What's a fireworks display without a little boom? Columbus may never know.

Red, White & BOOM!, the largest fireworks display in Ohio, returns on Monday, July 3 along the Scioto Riverfront. With 400,000+ people planning to make the trip downtown, we recommend getting ahead of the game — and the crowds. Luckily, we're here to help with this guide:

Boom basics

This annual event takes over downtown with two stages for music, food trucks, drink stands, and activities for kids. While it’s totally free to watch the fireworks, VIP tickets are available, which grant access to VIP Village. The VIP area is located south of COSI between Town Street and Washington Street — and offers the closest view to the fireworks.

Prepare for big crowds, long lines, and heavy traffic on Monday, July 3. | Photo via @redwhiteboomcbus

Know when to go

Here’s a quick look at some of the must-do events we think you should check out:

BOOM! Street Festival, 11 a.m. — Browse 108 different vendors offering food, drinks, merchandise, and toys for kids.
Live music, 12 p.m. — Listen to 14 local musicians across two stages, the Long Street Stage and the Bicentennial Stage, with late night performances after the fireworks.
BOOM! Parade, 5:30 p.m. — Watch this parade step off from the E. Main Street Bridge and march towards Front Street followed by Spring Street.

Many downtown roads will be closed as a result of the festivities so plan your trip accordingly.

Secure your spot early in the day to make sure you have the best view. | Photo via @redwhiteboomcbus

Where to watch

Fireworks are fired from the east bank of Genoa Park starting at 10 p.m. But, if you prefer to avoid the downtown traffic jams and crowds, here are some other watch spots:

Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 400 W. Whittier St.
Schiller Park, 1069 Jaeger St.
Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale St.
Dodge Park, 667 Sullivant Ave.
Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln.