Each year since at least 1959, the Detroit fireworks have lit up the sky over the international border between the U.S. and Canada.
That was the first year of the Detroit-Windsor International Freedom Festival, which united the border communities in joint celebrations of the United States and Canada’s independence.
On Monday, June 22, the 68th Detroit Ford Fireworks will brighten the sky over the Detroit River beginning at 10 p.m. The show, the largest in Michigan, is produced by the Parade Company and presented by Ford Motor Co.
Rain is not in the forecast, says the National Weather Service, which predicts dry conditions but cooler-than-usual temperatures.
Popular viewing spots include Hart Plaza, Spirit Plaza and Belle Isle, and can also be seen across the river in Windsor. This is the first year that the Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park will also be open for viewing.
What to know if you go to the Detroit fireworks
The city has designated certain areas as public viewing sites. They include:
- Hart Plaza
- Spirit Plaza
- Erma Henderson Park
- Belle Isle
Hart Plaza, Spirit Plaza and Erma Henderson Park do not open until 2 p.m.
What’s allowed at viewing sites
All three locations are weapon-free zones in which only law enforcement is permitted to carry weapons. Those entering these areas will be subject to security screening. Coolers and backpacks will be searched and no readmittance is allowed.
What is not permitted
Here’s what is not allowed at those sites:
- Tents
- Pets
- Drones
- Contraband (weapons, knives, etc.)
- Flames, fires or cooking
- Personal or consumer fireworks
- Reserving areas in excess of the number of people presently in the group
What’s allowed, not allowed at Belle Isle
Here are the details on visiting Belle Isle for the fireworks:
- The island will not open until 2 p.m.
- Up to 3,000 vehicles will be permitted; motorists need a Recreation Passport attached to their vehicle to enter. They can be purchased at the entrance for $15.
- Access to the island is free for pedestrians and bikers; they will continue to have access after vehicle capacity is reached
Belle Isle issued these additional reminders:
- Alcohol consumption is prohibited
- No tents or canopies are permitted on Sunset Point
- From 2-4 p.m., all vehicles will be directed to the paddock area except those with handicap placards
- RV parking will be near the casino
- Personal fireworks are not permitted.
Other celebrations
Greenfield Village: Salute to America, in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, will present “Salute to America,” July 2-5 from 5-10 p.m., 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn. Tickets must be purchased at www.thehenryford.org/visit/things-to-do/calendar/salute-to-america.
Taylor Summer Festival: June 25–28 at Heritage Park, featuring concerts, carnival rides, vendors, food, and fireworks. June 26: Country concert with Chase Rice, Zach John King, and Family Tradition Band; gates open at 5 PM; tickets are $30–$40 in advance and $40–$50 on the day of the show. June 27: Rock concert featuring Eva Under Fire, Daniel Harrison & The $2 Highway, and Dave Fio; gates open at 5 p.m.; tickets are $15 advance and $20 day of show. The fireworks display takes place on June 27 at approximately 10 p.m. (dusk) and is free to attend. Carnival hours: June 25 (3–10 p.m.), June 26 (3–11 p.m.), June 27 (1–11 p.m.), and June 28 (1–8 p.m.). Vendor village will be open June 26 from 3–11 p.m. and June 27 from 1–11 p.m.. Parking is available in and around Heritage Park for approximately $10 per vehicle. Concert tickets are required for concert entry, while fireworks, carnival access, and festival grounds are open to the public. 12111 Pardee Road, Taylor.
Livonia Spree Fireworks Extravaganza: The 30-minute Fireworks Extravaganza starts at 10:15 p.m., June 28, at Ford Field, 33841 Lyndon, and ends with a spectacular grand finale. The food court will be open and the event is free.
Woodhaven Fireworks: July 9-12. The fireworks display, presented by the Ford Motor Co., starts around 10 p.m. and takes place during the Uncle Sam Jam festival at Civic Center Park. The event is free and features a giant carnival midway, monster truck rides, classic car show, petting zoo and free live concerts. 23977 Hall Road, Woodhaven.
Willow Metropark Fireworks 2026: The June 28 event is free and features a variety of activities. The firework display will begin at dusk. Be sure to check out the park trails, playground and live entertainment provided by the American Ages Band prior to the fireworks. A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark. 23200 S. Huron Road, New Boston. To purchase a pass, visit www.metroparks.com.
Oakland County
2026 Festival of the Hills: 6-11 p.m., June 24. Games and live music, Fireworks start at 10 p.m. Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin Road. Free.
Farmington Hills: 7 p.m. June 25, at Founders Sports Park, 35500 W. Eight Mile Road, with fireworks at dusk. Parking locations: Founders Sports Park, 35500 W. Eight Mile Road, Gill Elementary School, 21195 Gill Road, Power Middle School, 34740 Rhonswood St. Some activities include live music, family-friendly activities, food, extreme course challenge, a bungee game and a climbing tower. The event also features inflatables, including a slide and panda bouncer, as well as a community reading of the Declaration of Independence. A beer tent will be available for adults for a fee.
Stony Creek Metropark: The fireworks show is set for June 26. Free with a Metroparks pass. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks fireworks displays. Live music performed at Eastwood Beach from 7-8:30 p.m. Fireworks begin when it starts getting dark and will be shot off over the lake (approximately 10:05 p.m). Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Eastwood and Baypoint Beaches and all other areas where the lake can be seen.
Festival of the Hills (Rochester Hills): 6-11 p.m. June 24. A family-friendly event at Borden Park that includes food, music and activities. A fireworks show will be held at sunset. 1400 E. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills.
Independence Township: 10 p.m. June 28. Enjoy live entertainment, local vendors and lots of family fun to help celebrate the Nation’s 250th birthday. at Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road. Free
The Kensington Metropark fireworks: June 27, The show will begin at approximately 10:10 p.m. over Kent Lake. 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford. The event is free, but a valid Metroparks vehicle entry pass is required to enter the park.
Clawson City Park: Parade at 9 a.m. on July 4 with fireworks at 10 p.m. Clawson City Park, 935 N. Custer, Clawson. There’ll also be a Firecracker Race and a parade at 9 a.m. Parking and map details: clawson4thofjuly.com/
Macomb County
Music in the Park featuring the Gobies & America 250 Celebration: 7 p.m., June 25 at Macomb Corners Park, 19449 25 Mile, Macomb. Free concert and a patriotic display of fireworks. www.macomb-mi.gov.
Blake’s Strawberry Festival: Fireworks is set for 9:30 p.m. on June 20 only. The festival is June 20-21 and includes family-friendly activities, food, live entertainment and more. 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada.
St. Clair Shores Fireworks Extravaganza: 9-10 p.m. June 26. Experience the Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by First State Bank at Veterans Memorial Park. Food trucks and vendors will be available. , Veterans Memorial Park, 32400 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores. www.scsmi.net
Youngblood Vineyard Annual Fireworks Celebration: 4-10 p.m., July 2 at Youngblood Vineyard, Ray, Michigan. A vehicle parking pass is required. All passengers get in free. DJ Matt from Uptempo Entertainment, Kona Ice Truck and a free petting zoo is part of the entertainment. For tickets and more details, visit www.eventbrite.com.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: 2026 Detroit Ford Fireworks: What to know if you go
Reporting by Fanda Sharif, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
