These Ohio Towns Throw Legendary 4th Of July Celebrations

The 17th state to join the Union in March 1803, Ohio continues to display a strong sense of national pride. In fact, residents of the Buckeye State continue to embrace Independence Day with an enthusiasm that rivals that of any state in the nation. This is especially true of Ohio’s small towns, many of which put on patriotic displays each July 4th that draw visitors from across the Midwest.

These celebrations honor not just the nation's founding, but also the veterans, families, and communities that make these places so special. Ohio's Independence Day traditions include everything from multi-day festivals and historic parades to concert performances and spectacular pyrotechnics, with each of these towns throwing what are widely regarded as some of the best July Fourth celebrations in the country.

Put-in-Bay

This tiny Lake Erie island village of around 150 year-round residents hosts one of Ohio's most spectacular July 4th celebrations. Attracting thousands of visitors to South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay’s “Boom at the Bay” festivities include everything from free concerts and community sing-alongs, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Put-in-Bay Harbor at 10 pm.

If you cannot enjoy the fireworks from the water, the town’s seawall or the grounds of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial serve as great vantage points. Popular eateries such as The Boardwalk or Topsy Turvey's Bar & Grill also work well, with the added benefit of enjoying great grub and a drink as you watch the fireworks reflect over the water. Getting to Put-in-Bay for July 4th also requires advance planning. Miller Ferry from Catawba Island and Jet Express from Port Clinton and Sandusky provide regular service. Expect long waits, so either arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds or stay overnight. Popular places to stay in Put-in-Bay include the Commodore Resort Hotel with its waterfront rooms and suites.

Fairborn

Home to one of Ohio's longest-running and largest Independence Day celebrations, Fairborn is located just west of Dayton and goes all out to celebrate the country’s most important national holiday. Spanning two full days, the town’s 74th annual 4th of July includes a Block Party on July 3 along Main Street in downtown Fairborn and a thrilling 21-gun salute. Food vendors, craft booths, and game stations will also be set up, along with stages featuring live entertainment.

July 4th starts with a traditional parade at 10 a.m., complete with floats, marching bands, and even flyovers by historic aircraft. Afterwards, Community Park becomes festival central from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with food trucks, a fairground-style midway, and live music. The celebration reaches its grand finale with fireworks at 10 p.m.

Two significant landmarks to check out while you’re in town include the nearby National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the world's largest military aviation museum, and the Wright Brothers Memorial at Wright Brothers Hill. If you can make a weekend of it, check out the rates at the Hope Hotel & Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center or the Fairborn Hotel and Inn for its budget-friendly options.

New Philadelphia

New Philadelphia will once again host its popular First Town Days Festival in 2025. Now in its 48th year, this four-day extravaganza runs from July 3 - 6 at Tuscora Park. Festivities start at noon on the 3rd, when the midway and petting zoo open. The grand opening ceremony takes place at 4 p.m. that same day, with speeches and award presentations by local dignitaries, followed by a free concert.

Friday, July 4, is a day of fun with quirky events like frog jumping and turtle racing contests. The grand parade starts at 6:30 pm, followed by more midway fun and music. Saturday, July 5, is fireworks day, which begins soon after nightfall, after prizes have been handed out to men with the best legs (honestly!) and pie-eating contestants. Day four festivities include a car show, a talent show, and plenty of music until things wrap up at 9 pm.

Tuscora Park is a significant attraction in New Philadelphia, so be sure to take a look. Highlights include its historic 1930s Works Progress-era stonework, a vintage 1928 Herschell-Spillman carousel featuring 36 hand-carved horses that looks like it came straight from Disney’s Mary Poppins, and classic amusement rides, including a roller coaster and miniature railroad. Historic Schoenbrunn Village is another must-visit and features Revolutionary War-era demonstrations during the festival.

Granville

As host of one of Ohio's most enduring July 4th traditions, Granville has much to offer out-of-towners wanting to join in the fun. A community staple since 1964, the Granville Kiwanis July 4th Celebration sees downtown Broadway Street transformed into a four-day festival running from July 2 - 5. A fun family-friendly midway will run throughout the event in the downtown core, which is an easy walk to Wildwood Park, where the main fireworks display takes place.

Granville’s fireworks will be ignited on July 2, with vendors setting up shop at 6 p.m. for those wanting to purchase refreshments and snacks. The pre-fireworks show includes a “Party in the Park” concert by The Big Badd, who wrap up just before the sky lights up with an always impressive display of pyrotechnics.

The town’s big July 4th parade also starts in Wildwood Park before heading to historic downtown Granville. Marching bands, costumed locals, and decorated floats lead the way, accompanied by classic old cars and other vintage vehicles. If you’re interested in making a long weekend of it, the Historic Buxton Inn, opened in 1812 and Ohio's oldest continuously operating inn, places you in the heart of the action. The Granville Inn, a Tudor Revival mansion built in 1924, is another centrally located spot to consider.

Upper Arlington

The town of Upper Arlington boasts one of Ohio's most enduring July 4th traditions. Celebrations begin early here at 6:30 am, the town’s unique version of Paul Revere's Ride. This tradition dates back to 1938, with volunteers driving through town with loudspeakers proclaiming that Independence Day has arrived. These "Parade Wake-Up Calls" have become such an important tradition that locals can even sponsor shout-outs to friends and neighbors, encouraging them to wake up and get ready for a fun day.

The Independence Day parade starts at 9 a.m., and thousands of spectators line the streets with lawn chairs and blankets to watch the fun. Northam Park is the scene of the evening’s Party in the Park, with food vendors, live entertainment, and kids’ activities. The celebration winds up with a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

The Final Word

These small Ohio towns certainly prove that size doesn’t matter when it comes to patriotic spirit and Independence Day celebrations. Each must-visit destination goes all out to put on unique experiences over the Fourth of July holiday and roll out the red carpet for visitors wanting to get in on the action. Plan early, book accommodations months in advance, and prepare to experience Independence Day the way it was meant to be celebrated.