As Independence Day approaches, towns across Delaware are preparing to celebrate with parades, music, historic reenactments, and, of course, fireworks. From coastal communities to the capital city, here’s where Delawareans can ring in the Fourth of July in style.
July 4 fireworks
Bethany Beach Bethany Beach’s holiday parade begins at noon.
Evening entertainment starts at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by Rick K Road Show at the bandstand, followed by fireworks at dusk.
The town is also hosting nightly live music throughout the week, starting June 29.
Dover Delaware’s capital will host a full day of festivities centered around First State Heritage Park.
The celebration begins at 10 a.m. with historical interpreters and free tours of Legislative Hall and the Old State House.
Visitors can also enjoy free admission to the Biggs Museum of American Art.
A public reading of the Declaration of Independence and bell ringing will take place at 2 p.m., followed by local vendors and live music on Legislative Mall from 4 to 8:45 p.m. A parade steps off at 6 p.m., and the night concludes with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Hockessin Hockessin will hold its award-winning Independence Day parade at 3 p.m. on Old Lancaster Pike. As night falls, fireworks will light up the sky.
Popular viewing spots include Swift Park, the Piedmont Baseball Fields, Hockessin Library, and Artesian Soccer Fields.
Laurel Laurel’s celebration begins with a parade at 7 p.m., following a route that starts on Evergreen Drive and winds through the town.
Fireworks will follow after sunset.
Lewes In Lewes, the day begins with children’s games on Second Street at 9 a.m.
The annual boat parade sails down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in the afternoon, passing Fisherman’s Wharf around 2 p.m. Fireworks will be launched at dusk from a barge off Lewes Beach, offering views from the beach and surrounding areas.
Newark The University of Delaware Athletic Complex will be the hub of activity in Newark, starting at 6 p.m. with vendors and live entertainment.
Fireworks are scheduled for around 9 p.m.
Rehoboth Beach Rehoboth’s fireworks celebration is set for Saturday, July 5, with activities beginning at 8 p.m.
The fireworks display is expected to start around 9:30 p.m., launching from south of Rehoboth Avenue.
The show will be visible from the beach and boardwalk.
Smyrna/Clayton A morning parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. in Smyrna.
Fireworks will be held at dusk at the Little League fields across from Smyrna High School.