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 vantages to watch the lights, and tips to DIY. Bonus: If your pup is sensitive to sound, we’ve got some spots for you, too.

Public firework displays

West Jefferson Streetfest, 665 Hillsdale Dr. | Mon., July 4 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Start Independence Day with a parade and enjoy rides, food, and music before the 10 p.m. fireworks show.
VASO, 6540 Riverside Dr. | Mon., July 4 | 5 p.m.-12 a.m. | Enjoy live music + dinner and drinks with a rooftop view of the Dublin fireworks.
Upper Arlington Fourth of July, Northwest Blvd. | Mon., July 4 | 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. | Watch a festive parade in the morning and enjoy a live band and food trucks during the day before fireworks.

Where to watch

You may be asking, what’s better than seeing one display? Seeing all of them. Follow the map for our favorite vantage points to get a bald eagle’s eye view of the festivities.

Firework safety

Did you know that larger fireworks explode at a diameter of 800+ feet (which is almost the length of Ohio Stadium)? Pretty incredible — until they go off on your lawn. Luckily, there’s rules in place so you can contribute to the spectacle safely.

Fireworks are legal in New Albany and Reynoldsburg, and illegal in city limits (except for sparklers, poppers, and smoke bombs). If you decide to DIY, follow these guidelines.

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 a nearby state park, like Hocking Hills or Alum Creek. Pack some food and water and go stargazing, or even camping.