11 fantastic Fourth of July fireworks shows in Michigan

Head to one of these impressive Fourth of July fireworks shows across Michigan for some festive fun. 

Not everyone enjoys a large and loud fireworks show (my dog comes to mind), but as for me and my Michigan heart, I love nothing more than celebrating our nation’s birthday with sparklers, hot dogs, swimming, and at the end of a long hot day, a dazzling Fourth of July fireworks show.

Thanks to its multitude of small towns and larger cities, as well as its plentiful waterfront spots that are ideal for shooting off fireworks, the Fourth of July fireworks in Michigan are some of the best in the entire country. We’ve rounded up some of the best spots to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks in Michigan, whether you’re looking for larger,  all-day festivities, fireworks that don’t quite take place on the Fourth (enjoy a smaller crowd!), or small-town charm.

1. Ford Fireworks

• Where: Detroit River, Detroit, Mich.
• When: June 23
• Cost: Free

In keeping with many venues’ decision to host Fourth of July fireworks on a day other than the actual fourth, you can catch the Ford Fireworks show a week early this year, on June 23. Nominated as one of the best fireworks shows in the country by USA Today, the Ford Fireworks show takes place over the Detroit River.

There are many places in and near the city where you can view the fireworks, including paid rooftop parties or free spectator sites. The show is presented by the Parade Company, the same organization responsible for the famous Thanksgiving Day parade in downtown Detroit. The city will post updated parking, closure, and additional show information on the official Ford Fireworks show website, so check in for details.

2. Island Fireworks

• Where: Mackinac Island, Mich.
• When: July 4
• Cost: Free

A day that starts with an official stone-skipping competition, includes historic carnival games and fudge and horse-drawn carriage rides, and ends with one of the state’s most spectacular firework shows? Sign us up! Mackinac Island’s annual 4th of July celebration is a combination of wholesome old-fashioned fun and patriotic celebrations.

Plus, celebrating the 4th at Mackinac Island means you get access to not one, but two awe-inspiring fireworks shows. At dusk, the sky alights with two separate fireworks displays: one across the Mackinac State Harbor that can be seen from Mission Point to Windermere Point and the other right by the Mackinac Bridge that can be viewed from the boardwalk and Grand Hotel.

3. Torch Lake Fireworks

• Where: Torch Lake, Mich.
• When: July 3
• Cost: Free

Torch Lake is famous for being one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire world, thanks to its seemingly endless, clear, turquoise-blue waters filled with sandbars and ideal for boating and floating. They host an annual fireworks show every year near the 4th of July, and this year, they are still in the fundraising stage to raise enough money to host the show.

Assuming the show will go on, if you’re planning to visit, you can explore the viewing map to find a spot to watch the fireworks from the shore or water. You can also become a fireworks vendor or support the fundraising efforts online.

4. Festival Finale and 4th of July Fireworks

• Where: West Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, Mich.
• When: July 4 and 5
• Cost: Free

Traverse City’s annual Cherry Festival concludes with a bang with both a Fourth of July fireworks show on July 4 and a Festive Finale Fireworks show on July 5. If you can, plan to pop into town early to check out all of the fun events going on for the Cherry Festival, such as a family carnival, live music, the National Cherry Festival Air Show, beach volleyball tournaments, games and competitions, a farmer’s market, parade, sand building competitions, and so much more.

You can catch one or both fireworks shows that will kick off from the Open Space Park on the 4th and over Traverse Bay on the 5th.

5. Grand Marais Fireworks

• Where: Lake Superior West Bay, Grand Marais, MI
• When: July 4th
• Cost: Free

The Grand Marais fireworks show is especially unique because you can enjoy it from the shores of Lake Superior while the fireworks are shot off over the water. People of all ages can also enjoy the parade, games, and food during the two-day festival in Grand Marais. Come early to receive free admission on Thursday.

This is a small town celebration with a big fireworks show, and isn’t that what Michigan is all about?

