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It's almost time to celebrate the Fourth of July in Ohio, and many of your favorite events will be returning for Independence Day in 2021. Whether you're interested in fireworks, music, educational family fun, fantastic food, or all of the above, you're sure to find the perfect celebration in one of Ohio's many vibrant communities. We don't want you to miss any of the action on the biggest holiday of the summer, so we've put together a guide to some of the best Fourth of July events in the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas that offer something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica Boardwalk – 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113
The annual Light Up the Lake fireworks celebration can be viewed from a variety of great destinations throughout downtown Cleveland, including the beautiful Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica Boardwalk. This event is always a favorite for Northeast Ohio residents, with plenty of activities to enjoy downtown before the fireworks and festivities begin. As an open-air amphitheater with abundant lawn seating that's perfect for a Fourth of July picnic, Jacobs Pavilion is a great place to take in the sights of the evening. But if you have another favorite location, it's easy to see the fireworks display from anywhere downtown.
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Get ready for a full day of family fun in downtown Wadsworth with the First Friday: Celebrate America event for the Fourth of July. Enjoy specials and activities at more than 30 local businesses in downtown Wadsworth, then be sure to save room for dinner! There will be various great food trucks on-site serving all of your favorite dishes from Ohio and beyond. After dinner, settle in for one of Ohio's best fireworks shows, with fantastic views available from a variety of scenic locations downtown.
Sippo Lake Park – 5712 12th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Looking for a fun, unique way to keep younger members of the family entertained before the big fireworks shows on the Fourth of July? Kids are sure to love exploring the exciting, educational Red, White, & Blue Flag Avenue at Sippo Lake Park. Walk through the scenic park lined with flags as your kids learn all about the different red, white, and blue species of animals that call Ohio home, then wrap up your trip with a visit to the Wildlife Conservation Center. This event is available to be enjoyed every day during park hours for the two weeks around the Fourth of July holiday.
Thomas Worthington High School – 300 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Worthington, OH 43085
While Worthington's annual Rotary Family Picnic is delayed until Labor Day this year, you can still enjoy a festive fireworks display. The Thomas Worthington High School grounds will give viewers plenty of room to watch the annual celebration of the nation's independence. In addition to the stadium, the front lawn and other areas surrounding the venue will be available to attendees. In case of severe weather, the fireworks will be rescheduled with a rain date of Sept. 5th.
New Albany Middle School Greenspace – 6600 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany, OH 43054
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The New Albany Independence Day Parade & Festival has a special theme this year, with frontline healthcare workers and first responders being honored throughout the day. After the parade, head to New Albany Middle School for a family-friendly festival that includes games for kids, costumed characters, live music, and food from some of Ohio's best food trucks.
Dublin Community Recreation Center – 5600 Post Rd., Dublin, OH 43017
The City of Dublin Independence Day Celebration features a full day of fun and special events around the city. Whether you're watching or participating, the annual Shem Sheldon Fishing Derby is the perfect way to spend your morning. The Fourth of July Parade is up next, with a parade route that runs throughout downtown Dublin. After the parade, there will be more than five hours of live music from a diverse selection of bands before the evening wraps up with Dublin's annual fireworks display.
705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
If you love live music, you won't want to miss the Sawyer Point Summer Concert Series Fourth of July Celebration this year. The fun starts in the afternoon, with live performances from four different bands that will last well into the evening. There will be plenty of delicious food and drink to enjoy throughout, with a fantastic fireworks display set to follow all of the live music.
6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230
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Enjoy a family evening out at the amusement park on July 3 and experience one of the more unique Cincinnati Fourth of July celebrations at the Coney Island Park Balloon Glow. The show starts with over a dozen colorful, well-lit hot air balloons taking to the sky above the amusement park, which you can enjoy while experiencing all of the attractions that the park has to offer. After the balloons, there will be a spectacular fireworks finale to cap off an evening of family fun at the amusement park.
4200 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45251
Get ready for a night of amazing live music and a fantastic fireworks display at the Colerain Township Fourth of July Spectacular. This event is free for everyone to enjoy, and the fun starts with an evening of music from the Classic Rock Experience. They'll be playing all of the hits from the '70s and '80s in an outdoor concert, providing the perfect way to get warmed up for the grand finale. After the concert, the skies will light up with a dazzling display of fireworks to close out the evening.
Independence Day celebrations are back with a bang for 2021! Which one will you attend?
