Unless you love bonding over a cul-de-sac cleanup, it’s nice to let someone else handle the Independence Day spectacle. Plus, local orgs are pros at showing off some incredible displays.

Consider us your one-stop firework shop. Read on for public firework displays, your favorite vantage points to watch the lights, and tips to DIY. Bonus: If your pets are sensitive to sound, we’ve got some spots for you, too.

Public firework displays

Peterson Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Ave. | Mon., July 4 | 10 p.m. | Free | Part of the Crescent Hill July 4th Festival, this annual fireworks show is the big finale to a two-day fest with live music, an art fair + a cake contest.
Christy's Garden at Paristown, 720 Brent St. | Mon., July 4 | 5-10:30 p.m. | $15 | This Independence Day event includes live music from The Crashers, food trucks, cocktails, and of course, fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Slugger Field | Mon., July 4 | 7:05 p.m. | $9+ | Celebrate America’s birthday by catching its favorite game as the Bats take on the St. Paul Saints + enjoy a fireworks extravaganza afterward.
Waterfront Park | Mon., July 4 | 5-10 p.m. | Free | Grab a spot on the Great Lawn and Harbor Lawn to see fireworks take to the sky at 9:45 p.m

See our interactive map to find Fourth of July events and shows nearest to you.

Firework safety

Did you know that larger fireworks explode at a diameter of 800+ feet or about double the height of the PNC Plaza? Pretty incredible — until they go off on your lawn. Luckily, there are rules in place so you can contribute to the spectacle safely.

Ground + hand-held fireworks are legal in Jefferson County — like sparklers and fountains — but anything that explodes or flies cannot go boom. If you decide to DIY, follow these guidelines and safety tips from the Zoneton Fire Protection District.

Celebrate some peace + quiet

Before you spend the night trying to lure your four-legged friend out from under the bed, you may want to get as far from the commotion as possible.

Your best option is to camp at a nearby park, like Jefferson Memorial Forest or Mammoth Cave National Park, where you can literally head underground for a cave tour.

While we’re on the subject of going underground, maybe you don’t have a pet and just want to skip out on the noise + commotion this year. Check out Yelp’s best underground bars in the 502 — hours vary.