgan.org. Admission charged.
Guntersville– All American Celebration
Lake Guntersville. Fireworks over Lake Guntersville at 9 p.m. 256-582-3612. Free.
Luverne– July 4th Fireworks Display
Turner Park. Fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. 334-335-4468. www.crenshawcounty.net. Free.
Montevallo– Independence Day 1776
The American Village. See the stories of America’s founding with period re-enactors such as Patrick Henry and Abigail Adams, play Colonial games, patriotic music, fireworks and more. Noon to nightfall. 205-665-3535 ext.1063. www.americanvillage.org. Admission charged.
Montgomery- 4th of July Family Picnic
Riverfront. Enjoy a picnic by the river. Coolers, food and beverages are allowed. Live Music begins at 6 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. 334-625-2100. www.visitingmontgomery.com. Free
Pike Road– Summer Fest
The Waters. Bring a picnic and blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the musical entertainment and fireworks. 334-272-9883. www.pikeroad.us. Admission charged.
Prattville– Prattville Independence Day Celebrations
Various Locations. Parade, BBQ/camp stew sale and fireworks. Parade begins 9 a.m. at Autauga County Courthouse; BBQ/Camp Stew sale 10 a.m. at Pratt Park; fireworks begin at dark at Stanley-Jensen Stadium. 334-358-0297. www.prattvilleal.gov. Free.
Scottsboro– 4th of July on the Tennessee River
Goose Pond Colony, Ed Hembree Drive. Music, entertainment, boat parade, food and fireworks display. 6-10 p.m. 800-268-2884. www.goosepond.org. Free.
Sheffield– 4th of July Walking Parade
Montgomery Avenue. Old fashioned walking parade with entries from baby carriages to wagons. 10 a.m. 256-381-3907. www.visitsheffieldal.com. Free.
Theodore– Grand Bay Watermelon Festival
Odd Fellow Park, Hwy. 90. Family fun day with arts and crafts, entertainment, children’s activities and all you can eat watermelon. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. 251-367-8646. Free.
Thomasville– American Legion Annual Barbecue
American Legion Hall, Kimbrell Ave. BBQ pulled pork and chicken, plates to go or eat in. 11 a.m. 334-636-5827. Admission charged.
Troy– City of Troy 4th of July Celebration
Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. Fireworks show at the stadium on the Troy University campus. 334-670-2283. www.troyal.gov. Free
Tuscaloosa– Independence Day Celebration
Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and Grounds. Free children’s activities including face painting, bounce houses, games, patriotic music and fireworks display. 6-9 p.m. 205-562-3220. www.tcpara.org. Fee for attractions only.
Wedowee– Fourth of July Boat Parade
Lakeside Marina, Hwy. 231, Lake Wedowee/RL Harris Reservoir. Boat and personal watercrafts decorated with patriotic themes. 10 a.m.-noon. 256-276-7959. www.lakewedoweelife.com. Free.
Wetumpka– 4th of July Celebration
Behind the City Administrative Bldg. Live entertainment, street dance, children’s activities and fireworks. 5 p.m. until. 334-567-5147. www.cityofwetumpka.com. Free.