Photo courtesy of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Pajama-clad families will board a train for a fun filled evening excursion, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of the classic Polar Express story. Your destination is the North Pole, and upon arrival, you will be greeted with caroling elves and even Santa himself!
Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo
Come see the zoo in a whole new light! One of Akron's most popular gems will be decked out in thousands of holiday lights and decorations. Walk through the zoo's displays, enjoy a concert from the carolers, take a ride on the Wild Winter Express train, get a photo with Santa, and top the night off with a freshly made s'more!
Start off your holiday season in a sophisticated setting with a soul-warming cup of tea! The famed Dragonfly Tea Room will host a special candlelight tea, complete with holiday snacks and live music, for your enjoyment. Call ahead to make your reservation!
Photo courtesy of the Players Guild Theatre
See the story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life by the Players Guild Theatre! The performance of Dickens' ghostly story is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Photo courtesy of the MAPS Air Museum
Santa Claus is coming to town, but he's not using the chimney this time! Santa will fly to the MAPS Air Museum by plane to visit all of the good boys and girls. Make sure to snag a photo with him before enjoying punch and cookies, and exploring the planes at the museum.
This tradition is as sweet as can be! The Fieldcrest Estate will host adults and children alike, giving them the chance to choose a floor plan and design your own giant gingerbread house. Guests can choose from three different sized houses to take and build. It will be baked, sliced and constructed upon your arrival, and there will be plenty of materials available so you can decorate the home to your heart's content! While you are working, enjoy hot chocolate, adult beverages and other holiday treats.
Looking for 2019 Fourth of July events? Check out our most recent guide: 13 Fourth of July Events + Fireworks Displays in Columbus, Ohio
241 years ago, our founding fathers signed our great nation into existence — giving us freedom as well as one heck of a reason to celebrate. Fourth of July weekend is finally upon us, bringing with it the chance to gather with friends and family and enjoy one of the most anticipated highlights of the season. While hosting a picnic and lighting sparklers at home is great, there are so many exciting events in Columbus, and it would be a shame to miss out on the fun. Fireworks will go off around town on the evening of Independence Day, but we plan on celebrating all weekend long with concerts, 5Ks, festivals and more. Below, we've gathered up some of our favorite events in town, so don your star-spangled apparel and get ready to make this weekend one for the books.
Photo courtesy of Randall Schieber via the Columbus Symphony
This summer tradition with the Columbus Symphony is always a night to remember. Come enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites and Sousa marches with brilliant light displays. Of course, the beloved event would not be complete without fireworks, which will take place after the show.
Graphic courtesy of Reel Big Fish's Facebook Page
Celebrate the long weekend with a day of ska, craft beer and good times. While you're sampling craft brews from all over the country (and participating in a few drinking games) at Newport Music Hall, you'll be dancing along to lively tunes from the Expendables, the Queers, Tunnel Vision, and headliner Reel Big Fish.
Photo courtesy of the Charity Day 5K
Feel like giving back (and working off some of those burgers and brats while you're at it)? Don't miss the Charity Day 5K, during which runners and walkers alike will take to the streets of downtown Columbus in honor of several charitable organizations. During registration, participants can choose their beneficiary to be sure they're racing for a cause they truly care about! After the race, enjoy a post-race party hosted by Red, White & Boom. Register here.
Photo courtesy of Red, White & BOOM
More than 400,000 people will gather in downtown Columbus for the largest fireworks display in the state! Red, White & BOOM began in 1981 as a small celebration, and has grown exponentially over the years. It's not tough to see why the event is so popular! Sure, the fireworks are spectacular, but there will also be a grand parade, live music, dancing, and an after party to conclude the night!
Photo courtesy of the Doo Dah Parade
The self-proclaimed celebration of liberty and lunacy will return to Columbus this year! Everything will go topsy turvy at the craziest parade in town. Antics kick off at 10 am and continue all day, and the parade will begin at 1 pm. While you're not watching, enjoy free live music, vendors, beer and bites from local restaurants.
The Independence Day celebration in nearby Dublin is one of the best around, offering a full day of food, music, and fun for all ages. Come early to witness the Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby at 8am, and then spend the rest of the day eating ice cream, enjoying the parade, watching the dogs in a canine frisbee competition, and dancing along to the tunes of Peter Frampton. The event will conclude with a massive fireworks display at the high school stadium.
Photo courtesy of Jill Jan...