4th of July in Grand Rapids

Fireworks, parades and live music 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!

Parades

These suburban towns celebrate the holiday with small-town parades and much more on July 4:

Ada. A 10 am parade is preceded by a community breakfast and followed by a car show and fireworks.

Allendale. The 10 am parade runs through the Grand Valley State University campus and is followed by a chicken BBQ fundraiser, auto show, critter barn, museum tours and fireworks..

Cascade. The full parade starts immediately after a 10 am bike parade and the day continues with games, rides, music and fireworks.

East Grand Rapids. A noon parade is the centerpiece of all-day event that also includes a run/walk, water ski show, concert and fireworks.

Grandville. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, arts & crafts show, chainsaw carving, penny carnival, laser tag and fireworks in addition to the 11 am parade.

Kentwood. The parade starts at 9:30 am and the day also includes a pancake breakfast, race & fun walk, e carnival and fireworks.

Events

Fireworks Downtown GR | July 6 ›

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.

Grand Rapids 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.

Live Music ›

Plan Your Stay

July is a great time to visit Grand Rapids. Plan your Fourth of July mini-vacation by taking a look at the wide range of hotels options available. Looking for something cozier? Our Bed and Breakfasts will not disappoint. Do you love the outdoors? Then check out our campgrounds. Check out the complete Calendar of Events below. Submit missing events to our Calendar!

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Please note that while every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the events listed, we recommend contacting the event and/or location directly to confirm the details. Special events may require tickets that need to be purchased in advance. Please direct questions to event organizers.