As July begins, the country is getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, and many towns across Connecticut are preparing special fireworks shows, parades, concerts and more to celebrate the holiday.
From town-wide carnivals to long nights of live music and dancing to breathtaking fireworks over the harbor, the state has plenty of fun-filled events perfect to ring in Independence Day this year, many of which are free to attend.
Here are five of the biggest fireworks shows in Connecticut to check out this Fourth of July.
Norwich Harbor Fireworks
Hosted by the Norwich Events Organization, the annual Norwich fireworks show is returning to light up the sky over Norwich Harbor with bursts of color. The free event will also have music, food trucks, face painting and kids crafts at Howard T. Brown Park before the show.
When: Thursday, July 3 from 6-10 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Where: Howard T. Brown Memorial Park, 100 Chelsea Harbor Dr., Norwich
Hartford Bonanza
Connecticut's capital city is back this year with its annual Independence Day weekend festival, Hartford Bonanza. The free celebration features live music from local musicians, DJs, food trucks, vendors, a beer garden, a carousel and a Civic Marketplace with a variety of local community-based organizations that promote civic engagement, cultural understanding, social justice, neighborhood activities and more.
When: Saturday, July 5 from 4-10 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m.
Where: Bushnell Park, 1 Jewell St., Hartford
Great American Boom
Regularly attended by around 40,000 people, New Britain's Great American Boom celebrates Independence Day with a huge fireworks show, food trucks and a dance party set to music from a DJ.
Entry to the parking lot for the Great American Boom costs $10 per car. Parking passes can be purchased online and picked up at the New Britain Recreation and Community Services Department through Thursday, July 3.
When: Friday, July 4 from 6-10:30 p.m. Fireworks start around 9:30 p.m.
Where: Willow Brook Park, 200 Mill St., New Britain
Lake Compounce Summer Fireworks
Looking to combine a fireworks show with a whole day of fun? Head over to Lake Compounce and celebrate Fourth of July weekend with rides, waterslides, live music and at the end of the night, fireworks over the lake.
Daily admission to the park typically starts at $65.99, but a current Fourth of July Sale is offering online tickets for as low as $34.99, as well as season tickets for as low as $54.99.
When: Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5 at 9:30 p.m. Lake Compounce itself will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days.
Where: Lake Compounce, 185 Enterprise Dr., Bristol
Naugatuck Fireworks Festival
Naugatuck's Independence Day celebration will include live music, food, vendors, face painting and temporary airbrush tattoos, ending in a fireworks display over Church Street.
When: Friday, July 4 from 5-10 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Church Street, Naugatuck