Fourth of July Fireworks in Michigan: 12 Displays to Check Out in 2023
Jake Newby
| 5 min read
If you’re here, you must be wondering where you can go to watch the best fireworks in Michigan during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Well, the wondering stops here! As you get your Independence Day plans in order, check out this list of 12 of the biggest, most elaborate fireworks displays (and festivals) planned across Michigan in 2023. The events are listed in the order that they occur.
Shelby Township Independence Day Fireworks
When: Friday, June 30, at 10 p.m. Where: Stony Creek Metropark at 4300 Main Park Drive in Shelby Township. Details: This show is one of the largest demonstrations in Michigan, so to suit such a grand event, the township decided to move the show from its former spot at Ford Field Central Park near 23 Mile Road and host it at Stony Creek Metropark this year. Arrive early to attend the 7pm Macomb Symphony Orchestra playing their show “Tribute to America”, with special guest the 338th Army Band until 9:15pm. This event is free for those with annual Metroparks passes. The daily permit fee is $10 per vehicle.
Ford Fireworks
When: Monday, June 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Where: 1 Hart Plaza in Detroit. Details: This year marks the 65th edition of the Ford Fireworks, which will have the theme of "Splash into Summer." Before it all begins, The Parade Company hosts the Rooftop Party on the Center Garage roof at 414 Renaissance Drive. Historically, the Ford Fireworks display starts shortly before 10 p.m. This annual fundraiser helps fund the show and gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the evening with friends, food and drink up on the roof. Contact CarolAnn at cbarbb@theparade.org to check availability and for more information regarding the event.
Bay City Fireworks Festival
When: Thursday, June 29, through Saturday, July 1. Where: Wenona Park is located at 111 Center Ave. in Bay City. Veterans Memorial Park is at John F Kennedy Drive in Bay City. Details: People travel from all over the United States to witness Bay City’s three amazing fireworks displays. But beyond just the pyrotechnics, guests can bring their families down during the day for the Skerbeck Family Carnival at Vets Park. There are also dozens of vendors selling their wares right at the entrance to the carnival. On the opposite side of the river, Wenonah Park offers great local and regional entertainment on the bandshell stage right up until the fireworks begin. Fireworks set off at 10:15 p.m. each night. For information on entertainment acts, ticketed events and more, visit baycityfireworksfestival.com/july-4th-event.
Willow Metropark Fireworks
When: Saturday, July 1, from 6 to 11 p.m. Where: Willow Metropark at 23200 S. Huron Road in New Boston. Details: This family-friendly event kicks off in style with a musical performance by the Rick Lieder Trio at 6 p.m. The fireworks themselves are set to blast off at 10 p.m. This event is free for those with annual Metroparks passes. The daily permit fee is $10 per vehicle.
Kensington Metropark Fireworks
When: Saturday, July 2, at 10 p.m. Where: Kensington Metropark at 4570 Huron River Parkway in Milford. Details: It’s one of southeast Michigan’s favorite traditions: the Huron-Clinton Metroparks fireworks displays. Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather with picnics under the stars. Event organizers say the fireworks are expected to begin when the sun sets. This event is free for those with annual Metroparks passes. The daily permit fee is $10 per vehicle.
Annual Grand Rapids Fireworks
When: Saturday, July 1, from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Where: Ah-Nab-Awen Park at 220 Front Ave. NW in Grand Rapids. Details: The annual Grand Rapids Fireworks presented by Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort kicks off at 6 p.m. at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, which is near the Ford Presidential Museum. The event will include family fun activities, food, vendors and live entertainment! The fireworks begin at 10:30 p.m.
Lake Erie Metropark Fireworks
When: Monday, July 3, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Where: 32481 W. Jefferson Ave. in Brownstown Charter Township. Details: Pack your picnic basket and enjoy a night under the stars at Lake Erie Metropark. Live entertainment is provided by the Rick Lieder Trio beginning at 6 p.m. and the fireworks start at 10 p.m. This event is free for those with annual Metroparks passes. The daily permit fee is $10 per vehicle.
Frankenmuth Fireworks
When: Monday, July 3, at 9:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Frankenmuth. Details: Frankenmuth’s 20-minute display to celebrate Independence Day should begin at 9:30 p.m. and is viewable throughout the city.
Traverse City 4th – The National Cherry Festival
When: Tuesday, July 4, at 10:30 p.m. Where: West Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City. Details: Great viewing spots for this spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display can be found along the south end of West Grand Traverse Bay at Open Space Park, Clinch Park Marina, Bryant Park and West End Beach. The event is presented by the National Cherry Festival, which runs from July 1-8, 2023. The fireworks display should last about an hour, between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Livingston County’s Fowlerville Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration
When: Tuesday, July 4. Event begins at 2 p.m. Where: Downtown Fowlerville. Details: This all-day event features a classic car, motorcycle and 4×4 show between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. followed by the parade, which lines up at 6 p.m. and gets rolling at 7 p.m. There will be food trucks, bounce houses and family friendly activities all day long. The fireworks typically start around 10 p.m.
Grandville July 4 Celebration
When: Tuesday, July 4, from 8:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Where: Grandville Middle School at 3535 Wilson Ave SW in Grandville. Details: Grandville’s all-day celebration includes a flag-raising at Grandville Middle School at 8:30 a.m. and a parade and flyover featuring vintage World War II vintage aircraft at 11 a.m. Food and vendors will be on site beginning at noon. The fireworks show is slated to start when the sun sets, at approximately 10 p.m.
Petoskey 4th of July
When: Monday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Downtown Petoskey. Details: Presented by Sunrise Rotary Club, Downtown Petoskey’s Fourth of July events kicks off with a 6 p.m. parade. There is a steel drum band concert on Lake Street at 7 p.m. and live music at the waterfront at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks start at dusk. Photo credit: Getty Images Keep reading:
