The biggest holiday of the summer is coming up, and Cincinnati knows how to celebrate the 4th of July in a big way. The days surrounding the 4th are filled with festivals, concerts, parades, and, of course, plenty of epic fireworks displays. There are so many to choose from that the options may seem overwhelming, so if you need some help narrowing down the list, check out these fantastic seven fireworks displays around Cincinnati that put all others to shame.

1. Red, White, & Blue Ash

Red, White, & Blue Ash takes places on July 4th at Summit Park. The free festival gets started at 4 p.m., but you can go as early as 7 a.m. to claim a spot for your family and friends to watch the firework finale, which takes place at 10 p.m. Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying the incredible live music, an array of food and drinks, and finish the night with one of the best fireworks displays in the city. For even more information, check out the Red, White, & Blue Ash event page here.

2. Independence Festival

Last, but certainly not least: The Independence Festival. It takes places in none other than Independence, Kentucky, located just a half hour south of Cincinnati. This town seriously knows how to celebrate the holiday and the fantastic fireworks show is definitely worth crossing the river for. The best part? This year, the festival will be held the weekend after the holiday (on July 6th and 7th), so you can attend more than one of the 4th of July festivals on this list! Activities will include live music, a lantern launch, a car show, a parade, and, of course, an outstanding fireworks show at 10 p.m. on Saturday the 7th at Memorial Park. You can find more information on the Independence Festival here.

3. Kings Island

If you want to have an entire day of festive fun on the 4th of July, consider a visit to Kings Island. The park is open all day until midnight and its typical nightly fireworks display will be supersized to a 20-minute-long jaw-dropping show. Kings Island is also offering free admission for military members from July 1st-4th. For more information on the 4th of July Spectacular at Kings Island, visit their website here.

4. Colerain 4th of July Spectacular

Colerain is hosting its annual show on July 3rd at the soccer fields on Springdale Avenue. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. with food trucks, activities, and live music, then fireworks will start to fly at dusk. Learn more about this family-friendly event here.

5. Green Township's Independence Day Concert & Fireworks

This family-friendly festival takes place on July 3rd at Kuliga Park and has something for everyone. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs, enjoy the food and drinks available for purchase, and the live music that'll be going on all evening. The night will end with an impressive fireworks display at dusk. For more information, including how to take a shuttle to the park, visit here.

6. Red, White & Kaboom in Fairfield

Fairfield celebrates the 4th of July in a big way with their Red, White & Kaboom, which takes place on July 3rd. There are festivities all day at four different locations in the city, and the fireworks display (which begins at 10 p.m.) can be viewed from all of them. Choose to spend your day fishing at the lake, swimming at the aquatic center, or visiting the other attractions, then stick around for the dazzling show. Plan your day of fun on their event page here.

7. Balloon Glow at Coney Island

Editor's note: Unfortunately, Coney Island has closed and this event is no longer happening.The LaRosa's Balloon Glow at Coney Island is an annual tradition that always takes place on July 3rd. Cincinnati's favorite family-friendly amusement park and water park take on a festive atmosphere with a beautiful display of hot air balloons followed by a fireworks display after dusk. The rides and attractions are open all day, and you can even experience the limited time Wheel that provides unforgettable views of the park and surrounding area. For more information about the Balloon Glow, check out their website here.

The 4th of July is such a festive time in Cincinnati, and with so many exciting events, there's no excuse to miss out on the patriotic fun! Did your favorite Independence Day fireworks display in the city make our list? If not, please give it a shout-out in the comments!

For more fun events in and around Cincinnati, check out our recent article about these 5 Hot Air Balloon Festivals.