Fireworks, parades and live entertainment are just a few of the ways locals celebrate the birth of the nation in Grand Rapids. Join us as we honor, reflect and revel in the American spirit!

Community Events

These suburban cities celebrate the holiday with small-town parades and much more:

Dorr celebrates throughout the long weekend, with activities including a Freedom Run on July 2, an auto cruise on July 3 and a parade and fireworks on July 4.

Cedar Springs recognizes Independence Day with its Patriot’s Motor Show and Festival, featuring autos, motorcycles, live music, bounce houses, a dunk tank and more, on July 2.

Marne’s Berlin Fair, Michigan’s longest running fair, kicks off on July 3 with an evening of live music and hymn sings followed by an ice cream social.

Caledonia holds its Independence Day Celebration on July 3, with an 11 am parade and fireworks at dusk.

Ottawa Hills once again hosts its Hollyhock Lane Parade, the oldest Independence Day parade in Michigan – on July 4.

Ada Township hosts a pancake breakfast, parade, classic car show, evening concert and fireworks display on July 4.

Allendale kicks off July 4th with a grand parade, followed by food, games, a concert and fun for all ages in Allendale Community Park. Fireworks start at dusk.

East Grand Rapids offers a full day of fun on the 4th – a 5k run/walk, parade, kids’ inflatables, food trucks, a water ski show, evening concert and fireworks.

Grandville festivities include a 5k Run/Walk and Memorial Softball Game on July 3, and a food, entertainment, fireworks and flyover of WWII vintage aircraft on July 4.

Kentwood’s holiday celebration starts with a 7 am pancake breakfast on July 4 and continues with a 5k race/walk, parade, carnival, food trucks, beer tent and live music before fireworks commence at dusk.

Rockford’s Independence Day schedule includes a run/walk, parade, live entertainment and kids’ activities leading up to a fireworks spectacle over downtown, all on July 4.

Fireworks

In addition to the fireworks shows listed above, these events serve up a spectacular pyrotechnic display:

The Grand Rapids Fourth of July Celebration is the city’s biggest patriotic celebration – the event kicks off at 6 pm in downtown’s Ah-Nab-Awen Park, with family-fun activities, games, food, vendors and live entertainment leading up to a spectacular fireworks show at 10:30pm. July 2.

Berlin Raceway, one of America’s premier short-track stock-car courses, presents a fireworks show after its July 2 races.

The West Michigan Whitecaps launch fireworks above LMCU Ballpark after their baseball games against the Fort Wayne TinCaps on July 2 and 3.  

Plan to spend a day at the beach? The Muskegon Downtown Festival presents a fireworks extravaganza on July 2, and you can see fireworks in Grand Haven and Saugatuck/Douglas on July 4.

Patriotic Attractions

Get into the spirit of the season with these events and activities:

Lena Meijer Children’s Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the site for Red, White, Blue & You: A Salute to Independence Day! Events include an All-American Flag Hunt, Hula Hoop Hoopla, storytime and more. July 2.

In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870-1940 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum reflects the changing mindset of America from the mid-19th to early 20th century. Closed July 3 & 4.

Newcomers: The People of This Place exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum celebrates the many different ethnic groups that contribute to the rich tapestry of West Michigan and America. Closed July 4.

Baseball, Hot Dogs & Apple Pie

It doesn’t get much more all-American than this trio of pastimes:

Watch a baseball game at Rockford’s Meijer Sports Complex, which hosts the Silver Series Championships, a travel youth tournament featuring 50+ teams, from July 1-3.

Get a taste of some of the area’s favorite hot dogs:

Order a delicious apple pie for your park or backyard picnic at Grand Traverse Pie Company  or Nantucket Baking Company . Or opt for a fresh-made apple dumpling (or three) from Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery . Or skip dessert and enjoy your apples in liquid form with a locally made hard cider.  

Summer in the City

Check out all the other amazing things to see and do in Grand Rapids this summer, including the July 4th weekend. Treat your ears to a free concert. Explore our Grand Outdoors. Cool your taste buds with a trip to the best ice cream parlors and frozen yogurt shops in town. Taste the summer bounty at restaurants and family farm markets. Savor a tall cold one at a local brewery (here’s to the Red, White & Brew!).