Red, White & BOOM! is Ohio’s largest Independence Day celebration and one of the most iconic fireworks displays in the Midwest! Over 400,000 visitors flock to Downtown Columbus to celebrate our country and honor our military and veterans. This is a free event featuring live music, a parade, a street festival, and, of course, the largest fireworks display in Ohio!

Here is the Ultimate Guide to Red, White & BOOM! in Columbus.
 

Columbus skyline with fireworks during Red, White, and Boom

Red, White & BOOM!

 

2025 Red, White and BOOM! Dates, Times & Details

Red, White & BOOM! takes place in downtown Columbus on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The Boom! The Street Festival begins at 11:00 a.m. along the Scioto Mile, with vendors offering a variety of food and drinks. Live entertainment starts at Noon on the Bicentennial Park Stage.

You won't want to miss the official parade kicking off from the Main Street Bridge at 5:30 p.m. that travels through downtown Columbus, passing by Civic Center Drive and concluding near the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Fireworks will be set up over the river from Genoa Park, on the east side of COSI, at 10:00 p.m., with the show lasting around 25 minutes and wrapping up with the dramatic BOOM! Grand Finale, presented by Franklin University.
 

Red, White & BOOM! Entertainment Schedule

Enjoy live music from the Bicentennial Park Stage throughout the day. The 2025 lineup includes:

  • Noon: Joey & Jessica
  • 1:30 PM:  Elaina Arthur
  • 3:00 PM: The Groove City Big Band
  • 4:30 PM: Julia Neville
  • 6:00 PM: One Number Off
  • 7:30 PM: School of Rock
  • 9:30 PM: Chuck Starr
  • ​10:20 PM: Chuck Starr (following the fireworks)

 

Red, White and Boom in downtown Columbus takes place annually on July 3.

 

Prime Viewing Spots for the Red, White & BOOM! Fireworks Display 

For the best view, we recommend the following locations:

  • Bicentennial Park: (233 S Civic Center Dr.)
  • Dorrian Green: (50 South Belle St.)
  • Battelle Riverfront Park: (25 Marconi Blvd.)
  • Belle Street
  • Marconi Blvd.
  • Washington Blvd.
  • Civic Center Drive

All seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and spots can be claimed starting Wednesday, January 2, after 6:00 p.m. Beyond downtown, spectators can also gather at Berliner Park just south of the city. And if you’re staying in, the fireworks will also be shown live on TV on NBC4.
 

Parking and Transportation Tips

If you’re driving in for Red, White & BOOM!, you’ll find surface lots and garage parking throughout downtown. To save yourself the hassle, consider reserving a spot ahead of time near your preferred viewing area. Find parking options here.

Want to skip the traffic entirely? COTA is offering round-trip rides to Red, White & BOOM! for just $4 for adults and $2 for kids. Children 4 and under ride free. Just pay by card at one of four designated Park & Ride locations to get your wristband—then hop on and enjoy the ride!

Buses run to the event between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., with return trips starting at 10:30 p.m. and running until midnight.
 

Upgrade Your Red, White & BOOM! Experience

VIP tickets are available for $150 for adults and $55 for children. Tickets offer access to the VIP Village located on Belle Street and include food, drinks, adult beverages, dedicated seating, and live entertainment.

Families can also purchase tickets to the Family Fun Zone, a fenced-in area at Dorrian Green that will offer kids’ games, bounce houses, face painting, a live DJ, and more. Adult entry is $30, and children's entry is $10. Please note: Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

 

Red white and boom

 

Red, White & BOOM! FAQ
 

When is Red, White & BOOM!?

Red, White & BOOM! Takes place in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The live music begins at Noon and the fireworks start at 10:00 p.m.

How much does it cost to go to Red, White & BOOM! Columbus?

General admission to Red, White and BOOM! is free! However, VIP packages and the Family Fun Zone have varying costs. Check the official event website for more information.

Where can I watch Red, White & BOOM! in Columbus, Ohio?

The best place to view the fireworks is at the parks and streets along the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus. Prime viewing locations include Bicentennial Park, Dorrian Green, Battelle Riverfront Park, and the surrounding streets.

I'm interested in other Independence Day activities; what else is there to do?

Central Ohio communities have plenty of other July 4th events and celebrations. Read our full list.