4th of July in Grand Rapids

Fireworks

The West Michigan Whitecaps celebrate the holiday with a special all-you-can-eat BBQ menu during their July 4 baseball game – and fireworks after.

You can get a Front Row for the Fireworks on July 6 at Grand Rapids Public Museum – admission includes activities, exhibits, special meal deals and more.

Amway Family Fireworks is the city’s biggest patriotic celebration – the event kicks off at 5:00 pm in downtown’s Ah-Nab-Awen Park, with family-fun activities, games, food trucks, vendor exhibits and live bands leading up to a spectacular fireworks show. July 6.

Berlin Raceway, one of America’s premier short-track stock-car courses, presents a fireworks show after its July 6 races.

Plan to spend the holiday at the beach? Lakeshore communities Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon and Saugatuck/Douglas present separate fireworks shows on July 4.

Patriotic Attractions

Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863, and the March on Washington, 1963 at Grand Rapids Public Museum explores the push for African-American freedom in the U.S.

Extraordinary Circumstances at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a photography exhibit offering a close-up portrait of President Ford’s humanity.

John Ball Zoo is home to two Bald Eagles – the national bird symbol of the U.S. – in addition to 1,800+ other animals.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hosts an Independence Day Celebration the Children’s Garden way – with engaging activities for guests of all ages. July 6.

Spend the day with family and friends in a park or a boat, on a beach or a bike trail, playing golf or playing in the trees.

Celebrate the holiday by indulging in classic American summer fare: fresh fruit, ice cream, beer, burgers and donuts.