When in Michigan, do as the Michiganders do: Spend your Independence Day celebrating along the shores of Michigan’s lakes and rivers. Whether you’re spending the holiday with family or friends, these waterfront celebrations have plenty of fun to offer for everyone.
Amway Family Fireworks
Grand Rapids | July 2
Event organizers promise this year’s Independence Day fireworks—located at Ah-Nab-Awen Park along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids and sponsored by Amway—will be larger than ever. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with family fun activities, games, food trucks and vendor exhibits. Live music will start at 6 p.m. and continue throughout the evening, until the 10:30 p.m. fireworks.
Independence Day Celebration
Holland | July 4
Holland’s July 4th celebration begins at Kollen Park at 1 p.m. with kids games, vendors, live music and a live martial arts demonstration. Stick around for the 10:30 p.m. fireworks show over Lake Macatawa and enjoy the display set to a patriotic soundtrack.
Freedom Festival
Ludington | July 3 and 4
Ludington’s Freedom Festival fun begins on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. with the Children’s and Pet Parade in downtown Ludington where children get a chance to decorate their wagons or bikes and dress their family pet in red, white and blue for prizes. The Freedom Festival Grand Parade launches at 2 p.m. on July 4 and features floats, bands, politicians and the Scottville Clown Band marching down Ludington Avenue. The festival ends with fireworks at 10:30 p.m. Pick your favorite viewing site such as Stearns Beach or Waterfront Park, and enjoy the 20-minute display. Event planners promise that anywhere you see water, you’ll see sparks fly.
Light Up the Lake Fireworks!
South Haven | July 3 and 4
Fireworks launch from both the North Pier and South Pier to light up the entire South Haven beach. Fireworks begin at 10:35 p.m. and are synchronized to music. You can listen to the Light Up the Lake soundtrack LIVE on Super Hits 103.7 COSY-FM. South Haven also hosts a parade through downtown on Independence Day morning at 11 a.m.
Round Barn Reds, Whites & Brews
St. Joseph | July 3
Before hitting up St. Joseph’s downtown fireworks display at 10:30 p.m., spend the day soaking up the sun and jamming to music at the Round Barn Winery, Distillery, and Brewery. Check out a live brewing demo and enjoy tasty food from the Round Barn Grille while kids have a blast jumping in the bounce house, taking turns on the inflatable slide and playing yard games.
Photo courtesy of Minas Smitchger/SouthHaven.com.