Alabama

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Experiences|Events

These Fireworks Displays In Alabama Will Drop Your Jaw

Lists 45 fireworks displays happening in Alabama for the 4th of July, highlighting five major events.

Published Jun 23, 2016

Written by 

Jennifer Young

(Note: For a complete list of 4th of July 2017 fireworks shows in Alabama, click here.)

It's that time of year again. In less than two weeks, we'll be celebrating the 4th of July. Most 4th of July festivities will continue throughout the day, or even last the entire weekend. However, we can all agree that the best part of any 4th of July celebration is the spectacular fireworks display at the very end. Listed below are 45 fireworks displays, including five of our favorites, that will be taking place this coming 4th of July. And this year's displays will blow last year's out of the water!

alt
facebook/U.S. Space & Rocket Center

1. Spirit of America Festival - Decatur

advertisement

The Spirit of America Festival will take place at Decatur's Point Mallard Park. This year's festival, which just so happens to be its 50th anniversary, will begin on July 1 with a kickoff party. On July 2nd, there will be a talent show followed by two evening concerts. On July 3, Southside Baptist Church will be hosting several activities. July 4th festivities will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a children's bike parade followed by entertainment at 5:00 p.m. The fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m. and a concert by CMT star Kassie Miller will follow. For additional information, check out the festival's website.

2. Thunder on the Mountain Fireworks Show - Birmingham

For many years, Thunder on the Mountain has been known as one of Alabama's best Independence Day celebrations. This popular event takes place at Birmingham's Vulcan Park. Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m. and can be seen from anywhere within the Birmingham Metro Area. This year's fireworks display will be choreographed to patriotic favorites and is estimated to last approximately 20 minutes. For additional information, check out the event's website.

3. Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration - Florence

The Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration will take place in Florence on July 4 at McFarland Park. Musicians will be performing all day and numerous food vendors will be onsite. There will also be a variety of activities for the entire family to participate in. At the end of the day, grab a seat by the river so you'll get a great view of the spectacular fireworks display, which will take place after dark. This is one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast. You don't want to miss it!

4. 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at U.S. Space & Rocket Center - Huntsville

The 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is Huntsville's largest fireworks display. On July 4, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center will be hosting several patriotic activities during their regular museum hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). The center will close at 5:00 p.m. And at approximately 9:00 p.m., it'll launch the largest fireworks display it's ever had. For additional information, visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's website.

5. Fourth at the Wharf - Orange Beach

You can't visit Orange Beach without first checking out The Wharf. The Wharf has several shopping, dining and entertainment options. It also puts on one of the best fireworks displays in the area. This year's fireworks display will be on July 4 at the Amphitheater, and it'll begin at 9:00 p.m. Visit The Wharf's website for additional information.

advertisement
alt
facebook/The Wharf

Alexander City, AL

6. Annual 4th of July Blast at Lake Martin Amphitheater

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Athens, AL

7. Athens Fireworks Show at Athens High School

Fireworks will begin at 8:30 p.m.

Auburn, AL

8. 4th of July Celebration at Duck Samford Park

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Camden, AL

9. Fireworks on the River in Shadow Creek Subdivision on July 2

advertisement

Fireworks will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Centre, AL

10. Fireworks at Weiss Lake

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Cherokee, AL

11. Cherokee Independence Day Celebration at 3752 Old Lee Highway

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Chickasaw, AL

12. Fourth of July Celebration at Bill Brooks Park

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Cullman

13. Smith Lake Independence Day Festival at Smith Lake Park

advertisement

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Daphne, AL

14. Daphne’s Jubilee Independence Day at Trione Sports Park

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Demopolis, AL

15. 2016 Freedom on the River at Demopolis City Landing

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Dothan, AL

16. Fireworks at the National Peanut Festival

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Eufaula, AL

17. Lakepoint State Park 4th of July Celebration

advertisement

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Fairhope, AL

18. Fourth of July Celebration on Fairhope Beach at Municipal Pier

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Gadsden, AL

19. Independence Day Celebration in Downtown and at the Riverfront

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Gulf Shores, AL

20. Gulf Shores Annual Fireworks Extravaganza (where Hwy 59 meets the beach)

Fireworks will be fired from a barge at 9:00 p.m.

Guntersville, AL

21. All American Celebration at Lake Guntersville

advertisement

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Harpersville, AL

22. Music & Fireworks at Morgan Creek Vineyards

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Headland, AL

23. 4th of July Fireworks at Douglas Park

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Henagar, AL

24. Sand Mountain Potato Festival at Henagar Park

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Lake Martin

25. Fireworks over Lake Martin at the Kowaliga Bay Area

advertisement

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Luverne, AL

26. 4th of July Fireworks at Turner Park

Fireworks will begin at 8:30 p.m.

Madison, AL

27. 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks at Dublin Memorial Park

Fireworks will begin at 8:30 p.m.

Mobile, AL

28. Fireworks at Battleship Park

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Montevallo, AL

29. Independence Day 1776 at American Village

advertisement

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Montgomery, AL

30. Picnic on the River at Riverfront Park

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Opp

31. July 4th Celebration at Frank Jackson State Park

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Orrville, AL

32. Fourth of July Program and Fireworks Show at Orrville Community Center on July 4

Program will begin at 7:30 p.m. / Fireworks will begin at 8:00 p.m.

