Fourth Of July During A Pandemic: How To Watch 5 Of The Biggest Firework Shows From Home

Fireworks are perhaps the biggest part of Fourth of July celebrations, with colorful pyrotechnic displays not only celebrating American Independence but also capping off a day that usually involved parties and barbecues all across the United States. However, thanks to COVID-19, things are going to be a little bit different this year.

While the country is in various stages of reopening, the Pandemic is still having an effect on several different celebrations across the U.S. Large crowds are still generally discouraged from gathering together because of social distancing guidelines, meaning that some of the biggest and best shows are having to change how they put on their festive displays as a result. In some cases, this has also led to shows being canceled completely, with Town and Country Magazine reporting that fireworks displays in St. Louis, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Denver, Chicago and Charleston, South Carolina are all not going on as planned this year.

However, while they won’t be the same, the following shows are still expected to go on. Check out the full list below to see how to partake in the celebrations.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular- New York City

New York City is still in the midst of their reopening plans after becoming the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., but while many guidelines are still in place, the show will still be going on. Instead of just one show on July 4th, the city has instead planned on six different nights of shows instead, with one small display planned for each of the five boroughs every night leading up to the holiday, which will have one final show that night.

To keep crowds from forming, the locations of the land and water-based launch sites are being kept a secret until shortly before showtime, and the idea behind the smaller five-minute displays in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx is that it will keep residents of each borough from traveling to the others to see other shows.

As for the July 4 finale, it will air on NBC and be headlines by John Legend (appearing virtually), with performances by Mayo Clinic surgeon Dr. Elvis and Alicia Keys, who will perform a salute to front line workers and a virtual performance of “America the Beautiful” and “Lean On Me” by The Young People’s Chorus of NYC.

The show will air on NBC Saturday, July 4 from 8-10 p.m. EDT.

A Capitol Fourth- Washington, D.C.

The fireworks show in D.C., the nation’s capital, is still set to happen live on the holiday, but the rest of the show is going to be pre-taped, according to PBS, which broadcasts it. The 40th anniversary special will be hosted by John Stamos Vanessa Williams, and among the artists who should be performing in some capacity are Patti LaBelle, Lauren Alaina, The Temptations and National Symphony Orchestra.

While that will be pre-taped and air on PBS beginning at 8 p.m. EDT, the 2020 Salute to America will still take place on the South Lawn of the White House with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. A fireworks display over the National Mall will end the evening.

Orlando, Florida:

Several different events are scheduled to take place in the Orlando area this Fourth of July, with SeaWorld doing their Light Up The Sky event for three nights, though the show is best viewed from the park’s own stadium and reserved admission is required for viewing.

A virtual celebration is taking place for the annual Fireworks at the Fountain event as well. This will instead be a pre-recorded compilation of past shows at Lake Eola and can be streamed on News 6WKMG/ClickOrlando.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular- Boston

While the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is not happening this year to prevent excessive crowding in the city, a special event called “The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes,” will air beginning at 8 p.m. EDT. This can be viewed on Bloomberg Television, Bloomberg radio and WHDH-TV.

Let Freedom Sing-Nashville

The Let Freedom Sing event that usually takes place in Music City is canceled, but a special show to honor frontline responders will air on News Channel 5 beginning at 9 p.m. Central. A lineup of performances includes Keb’ Mo’, John Hiatt, Tenille Townes and Lilly Hiatt.