Fri 7/4

There are countless ways to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July, if that’s your thing, rather than watching some kids blow them up in your street and scare your cat.

The big downtown Cleveland fireworks start at around 10pm, and last for abut 20 minutes (rescheduled to July 5 if the weather is bad.) There are a lot of places to camp out and watch — the Shoreway is usually lined with parked cars ­— but Downtown Cleveland is hosting two family-friendly watch parties at locations on the lakefront: Voinovich Park and the brand-new North Coast Yards.

Both events kick off at 5pm. At Voinovich Park activities include facepainting, balloon art, hands-on crafting, and music by DJ Smillz. There’ll be several food vendors there as well. AT North Coast Yards, prominent area DJ Red-I and performers from the Crooked River Circus will entertain. There’ll be a lot of active things to take part in, including giant yard games, tricycles, hula hoops, 4-Square Pickleball, a roller-skating rink, and two gaga ball pits. Food and drink will be available for purchase here as well. Both events are free; no ticket or reservation is needed, but get there early if you expect to find parking!

Another place to watch is the Music Box Supper Club which will have TWO “fireworks” concerts, with Motown music in the supper club and Michael Stanley tribute band In the Heartland upstairs in the concert club. Doors open at 5pm for both. A full food and drink menu will be available. They promise both will end just in time for you to go outside on the boardwalk and watch the fireworks. Go here for tickets.

Many towns and cities will have their own fireworks for those averse to driving downtown and you may be able to sit on your porch and watch the neighbors’ display!