News Summary
West Michigan communities are preparing for a vibrant Independence Day celebration on July 4. A variety of events including parades, fireworks, and live music will occur throughout the region. Highlights include the Grand Rapids Fireworks, the Ottawa Hills parade, and festivities in East Grand Rapids, Ada Township, and more. Residents and visitors are invited to join in on the traditional celebrations as communities come together to honor the spirit of Independence Day.
West Michigan communities are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day on July 4, 2024, with a wide range of exciting events lined up throughout the region. This federally recognized holiday falls on a Friday, offering many families a long weekend to kick off summer festivities. Locals and visitors alike are expected to partake in traditional celebrations, including barbecues, dressing in red, white, and blue, as well as enjoying parades, fireworks, and live entertainment.
Grand Rapids is set to host the much-anticipated Grand Rapids Fireworks on Saturday, July 5, at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. The event, free and open to the public, is coordinated by Riverbank Events and Media. Festivities begin with live entertainment at 6 p.m., complete with food vendors and activities available until 10:30 p.m. The fireworks display will light up the evening sky after the entertainment concludes.
In the Ottawa Hills neighborhood, the Hollyhock Lane Parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on July 4. This community event features live jazz music, coffee and cookies for adults, and popsicles for kids. