From fireworks lighting up the night sky to hot dogs and burgers sizzling on the grill, the Fourth of July is a celebration of all things American. It’s also a day to appreciate and reflect on the values that we often take for granted—freedom, independence, and justice for all.
Read on to learn about some fun Fourth of July activities to light up your Independence Day, the history of the Fourth of July, and why we celebrate with the classic American tradition of Fourth of July fireworks.
The Fourth of July—The History Behind the National Holiday of Independence Day
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is celebrated because it’s considered the day that the United States of America became independent from Great Britain.
That’s because July 4th marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the official document stating the country’s independence. It was written mostly by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776.
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made the Fourth of July a federal holiday. That was followed in 1941 by a provision that granted a paid holiday to all federal employees.
Why Do We Celebrate with Fourth of July Fireworks?
Fireworks on the Fourth of July have been a tradition since the very first organized celebration of Independence Day, which took place in Philadelphia in 1777.
In honor of the original 13 colonies, a ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute. Later that night, the Sons of Liberty joined the celebration and lit off fireworks over Boston Common.
The Pennsylvania Evening Post described the celebration as: “At night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.”
Four Patriotic Party Ideas That Will Add a Spark to Your Independence Day
1. Bring Together Friends and Family for a Red, White, and Blue Backyard Barbecue
What could possibly be more American than firing up the backyard grill and getting everyone together to chow down on the classics—some juicy, delicious burgers and dogs?
Invite over your closest friends and family for a freedom-filled day packed full of mouth-watering food, fun outdoor games, and precious quality time.
Bring out the football or soccer ball, set up some cornhole, or grab a baseball bat for some good, old-fashioned friendly competition and a whole lot of fun.
Is the weather looking less than favorable? No worries—don’t let that rain on your patriotic parade.
Move the party indoors and make it an All-American potluck with stove-cooked hot dogs and burgers, baked beans, apple pie, watermelon, and mac n’ cheese.
You can still have a backyard-league blast playing board games, watching The Patriot together, or trying your hand at pin the hat on Uncle Sam. Even better, you may end up with deeper conversations and stronger connections with your loved ones.
No matter how you celebrate, enjoying the company of family and friends is a beautiful way to honor our country, its diversity, and the amazing people who have shaped it.
2. Flaunt the Colors of Our Flag with an All-American Outfit
The red, white, and blue of the American flag represent everything this country stands for:
-
Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, as well as the courage and sacrifice of those who have fought to protect our freedom.
-
White stands for purity and innocence—pure, because we are independent from other countries and stay true to our ideals.
-
Blue signifies justice for all, along with vigilance and perseverance—a reminder to stay strong and watchful.
Wear your pride—literally—by rocking a Fourth of July outfit that’s star-spangled, stripey, and bursting with patriotic pride.
3. Show Off Your American Pride by Participating in a Patriotic Parade
Let freedom ring! This is your time to show off that “I’m proud to be an American” spirit.
Participating in a Fourth of July parade is a great way to bring your local community together to celebrate the day our country declared its independence. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors, friends, and even strangers in a joyful, high-energy setting.
These family-friendly events have something for everyone. Kids and adults alike can marvel at colorful parade floats, clap along to the music, proudly wave American flags, and collect candy or small favors from participants.
Perhaps most of all, Fourth of July parades create a genuine sense of patriotism and unity—reminding us of the pride we share and the strength we have as one nation.
Click here to see what local Fourth of July parades are going on around you.
4. Find a Fireworks Show for the Fourth Near You
A Fourth of July celebration just wouldn’t be complete without the unapologetically American tradition that symbolizes our love for liberty—fireworks.
Fireworks displays often attract crowds to parks, beaches, or open fields, where families and friends gather to watch vibrant, colorful bursts of red, white, and blue light up the night sky.
Some shows even synchronize their explosions to patriotic songs, adding an emotional soundtrack to the sky-high spectacle. When those lights dance in rhythm to “God Bless America” or the national anthem, it’s hard not to feel moved.
If you want to end your Fourth of July with a bang, a fireworks show is the perfect finale to a day filled with celebration, unity, and pride in the United States of America.
Click here to find Fourth of July fireworks displays near you.
