Celebrate Independence Day at 10 Ohio Festivals

Star Spangled Heights | June 29
Celebrate the Fourth of July a week early in Huber Heights during this annual tradition that begins with a parade around the city. The day is packed with festivities such as a car show put on by the historical society, free carnival games, a petting zoo and a cookie-decorating contest. Stick around for the old-time baseball game, and be sure to catch the live entertainment, including a performance from the Dayton Dance Conservatory. End the night with a 30-minute fireworks display at 10 p.m.

Bay Days 2024 | July 1–4
This four-day celebration of community has something fun for everyone to enjoy during the week leading up to Independence Day. Each day features an assortment of food vendors, carnival rides and live music, and Wednesday brings a classic car cruise in. On the fourth, sign up for the Bay Days 5 Mile Race or Kids 1 Mile Fun Run, and enjoy a children’s bike, trike and wagon parade as well as a vintage baseball game. Finish off the celebration with the dazzling Gala fireworks display.


Red, White and BOOM! | July 3
Join the over 400,000 people who attend Red, White and BOOM! annually to experience one of Ohio’s largest fireworks displays. During the day, attend the street festival downtown for a parade through the arena district, food trucks, live music and more. Then, settle in for the highlight of the day, a massive fireworks display that launches on the banks of the Scioto River. The event is free to the public, but VIP tickets can also be purchased to ensure a spot for the best views in town.

Oxford Freedom Fest | July 3
This downtown Oxford event offers more than just fireworks and sparklers. On June 30, a car show and kid’s parade take over town to kick off the holiday festivities before the main festival begins on July 3. Jump around on inflatables, ride through town in a carriage and throw axes during this year’s celebration, which culminates with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. During the evening, enjoy face painting, carriage rides and live music, and chow down on local LaRosa’s pizza or festival favorites like hot dogs and sno-cones.


Red, Rhythm and Boom | July 3
This annual celebration in the city of Mason jazzes up the average Fourth of July gathering with its music festival feel. Kids can enjoy the 9-hole mini golf course, children’s area, inflatables and carnival games, while mom and dad can enjoy a drink courtesy of the American Legion. Starting at 3 p.m., guests are welcome to set up a blanket and a lawn chair, which guarantees great views of the firework and drone show at dark as well as live performances from Sister Hazel and Spin Doctors.


Red, White and Brats | July 3
The Germania Singing and Sport Society of Columbus returns with the annual Red, White and Brats festival on the night before Independence Day. Kick back in the biergarten during this free festival featuring a menu packed with traditional German food favorites from bratwurst and sauerkraut to German potato salad. The event also features beer from Wooly Pig Farm Brewery in Fresno, as well as traditional German brews. While you eat, enjoy live music from Polka Cola, a music group from Maineville.


Fairport Mardi Gras | July 3-6
Celebrate Mardi Gras, Christmas and Independence Day all in one during the Fairport Mardi Gras Christmas in July. The event kicks off Wednesday, July 3, with an evening parade, while July 4 is all about the kids. Children can meet with Santa and decorate Christmas cookies before heading off to enjoy cotton candy and carnival rides. Senior citizens and local alumni are celebrated on Friday, and the festival closes out on Saturday with a fireworks display and live music. 

Akron Rib, White and Blue | July 3-6
Celebrate the Fourth of July with all the pulled pork and ribs you can eat at this annual favortie. Grab a cocktail or beer and hit the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in Akron’s Lock 3, where live entertainment begins nightly at 7 p.m. This year’s performance lineup includes the Styx tribute band Best of Times, Sammy Deleon and Larry McCary. The festival ends Saturday night with a display of fireworks in the heart of the city.

Old Glory Day | July 4
Beginning with a children’s parade complete with decorated bikes, scooters and wagons, this Chardon Fourth of July festival is filled with community tradition. Decorations are provided for children who wish to participate and dress up their “floats.” After the parade, games, face painting and a pie eating contest fill the afternoon, and free ice cream and water are provided to help beat the heat.

Grindstone Festival | July 4
Come celebrate Fourth of July by the water at Coe Lake in Berea. The day begins with a parade at 10:30 a.m., with festival activities kicking off at 4 p.m. Take the family on a paddle boat ride, with rentals available for just $10. Kids can expect visits from some favorite characters such as Spiderman and Moana while bouncing around on the inflatables. Live music from the Clayton Brothers and Cleveland band The Sunrise Jones fills out the festival scene, ending in a fireworks display.