From live music to boat parades to corn hole competitions, Delaware knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July.
If you’re planning your patriotic festivities, here is a roundup of where you can find fireworks throughout the First State from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach to Laurel.
Many of these towns are bringing back familiar traditions after COVID-19 toned down some of the typical events. While this list is not entirely comprehensive, it should get you started.
So, grab a picnic blanket and your friends and check out one of these impressive displays in our little state.
Wilmington
The July 4th Celebration at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park is set for Monday, July 4, from 2 to 10 p.m.
Free family activities start in the afternoon ranging from pony rides to games to face painting and more. The fireworks show by Pyrotecnico will start at 9:15 p.m. with a rain date of Tuesday, July 5.
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People are encouraged to park at any of the lots around the Orange Street and Market Street areas. Free parking is available at the Shipyard Shops, Frawley Stadium and at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
For updates, visit cityfestwilm.com/event/july-4th-celebration.
Hockessin
The community’s tradition of a Fourth of July parade will return this year, starting at 3 p.m. on Old Lancaster Pike. Expect road closures on Old Lancaster Pike from Kenwick Road to Valley Road from about 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The fireworks display begins at dusk and can be seen from all over Hockessin.
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People mainly gather at Swift Park, Piedmont Baseball Fields, Hockessin Library and Artesian Soccer Fields. The organizers recommend people grab food or drinks from local businesses before snagging their favorite fireworks-viewing spots.
There is no rain date for Hockessin’s fireworks.
For more, visit https://hockessin4th.org/fireworks/.
Middletown
Fireworks will launch when the sky gets dark, probably between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m., on Monday, July 4.
Silver Lake Park will open for viewing at 6 p.m. with food for sale from a variety of local nonprofits.
For more, visit middletown.delaware.gov.
Smyrna-Clayton
Fireworks will launch at the Little League fields across from Smyrna High School and Middle School at dusk on Sunday, July 3.
The Smyrna-Clayton celebration will again feature live music and food trucks for people to enjoy during the festivities on Sunday.
Then, on Monday, people can line up in Clayton to enjoy the annual parade starting at 9:30 a.m.
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And of course, you can’t miss the tradition of the July 4th baby contest. Starting at noon on Monday, the contest – where kids ages 0 to 3 compete for adorableness – will be at Ewell’s St. Paul Church, 401 West Street, Clayton.
For more, visit the event’s Facebook page.
Dover
The community is invited to enjoy the fireworks at Legislative Mall on Monday, July 4.
Get the party started with Dover’s old-fashioned patriotic parade at 6 p.m. Floats, classic cars and marchers will make their way down State Street, starting at Hazel Street and ending at The Green. The parade is organized by the American Legion Walter L. Fox Post No. 2.
Then, make your way to Legislative Mall where Spinjocs Entertainment will be playing favorite hits starting at 6:30 p.m.
Because weather can affect the fireworks display, the organizers recommend people arrive around 8 p.m. for the opening ceremony and then the skies should light up around 9:15 p.m.
For more, visit http://dover4thofjuly.com/index.html.
Lewes
A full day of festive fun will begin in Lewes on Second Street with old-fashioned kids’ games from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 4.
Then, people typically line the railings along the canal – perhaps after grabbing a drink at the Wheelhouse or Irish Eyes – to watch the Independence Day Boat Parade from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
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The evening kicks off with the annual makeshift Doo-Dah Parade, which leaves from Manila Avenue down Kings Highway. It usually takes off around 5 p.m., but it is also often at the whims of the organizers.
Of course, fireworks will launch from a barge in the bay off Savannah Beach around 8:30 p.m. The fireworks can be seen throughout town, especially at higher elevations. The bridges at Savannah Road and Freeman Highway will be closed, so it may be wise to park downtown and walk toward the fireworks if possible.
For a lot more information about the fireworks and festivities, visit https://gofourthlewes.org/
Rehoboth Beach
The Nation’s Summer Capital will illuminate the sky on Sunday, July 3.
Festivities begin at 8 p.m. with a live performance at the Bandstand.
Zambelli Fireworks will put on the display at about 9:30 p.m. however the fireworks could launch as early as 8 p.m. or later than 9:30, depending on weather. Fireworks are launched from south of Rehoboth Avenue and are visible up and down the beach and boardwalk.
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For more, visit https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/events/fourth-july-fireworks-display.
Dewey Beach
Highway One typically hosts a fireworks display on the Fourth of July.
The fireworks launch from a barge in Rehoboth Bay in front of the group’s businesses northbeach and Ivy.
Bethany Beach
Fireworks will launch in downtown Bethany Beach at dusk on Monday, July 4. But before that, visitors can experience the small resort town’s parade, which goes down Garfield Parkway toward the ocean starting at noon.
The band Boat House Row will be bringing the jams at 7:30 p.m.
For more, visit https://www.townofbethanybeach.com/273/Fourth-of-July.
Laurel
The town will be holding its Fourth of July celebration on Monday, beginning at 3 p.m. at Janosik Park.
Entertainment includes food vendors, non-food vendors, a petting zoo, two live bands, a car show at Janosik Park, a parade and a firework display.
The parade begins at 7 p.m. on Evergreen Drive, and fireworks will launch at dusk. People should bring chairs and blankets to comfortably enjoy the fireworks.
View the event information at https://www.townoflaurel.net.
Did we miss a Fourth of July event near you? If so, email elytle@delmarvanow.com.
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
