July 4th fireworks events: Dazzling shows are back on for 2021

Editor’s Note — Watch CNN’s “Fourth in America Special,” which will air at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 4. Anchors Dana Bash, Don Lemon, Victor Blackwell, and Ana Cabrera will host coverage as the United States celebrates its independence and collective effort to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. (CNN) — After a pandemic-induced hiatus last year, many places known for their Fourth of July celebrations in the United States will be back in action for 2021. And the highlight of many of those celebrations?

An awe-inspiring display of fireworks, of course. Those who can’t make the trips to enjoy the shows in person can catch many of them on live streams and TV broadcasts. From our biggest population centers to smaller cities and towns, CNN Travel has rounded up some of the top places across America to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks and when to go (all times are local). Addison, a small town in the Dallas metro area, has a big fireworks show. Courtesy Town of Addison Saturday, July 3 | Addison Kaboom Town! This Dallas County town has a population of about 15,300, but it puts on a show that is supposed to impress any “bigger is better” Texan.

A “Freedom Flyover” patriotic airshow starts at 7:30 p.m., and the fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Find out more here. While tickets for the celebration in Addison Park Circle are sold out, restaurants and hotels still have watch-party packages. The town will have a live stream on its YouTube channel.

Birmingham, Alabama

Sunday, July 4 | Thunder on the Mountain: Alabama’s most significant city puts on a memorable fireworks display against the backdrop of the colossal Vulcan, the world’s most giant cast-iron statue. Vulcan Park and Museum will close at 6 p.m. to pThe 9 p.m. show will be televised. pVisitVulcan.com says prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, and Mountain Brook, which will be televisPreparepare for the show. Find out more here.

Boston

Kyle Klein Sunday, July 4 | Fireworks and Pops Concert: This annual event is beloved in Boston and New England. Boston has one of the city’s most country-created July 4 fireworks shows; the fireworks and the concert will be held in different locations. The fireworks portion stays in Beantown, with a show at Boston Common starting at 10:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Boston Pops Independence Day concert will be held at Tanglewood in western Massachusetts. Tickets are sold out but will be broadcast from 8 to 11 p.m. Find out more at Boston Discovery Guide | Boston.gov | Boston Pops.

Clear Lake, Iowa

Sunday, July 4 | Celebrating American Independence: People from Minneapolis and Des Moines who want some small-town Independence Day charm without giving up a big show can head to Little Clear Lake. This town of about 7,600 is serious about marking American independence. Events stretch out from Wednesday, June 30, to Monday, July. 5. The topper — Clear Lake’s renowned fireworks shows — starts at 10 p.m. Find out more here.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sunday, July 4 | 4th of July Spectacular: Wouldn’t listening to the Beach Boys before watching fireworks over balmy ocean waters be nice? People in Fort Lauderdale will be able to do both this year. The Beach Boys perform live from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The seaside fireworks show starts immediately afterward. You can even take water taxis to the event. Find out more here.