Are you ready to celebrate America's birthday with a Boom? Ohio's largest fireworks display, Red White & BOOM!, lights up the downtown night on July 3. And, that means you can enjoy the hooplah while still taking in your neighborhood show on July 4. Win-win. The fireworks steal the show, for sure. But, you'll find loads of fun all day long.
You and nearly a half million of your closes friends will be on hand for the 38th annual Red White & BOOM! The fireworks sizzle starting at 10 p.m., fired from the east bank of Genoa Park. So, people park their fannies all around downtown, with the hottest spots along the riverfront. And, there are two camps of viewers: those that arrive early with coolers and blankets for a day full of fun, and those that slip into downtown last minute and claim a sliver of space between blankets. Both methods end with faces craned toward the beautiful night sky.
If you are part of camp one, you will find plenty of fun to keep you entertained all day. So, check out what's happening and plan your day.
Charity Day 5K
The perfect way to start your Independence Day festivities, sign up to run the Charity Day 5K on July 2 at 6:30 p.m. Run or walk for the charity of your choice (the race fundraises for a variety of charitable organizations and you get to choose your beneficiary). Then, enjoy a fun post-race party.
Live Music
Great music line-ups can be found on two stages, one at Bicentennial Park and one in the Arena District. Music fills the air at each stage from noon up to the fireworks, and again after the show until 10:50 p.m. Click here and scroll down for the music line-ups.
Ford Oval of Honor Red, white & BOOM! Parade
Everyone loves a parade. This one-mile route features entries that celebrate and salute America. The route runs from the Main Street Bridge, north on Front Street where it ends at Spring Street.
Children's Park
If you are looking to keep the kids happy during the long wait for the boom, head to Children's Park at the corner of Neil Avenue and Long Street. So, get the kids jazzed for fun with bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides and more.
Ballpark Boom
For another great option for BOOM fun, head to Huntington Park's Ballpark BOOM; tickets run just $5. You'll find delicious concession stand fare, plus two concerts-The British Invasion from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and Hard Days Night from 9 - 9:50 p.m. Plus, the kids will love the array of field activities with extreme fun including a zipline. The cost is $20 for unlimited participation. And, for kids 12 and under, enjoy the Inflatables/Creativity Zone for $10 (unlimited participation). Then, at 10 p.m., take in the fireworks from a premium spot.
Getting Around
COTA makes getting to and from Red White & BOOM! a zoom. And, they are committed to making it easy for you. Check out details about their BOOM service. You might just be able to get into Ballpark BOOM for free. For parking information, click here. Or, consider biking or using CoGo for some two-wheel transit.