Independence Day celebrations are the pinnacle events of the summer. Whether you're planning to attend the Midwest's largest fireworks display at Red, White and BOOM! or you're gearing up for a city parade, we've got all the details on celebrating July 4 in Columbus.
Independence Day Downtown
Downtown Columbus is an absolute spectacle during the Fourth of July weekend. Catch these marquee events that weekend.
Patriotic Pops and Soul
The Columbus Symphony continues its grand summer tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July with Patriotic Pops and Soul on Saturday, July 1, an evening featuring Tamika Lawrence and the Columbus Worship and Praise Chorale at Columbus Commons. Get tickets.
The Doo Dah Parade and Music Fest
Celebrating 40 years, The Doo Dah Parade is back celebrating "liberty and lunacy" in the streets of the Short North Arts District. Beginning at 1 p.m. on July 4, this parade is free to join and promises to be unlike anything you've ever seen before. Get all the details on this zany tradition here.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
While you're downtown, consider checking out National Veterans Memorial and Museum. This top Columbus attraction provides the opportunity to reflect on our country's history, from the Revolutionary War to today. The facility's beautiful Memorial Grove is also open daily from dawn until dusk for outdoor contemplation and remembrance of those who fought and sacrificed for our freedom. Please note that the museum will be closed Tuesday, July 4, however, it will operate during normal business hours the weekend before.
Community Celebrations
Celebrate with one of our local communities this 4th of July. Check out the list below to find out how your neighborhood is honoring Independence Day this year.
Bexley
July 4 in Bexley offers a full slate of events, beginning at 8 a.m. with the John Barr 5K followed by the parade, then later including a community celebration on Capital University's Main Street law, and culminating in fireworks at 10 p.m.
Dublin
Dublin is celebrating Independence Day on July 4, kicking off the day with its Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby, followed by the parade and finishing with an evening celebration and fireworks at Dublin Coffman High School. This year's musical act is Ann Wilson of the bands Heart and Tripsitter.
Gahanna
Gahanna's July 4 celebration will span two days this year, with a community celebration at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 3 at the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course, followed by fireworks, then a parade on Sunday, July 4 beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Grove City
Fireworks will launch from Murfin Fields over Grove City on Tuesday, July 4 beginning at 9:45 p.m.
Hilliard
Hilliard’s Freedom Fest on July 1 at Municipal Park is an opportunity to join the community for the annual parade at 9 a.m. followed by a patriotic celebration, complete with live music, food trucks, and fireworks.
New Albany
Presented by the New Albany Chamber of Commerce, The Independence Day Parade & Festival is happening Tuesday, July 4 beginning at 11 a.m. with the parade and ending with an impressive display of fireworks.
Pickerington
Pickerington's July 4th celebration will feature fireworks on Monday, July 3, launched from Pickerington Central High School at 10 p.m., and a parade on Tuesday, July 4 beginning at 10 a.m.
Reynoldsburg
Reynoldsburg is bringing back its Independence Day activities with a community celebration from 6 -10 p.m. on Monday, July 3 at Civic Park, featuring live music, food trucks and fireworks. The community will also host a parade beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4.
Upper Arlington
Outside of downtown Columbus, Upper Arlington is known for having one of the most robust Fourth of July celebrations in the city. Highlights of the day include wake-up calls, a parade, a party in the park and a fireworks show.
Village of Obetz
The Famous Fortress Fireworks are back in Obetz and this year they're bigger and better than ever with live music, food trucks, and inflatables. Mark your calendar to head to Fortress Obetz to join the fun on July 1!
Westerville
Celebrate "Red, White and Blue and Liberty Too" in Westerville this year. Join in the fun Tuesday, July 4 starting with a 5K, followed by the parade at 10:30 a.m. and then a concert series, food truck festival and fireworks.
Worthington
Worthington's Fourth of July celebration features a family picnic at Thomas Worthington High School leading up to the fireworks display.
