Let’s be honest, fireworks are one of the biggest draws for a Fourth of July celebration. And Independence Day is just around the corner.
So we’re cutting straight to the chase to let you know where you can see these dazzling parade of lights throughout Delaware, along with some locations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, too.
Wilmington
A full day of events will be on tap for families. This includes several performances (to be announced soon) from 2 ro 8 p.m., a petting zoo, face painting, train rides and food vendors, according to organizers.
Fireworks will blast off around 9:45 p.m.
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Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park (Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington) from 2 to about 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit cityfestwilm.com or (302) 576-2100.
Newark
This glorious light show is going down at the University of Delaware.
Athletic Complex (605 S. College Ave., Newark) from 6 to 10 p.m., Tuesday July 4. Visit newarkde.gov/calendar or (302) 366-7000.
Middletown
Fireworks will blast off after dark, likely between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Silver Lake Park will open for viewing at 6 p.m. with food for sale from a variety of vendors, a spokesperson from the town of Middletown said.
Silver Lake Park (200 E. Cochran St., Middletown) from 6 to about 11 p.m., Tuesday, July 4. Visit middletown.delaware.gov or (302) 378-2711.
Hockessin
Since this Fourth of July celebration is driven by volunteers and is 100% funded by donations, the Hockessin community is asked to make a donation, according to the Hockessin Fourth of July Festival & Fireworks website.
It costs $39,000 to fund this event’s fireworks, per a recent post at Facebook.com/Hockessin4th.
From 9 a.m. to noon, the celebration will hit the ground running with relay races. (But participants should arrive at 8:30 a.m.)
At 9:30 a.m., there’s a Fun Run for ages 5 and younger.
At 11:45 a.m., there’s a Fun Run for ages 15 and older. Parents also are encouraged to join in.
At noon, there will be an awards ceremony and pictures.
Later at 3 p.m., the parade begins on Old Lancaster Pike. Parade registration closes at 5 p.m. June 30.
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Fireworks begin at dusk and can be seen from all over Hockessin, especially Swift Park, Piedmont baseball fields, Hockessin Library and Artesian Soccer Fields.
Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 4. To register for relay races or to join the parade, or to make a donation, visit hockessin4th.org or (302) 239-6900.
Dover
The Capital City will paint the town red, white and blue with its Independence Day festivities, including a parade. The lineup is on Park Drive (between East Division and East Loockerman Street), beginning at 4 p.m. Step-off is 6 p.m.
The parade heads west on Loockerman Street, turns left on State Street and ends at Water Street.
Organizations and businesses interested in joining the parade can visit the website below to download an application.
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The schedule of events for Dover’s Fourth of July celebration will be announced soon. It’s been tradition for spectators to enjoy fireworks at Legislative Mall.
Legislative Mall (411 Legislative Ave., Dover) on Tuesday, July 4. Start time is TBA. Visit dover4thofjuly.com.
Lewes
From 9 a.m. to noon, Lewes returns with its tradition of old-school kids’ games on Second Street.
Beginning at 1:30 p.m., the Lewes Independence Boat Parade will cruise along for spectators to see.
At 5 p.m., shenanigans will be on full display with the colorful Doo-Dah Parade, starting at Lloyd’s Market on Savannah Road and winding its way down Kings Highway to Second Street and ending on Savannah Road, looping back toward Lloyds.
At dusk, the day will end on a high note with fireworks.
Festivities will be held in downtown Lewes, near Second Street, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit leweschamber.com or (302) 645-8073.
Rehoboth Beach
Delaware’s premier beach will draw most of the attention downstate on the Fourth of July when the sparks start flying at night.
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As a heads up, weather conditions may force fireworks to start as early as 8 p.m. or later than 9:30 p.m., according to the City of Rehoboth’s website.
The fireworks, launching from south of Rehoboth Avenue, can be seen from the boardwalk and beach.
At 8 p.m., live entertainment will groove the bandstand.
Near downtown Rehoboth (Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach) from 8 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit cityofrehoboth.com or (302) 227-6181.
Bethany Beach
This year’s holiday theme for Bethany Beach is “Sand & Sea in ’23.” The holiday marks Bethany’s most popular party of the year.
At noon, the parade begins, which goes down Garfield Parkway.
At 7:15 p.m., rewards will be announced, followed by a live concert with Mike Hines and The Look at 7:30 p.m.
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Fireworks will cap off the night at dusk.
Near Bethany Beach Bandstand from noon until around 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit cityofrehoboth.com or (302) 227-6181.
Dewey Beach
Highway One owner Alex Pires said his company will deliver fireworks for the eighth year.
At 9 p.m., fireworks will launch from a barge in Rehoboth Bay. Folks will also be able to see them from the Rusty Rudder.
Starting at 8 p.m., the crowd-favorite band Love Seed Mama Jump will play live from the Rudder.
Rusty Rudder (113 Dickinson Ave., Dewey Beach) around 9 p.m Tuesday, July 4. Visit rustyrudder.com
Laurel
A cornhole tournament will kick things off at Janosik Park at 5:30 p.m.
According to the town of Laurel’s website, there must be a minimum of four teams and registration is $25. Folks can register at Laurel Town Hall.
At 6 p.m., the parade lineup begins on Evergreen Drive. The parade starts at 7 p.m. The route will travel on Central Avenue, turning right onto Market Street and down Delaware Avenue. To participate in the parade, folks can sign up below.
Starting at dusk, fireworks will blast off.
Near Janosik Park (201-299 Front St., Laurel) from 5:30 p.m. to about 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit townoflaurel.net or (302) 875.2277.
Ocean City, Maryland
America’s birthday celebration, including music, is going to be lit with ice cream-colored fireworks on the beach.
Ocean City (North Division Street, Ocean City, Maryland, from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit oceancity.com.
Salisbury, Maryland
The seventh annual Red White and Boom will make some noise with music, food vendors and one of Delmarva’s premier fireworks shows.
Grab a blanket, chairs and get cozy at this longtime affair. The main event is at James M. Bennett High School. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
The rain date is July 5.
James M. Bennett High School (300 E. College Ave., Salisbury, Maryland) on Tuesday, July 4. Visit redwhiteboomsalisbury.org or (410) 726-5194.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
