The U.S. celebrates a major holiday this weekend. With the 4th of July falling on a Monday this year, there's some variety on when celebrations are scheduled during the three-day weekend.
Independence Day is often met with parades, picnics and marching bands. But, the most popular way to celebrate is by lighting up the night's sky with fireworks.
We've compiled a list of the best places to see free fireworks shows in the tri states region this holiday weekend.
West Central Illinois Fireworks shows:
Lewistown Fireworks:
- When: Saturday, July 2 at dusk
- Where: Fulton County Fair Grounds
Bushnell Fireworks:
- When: Sunday, July 3rd at dusk
- Where: Along the highway next to Kitchen Cooked
Carthage Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4th at dusk
- Where: The fireworks show will be near the Illini West High School on Miller St.
- Other Activities: Fireworks are part of the Annual Hancock County Fourth of July celebration in downtown Carthage. It also includes a breakfast, parade, vendor fair, musical entertainment and food.
Havana Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at dusk
- Where: Riverfront Park
Monmouth Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at dusk
- Where: Monmouth's Citizens Lake.
- Other Activities: The Monmouth Flying Club will hold it's 50th annual fly in breakfast at the Municipal Airport from 7:00 to 10:30 Monday morning.
Macomb Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at 9:00 pm.
- Where: Western Illinois University's Q lot
- Other Activities: The celebration kicks off at 5:00 p.m. and will feature food vendors and entertainment by he Macomb Municipal Band and the River City Country Opry band from Havana.
Galesburg Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m., rain date Tuesday, July 5
- Where: Lake Storey Beach
- Other Activities: The 20th Big Bang Boom fireworks show will take place that night. Activities for kids that include relays, a water balloon toss, games and competitions. People are invited to sign a "Salute the Troops" to be sent to a military unit in honor of their service.
Knoxville Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at dusk
- Where: James Knox Park
- Other Activities: Community Band will hold a concert prior to the fireworks show.
Quincy Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at 9:20 p.m.
- Where: the Illinois Veterans Home
- Other Activities: There's a fishing tournament scheduled for 11 a.m. at Lake Illinois. A kid’s zone and vendor shops will be set up at 5 p.m. at the Illinois Veterans Home.
Rushville Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at 9:45 p.m.
- Where: The Rushville County Fair grounds
Southeast Iowa Fireworks Displays :
Bonaparte Fireworks:
- When: Saturday, July 2 at 10:00 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Bonaparte
- Other Activities: The 4th of July celebration will include a parade downtown at 5:00 p.m. followed by a BBQ Cook-Off at 7:00 p.m.
Fort Madison Firworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at sundown
- Where: Riverview Park
- Other activities: The city of Fort Madison is hosting events throughout Monday. Old Fort Madison will be open during regular business hours to celebrate Independence Day. The 104th Charlie Korschgen Kiddie Parade will travel Avenue G starting at 10:00 a.m. and the city band will perform in Central Park at 7:30 p.m.
Keokuk Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at dusk
- Where: Rand Park
- Other Activities: The city of Keokuk is hosting a four-day carnival as part of its July 4 celebration from 5:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. daily July 1-3 and then on July 4 from 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at dusk
- Where: McMillian Park
- Other activities: The 4th of July celebrations begin with the Firecracker 5K run at 9:00 a.m. Monday. There will be rides, live music and food throughout the day with a parade scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Burlington Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at 8:00 p.m.
- Where: The Burlington Golf Club at 2124 Sunnyside.
West Burlington Fireworks:
- When: Monday, July 4 at 10:01 p.m.
- Where: Between the 100 & 200 block of Broadway St.
- Other activities: A day-long event is scheduled in West Burlington featuring bingo, pony rides, live music, and a pancake breakfast.
