Did you know that the sale of consumer fireworks in the US has quadrupled since the year 2000? According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, consumers went from purchasing just over 100 million pounds of pyrotechnics in 2000, jumping up to over 436 million pounds of fireworks in 2022.
What can we say? Americans love fireworks!
And since the Fourth of July is coming up quickly, now is the time to start making plans to see a fireworks show in the Ozarks. If you’re going to be traveling through this region for this special holiday, be sure to stop and check out one of these awesome fireworks shows with the family.
1. Fireworks on Table Rock Lake in Missouri
Table Rock Lake has multiple fireworks shows for the public, including Fireburst, which has been a 30+ year tradition on the lake! Plus, this is a two-for-one if you want to stay late. After the show, Lakeside Resort will have a second fireworks show. ‘
Never been to Table Rock Lake?
If you’re going to be at the lake for a few days, you can catch a third show on the water on July 4 called Thunder & Fireworks.
Fireburst 2023:
When: July 2, 2023, at 9pm (arrive by 8:30)
Where: Near the Kimberling City bridge
Where to watch: By land or boat
Admission: Free
Thunder and Fireworks Show 2023:
When: July 4, 2023, at 9pm
Where: Table Rock Lake - Shell Knob, Missouri
Admission: Free
If you’re looking for more reasons to plan a visit to Table Rock Lake for the 4th of July, we’ll give you one more. Enjoy the Shell Knob Independence Fest, which runs from Saturday through Monday (July 1 - July 3, 2023) at Shell Knob Community Park. Here, you’ll celebrate a week of freedom with live bands, food trucks, and more. Admission is $10/person.
2. Branson Landing
If you’re headed to Branson, you’re in the right place for a great show! The 16th annual Liberty Light Up Concert & Fireworks is happening on Monday, July 3, 2023, over Lake Taneycomo at Branson Landing. Live music performances by popular local bands.
If you’ve never been to the landing before, you’re in for an experience! It has permanently installed giant fire cannons and water fountains for regular hourly shows.
>> Learn more about Branson Landing from our family’s experience <<
2023 Liberty Light Up Fireworks at Branson Landing:
When: July 3, 2023, at 6:30 - 10:30 pm
Where: Branson Landing - Branson, MO
Admission: Free
3. Riverfront Fireworks at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis
Fair St. Louis is the annual event that has been celebrating the country’s birthday at the Arch for more than four decades! At this huge fireworks display, you can enjoy live music, fair food, and a huge fireworks show!
Admission is FREE (you can pay ahead for parking), and the long list of famous performers won’t disappoint (although some may not be kid-friendly). Come to the big city early to enjoy America’s Birthday Parade that morning.
2023 Fair St. Louis:
When: July 4, 2023
Where: St. Louis Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
Admission: Free (paid parking)
4. Grand Lake State Park Fireworks
If you’re in the Sooner State for the 4th of July, there are a few hotspots for great fireworks shows, including the Grand Lake Fireworks show on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees near the Grand River Dam.
2023 Grand Lake Fireworks:
When: July 3, 2023
Where: Grand Lake State Park in Disney, Oklahoma
Admission: Free
2023 Tenkiller State Park Fireworks:
When: July 4, 2023
Where: Tenkiller State Park in Vian, OK
Admission: Free
>> Check Out What Else You’ll Find in the Oklahoma Ozarks <<
5. Riverfront Amphitheater in Fort Smith
Celebrate the 4th of July with a bang in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This event features food trucks, free public transportation, entertainment, and more fun for the family. Hitch a ride to make your walk shorter!
2023 4th of July Celebration:
When: July 4, 2023 - Entertainment at 5pm - Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Where: Harry E. Kelley River Park - Fort Smith, Arkansas
Admission: Free
Get More Info↗
>> More to Do in Fort Smith <<
Bonus Spot: Fireworks in the Ozarks Neighborhoods
Last but not least—the Ozarks are a special place when it comes to celebrating America’s freedom. After moving from a fireworks-banned state in the Midwest to consumer-friendly fireworks states in the Ozarks, we noticed something different down here…
You don’t necessarily need to go to a public fireworks display to get a GREAT show. If you have family that lives in the region, ask them about their neighborhood fireworks. It’s something that everyone should experience! Let Freedom Ring!
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