Oxford, AL

33. Freedom Festival at Oxford Lake Park

advertisement

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Prattville, AL

34. Prattville Independence Day Celebration

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Rogersville, AL

35. Elk River Boat Party (boats only) on Anderson Creek

Fireworks over Elk River will begin at dark.

Scottsboro, AL

36. 4th of July on the Tennessee River (Goose Pond Colony)

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Selma, AL

37. Fourth of July Fireworks and Laser Show at Memorial Stadium on July 4

advertisement

Show will begin at dusk.

Talladega, AL

38. 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Veterans Park

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Thomasville, AL

39. Celebration and Fireworks Show in downtown on July 2

Celebration will begin at 4:00 p.m. / Fireworks will begin at 9:00 pm.

Flying Bricks concert at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center (downtown).

Troy, AL

40. City of Troy 4th of July Celebration at Veterans Memorial Stadium

Fireworks will begin at 8:45 p.m.

Trussville, AL

advertisement

41. Trussville Freedom Celebration 2016 at On the Mall in Historic Downtown

Fireworks will begin at dark.

Tuscaloosa, AL

42. Celebration on the River at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Valley Grande, AL

43. Fourth of July Spectacular at Valley Grande City Park on July 4

Games for all ages, music, and food vendors will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Wedowee, AL

44. Street Dance at DP Oil on US 431

Fireworks will begin over Lake Wedowee at dark.

advertisement

Wetumpka, AL

45. 4th of July Celebration (behind city administration building)

Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Note: If we forgot to add your favorite fireworks display, please send us the following information to [email protected]. We'll be happy to add it! Name of Celebration / City and Location / Date and Time

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Events

Don’t Miss the Most Magical Halloween Event in All of Alabama

The annual pumpkin carve at Auburn University celebrates its 36th year this October

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Battles

Since its humble beginnings over 30 years ago, the annual Pumpkin Carve at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, has become one of the college and community's most artfully hallowed (and sometimes hilarious) traditions around Halloween.

advertisement
alt
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

The carve started as a small studio project within the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (APLA) and has grown into an iconic event, now organized by the Auburn University chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). The 2024 event on October 25 will mark its 36th year.

alt
Auburn University

This year's creative carving and associated festivities will be happening all day (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) in the Dudley Hall Courtyard. All are welcome to witness this annual celebration of seasonal spirit and students’ skills. Activities include pumpkin carving (of course!), refreshments, and a napkin sketch silent auction. As dusk descends, the event culminates in the lighting of hundreds of beautifully carved pumpkins. And then the judging commences to determine the best design.

alt
Auburn University

The organizers rally the support of sponsors, including local businesses who typically donate prizes. The winning pumpkins are auctioned to raise additional funds for the AU AIAS. Other items are sold as fundraisers for different student groups within the university’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction, including event t-shirts, uncarved pumpkins, hot cider and hot chocolate, and pies.

And you thought you’d seen a cool carving night! I challenge you to top this one at the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

alt
Auburn University

The Pumpkin Carve's longstanding ability to unite people on and off campus has solidified its place as Auburn University's most cherished fall event. Well … besides all of those football games, but you know what I mean. Speaking of, this year’s event precedes the Auburn Tigers’ matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. No doubt we’ll see some spirited designs that speak to the game.

alt
Auburn University

To join the fun, mark your calendars for October 25th and head to Dudley Hall and Commons, located at 361 Graves Drive in Auburn, Alabama. Parking is always a premium on campus before 5 p.m., so if you do not have a parking pass, it’s recommended you park in or around downtown Auburn and walk over to Dudley.  After 5 p.m., organizers recommend you park at the Arboretum, the gravel lot near the Med Clinic, and select parking decks. Check out the AIAS Pumpkin Carve event website for updates and more images from previous years.

alt
Auburn University

After the gourd glow-up, head back over downtown and keep celebrating the spirit of Halloween in true Auburn style with dinner, drinks, and live music. This is a college town, after all! If you’re not traveling to Kentucky for the game, make a night or weekend of your stay on the plains at the new Graduate by Hilton Auburn, located in the heart of downtown on West Magnolia Ave.

advertisement

Have you experienced the creative artistry and fun of the annual Pumpkin Carve at Auburn University? We’d love for you to share your stories with us.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Events

Here Are The 7 Best Fourth Of July Fireworks In Alabama

Published Jun 26, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Battles

Since I was a little kid I have committed to memory that Decatur's Point Mallard Park and its Spirit of America Festival is the top spot to watch fireworks near me. Of course, we have many displays throughout the state and far beyond our region that are worthy of attending, too. With that in mind, I've rounded up the seven biggest and best Fourth of July fireworks in Alabama, all located in or near our largest cities.

advertisement

A dazzling fireworks display is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday and hands-down one the safest, especially compared to lighting your own. Most cities have laws against setting off fireworks in their city limits anyway. And the fewer people doing that, the happier neighbors we all are – especially our pets.

With the many great options for seeing fireworks in every part of the state, there's really no excuse to not pack a picnic, gather the gang, and let the pros handle the explosives.

1. Fireworks @ The Fairgrounds in Dothan

alt
National Peanut Festival/Facebook

We are leading with this fireworks display in Dothan because we don't want you to miss it: It's happening the weekend before the actual holiday on Saturday, June 29, from 5 p.m. until a little after 9 p.m. when the fireworks show concludes. A $10 per carload parking fee gets you in for all of the following: free watermelon, roasted and boiled peanuts, Blue Bell ice cream, children's train rides, inflatables, American hand flags, and more. Plus, that parking fee all goes to the Wiregrass United Way and the many community organizations it supports. Check out the vintage rides in the car and truck show, plus antique tractors, firetrucks, and helicopters. What to bring? Your favorite people, flags, folding chairs, and lawn blankets. There will be vendors on-site if you want to purchase other food and drinks.

2. Celebration on the River in Tuscaloosa

Join family and friends for symphonic sounds, kids' games, and a fireworks show at the City of Tuscaloosa's Fourth of July Celebration from 6 to 9 (ish) p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater. This free, family-friendly event features music by DJ Tank, who sets the vibe for a couple of hours before a performance of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra for an hour before the fireworks, which begin at 9 p.m. For the best situation parking, use the free Downtown Intermodal Facility and hop on a shuttle or walk to the amphitheater.

3. Birmingham's Thunder on the Mountain Vulcan Park & Museum

alt
Vulcan Park and Museum/Facebook

Vulcan Park Foundation, with the help of many sponsors, organizes Alabama's largest Fourth of July fireworks show every year atop Red Mountain. During Thunder on the Mountain, over 2,500 shells and effects fire into the night sky above Vulcan, the city's iconic 56-foot statue of the Roman god of fire and forge. The light show starts at 9 p.m. and is accompanied by music by artists from James Brown to Neil Diamond, as well as the U.S. Air Force Band. While Vulcan Park and Museum closes at 6 p.m. that day to prepare for the night's events, you are welcome to stop in earlier in the day to learn more about Vulcan and the city's iron and steel industry roots.

advertisement

4. Rocket City Trash Pandas Versus Birmingham Barons at Toyota Field in Madison

While I am loyal to our city fireworks display in Decatur, I have to admit a night at the ballgame over in Madison does sound perfect for Independence Day! It's a solid choice for anyone looking for 4th of July fireworks near Huntsville. The Rocket City Trash Pandas will face off against the Birmingham Barons that Thursday, with the game concluding with a fireworks spectacular. The game begins at 6:35 p.m. with the gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks around 9 p.m. It's free to attend for kids who are 2 and under. Everyone else must pay $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Your best bet is to commit early, save money, and make sure you get a good seat.

5. Montgomery Biscuits Fireworks at Riverwalk Stadium

alt
Montgomery Biscuits/Facebook

Another great game is happening on the Fourth further down south in Montgomery on July 4 at The Riverwalk Stadium. The Montgomery Biscuits will battle the Pensacola Blue Wahoos starting at 6:35 p.m. Hot tip: Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the first 1,000 fans who are age 15 or older will get a cool Montgomery Biscuits Independence Day Celebration T-shirt. It's red with a flag and the retro Greenbow Biscuits character in the center – perfect for the occasion! The event concludes with a MAX Fireworks show over the river.

advertisement

6. Independence Day Celebration at Duck Samford Stadium in Auburn

Join the Auburn community – and Auburn Tigers' mascot Aubie! – for one of the best Independence Day celebrations in East Alabama. The free celebration goes down at Duck Samford Stadium on East Glenn Avenue, with great food, kids' games and inflatables, face painting, giveaways, live music, and DJ OZZ keeping the vibe going throughout the event. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the fireworks begin around 9 p.m. The best parking is the lot off of Airport Road between Bo Cavin Fields and New Duck Fields.

7. City of Mobile’s 4th of July Celebration at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

alt
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park/Facebook

I am not sure there's a more patriotic setting here than the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, where the City of Mobile hosts its official community Fourth of July celebration. The free event begins at 6 p.m., with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. During that time, enjoy live music by Symone French & The Trouille Troupe, followed by Get Sideways leading up to the big show. Important to note: There IS a parking fee, and it's cash-only. The cost is $5 for two-axle vehicles and $30 for three or more axles.

While I decide where to watch fireworks near me (what's it gonna be? Point Mallard or Toyota Field?), I will leave you to make that decision for yourself, too! We certainly have some great options for 4th of July Fireworks in Alabama in 2024. Tell us which you picked and how it went. We'd love to hear all about it.

Also make sure to grab your own Foldie tote bag to carry all of your fourth of July essentials this year!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Trip Ideas
Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Delaware, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Jasmine Vieau
on Nov 1
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Rhode Island Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 1
alt
Trip Ideas
Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Rhode Island, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Jasmine Vieau
on Nov 1
alt
Trip Ideas
Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maine, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Lisa Sammons
on Nov 1
alt
Trip Ideas
Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Massachusetts, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Jasmine Vieau
on Nov 1
alt