CLEVELAND — The 4th of July means many things in Cleveland and throughout Northeast Ohio -- warm weather, barbecues and fireworks shows. Lots and lots of fireworks shows.
If you're looking for a chance to watch the night sky light up in 2019, we suggest you check out these 4th of July fireworks.
1. Blossom Music Center — A Salute to America: July 3-4
Sitting on the lawn while listening to music AND watching fireworks? It's happening as part of the 50th anniversary of the Blossom Festival Band featuring patriotic Sousa marches, Broadway favorites ans an armed forces salute, with the conclusion of fireworks. Those who are under 18 can get in free as part of the Cleveland Orchestra's "Under 18s Free" Program. The program is designed to encourage families to attend Cleveland Orchestra and the Blossom Music Festival together. The Salute to America concert will run for two days. More information on the concert here.
2. Light up the Lake: July 4
With several views to see fireworks in downtown Cleveland, the Light up the Lake organized by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance can be seen from many places near the West and East banks of the Flats. Fireworks will be shot off from Dock 20 over Lake Erie. The event starts at 8:30 p.m. More info here.
Viewing areas include:
Flats West Bank
Jacob Pavilion at Nautica Boardwalk
Music Box Supper Club
Shooters on the Water
Superior Viaduct
Wendy Park
Whiskey Island
Flats East Bank:
Flats East Bank Boardwalk
Settlers Landing
Punch Bowl Social Rooftop Patio
Lago Veranda Viewing
Flats East Bank Restaurant Venues
3. Put-in-Bay — July 4 Celebration
Right on the water. Launched from a floating barge in the downtown harbor, this is one of the best along the shores of Lake Erie. Island businesses and residents work to sponsor the show. Visitors can take advantage of the views the Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial offers. If you plan on attending, you're encouraged to bring a lawn chair or a blanket. The show will start at dark, usually around 10 p.m. More info here.
4. City of Akron’s Fireworks Display at Akron’s Rib, White and Blue Festival: July 4
This is part of Akron’s national rib festival, which brings vendors from five states to compete for the crown of the best barbecue. The fireworks display will take place at 9:45 p.m. at Lock 3 in downtown Akron. More info here.
5. Rock and Boom: July 4
Enjoy one of the best seats in town at the Science Center on the deck of the historic steamship William G. Mather docked at North Coast Harbor. Fireworks begin at dusk on July 4 with check-in beginning at 8 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the café inside the Great Lakes Science Center. If you chose to attend, guests should bring a chair and a blanket. More info here.
6. Lakewood — Fourth of July Parade
Before the fireworks, there will be a parade kicking off at 10 a.m. on Lake Avenue. A free concert will take place at Lakewood Park Bandstand beginning at 7 p.m. Lakewood High School's youth Rock Orchestra will perform before the fireworks kick off at around 9:45 p.m. More info here.
7. Grindstone Festival: July 4
A fireworks display is the highlight in this three-day festival taking place in Berea. Attracting thousands of people from the region, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky over Coe Lake on Rocky River Drive. The festival, running from July 4-6, includes an outdoor movie screening, live entertainment, games, rides and food vendors. Festivities start at 4 p.m. More info here.
8. Light up the Point — Cedar Point: July 4-6
Ride roller-coasters all day long until the sun goes down, then it's time for fireworks at Cedar Point Beach near Windseeker. Fireworks will light up the sky on July 4, 5 and 6 sometime from 9-11 p.m. This year, the park is offering a VIP viewing party on the beach, along with all-you-can eat brats, mini hot dogs, mac and cheese, chips and beverages -- $35 for adults and $25 for children. More info here.
RELATED: Military members and first responders get free admission to Cedar Point during July Fourth weekend
9. 2019 Orrville Firefighters Fire in the Sky Celebration: July 6
Festivities span over five days, starting on July 2. More than 50,000 spectators are expected to see the softball game and fireworks display on July 6. More info here.
10. Kent Heritage Festival and Fireworks: July 6
The 24th Annual Kent Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, July 6 with an all-day celebration and fireworks display to end the night. Fireworks will be set off from Kramer Fields at 10 p.m. More info here.
11. Portage Lakes - Portage Lakes Fireworks: July 6
The Portage Lakes Fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 6 with a boat parade in the afternoon before the fireworks to end the night. The fireworks will be set off from Portage Lakes State Park from Mosquito Points. More info here.
12. Fairport Harbor — Fairport Mardi Gras Festival & Fireworks: July 7
The 2019 Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras celebrates village pride with an annual parade, Veterans Day and Senior Citizen Day, followed by a fireworks finale on Sunday, July 7 at 9 p.m. Get to Huntington Beach early to find the best seat. From there, sit back with your feet in the sand and enjoy the show. More here.
13. Free Star-Spangled Spectacular Concert with the Cleveland Orchestra: August 7
One of the best orchestras in the world, the Cleveland Orchestra, is hosting its annual free concert on Mall B in downtown Cleveland. While this annual tradition usually takes place during the Fourth of July, it's been rescheduled because of the 2019 All-Star game. The concert will be led by guest conductor Loras John Schissel. The show will include classical and patriotic favorites, perfect for this family-friendly event. Guests are encouraged to get to Mall B early for a lawn seat. More info here.