6. Frankenmuth Fireworks

• Where: Frankenmuth, MI
• When: July 3
• Cost: Free

If you haven’t visited Frankenmuth before, you need to add it to your Michigan summer bucket list, because it’s a treat, especially in the warm weather months. Not only is it home to one of the best ice cream shops in the entire state (each waffle cone is handmade and coated in chocolate right in front of you!), but the unique town is full of historic German architecture, shops, and food.

Stroll through the historic town, enjoy the festivities, and then view the spectacular fireworks show from anywhere throughout the town. While you’re visiting, also be sure to check out one of my second-favorite Frankenmuth stops, Charlin’s Book Nook, a used bookstore in River Place.

7. Grand Rapids Fireworks

• Where: Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Downtown Grand Rapids
• When: July 6
• Cost: Free

The Grand Rapids fireworks show is one of the biggest and most anticipated in the state. Music performances begin at 6 p.m., followed by a stunning fireworks display at 10:30. If you bring the fam, just keep in mind that personal fireworks and sparklers are not allowed since it’s an open space park with lots of visitors.

The fireworks are set off from the Gillette Bridge, but viewing is in the park. There are also no pets allowed in the Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Pearl Street Bridge, Bridge Street Bridge, Blue Bridge, or 6th Street Bridge viewing areas.

8. Harbor Spring Fireworks

• Where: Harbor Springs, Mich.
• When: July 4
• Cost: Free

Dubbed the “best Fourth in the North,” Northern Michigan Guides claims that people literally travel from all over the world just to visit Harbor Springs over the 4th of July holiday. You could say that Harbor Springs Fourth festivities are the quintessential American experience, with a gorgeous small-town setting, community events, and, of course, a dazzling fireworks show.

The fun kicks off on the 4th with a Paul Revere waterfront run, followed by breakfast, then a park art show. You can also enjoy the famous Harbor Springs downtown 1 p.m. parade. Finally, the day ends with the fireworks show over the harbor.

9. Bay City Fireworks Festival

• Where: Bay City, Mich.
• When: July 3-5
• Cost: Free

Similar to the popularity of the Harbor Springs Fourth festivities, the Bay City Fireworks Festival also attracts visitors from all over the country. The Fireworks Festival spans three full days, culminating in free nightly fireworks shows that start at 10:12 p.m. each night. While each night is a spectacle worth watching, the best fireworks show occurs on the third night, the grand finale of the festival’s fireworks.

During the day, families and visitors can enjoy entertainment and fun, including a full carnival with amusement rides, a parade, games, food, music, and vendors.

10. Battle Creek Field of Flights Fireworks Displays

• Where: Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field
• When: July 2 & 4
• Cost: $5/person, plus parking

As one of the largest fireworks shows in Michigan, the Battle Creek Field of Flights is a dazzling four-day spectacle that combines spectacular airshows and booming fireworks displays with near-endless family fun and entertainment all day long. You can visit the airshow events anytime during the day and stay for the fireworks, or just visit for the fireworks displays alone.

There are two different fireworks shows: one on July 2 and one on July 4. Each show is over 15 minutes long (one of the longest and biggest in all of Michigan) and includes a low and high show choreographed to patriotic music. Additionally, the shows feature displays from Firewalkers International Pyro to illuminate the airfield.

11. Lexington Independence Day Fireworks

• Where: Lexington waterfront, Mich.
• When: July  4
• Cost: Free

While large, dazzling firework shows are always fun, there’s something to be said about a small town display. And one of the best spots in Michigan to watch fireworks, in my humble opinion, is the small waterfront town of Lexington. This small town is one of my favorite spots in the world, and if you haven’t visited before, you will be charmed by the long waterfront boardwalk, the delicious restaurants, and the community events, especially near the Fourth.

On the nation’s birthday, you can enjoy the day with a kick-off Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m., live music in the park, and finally, fireworks at dusk. If you don’t make it downtown in time, there are plenty of spots around the road to simply park and enjoy the show.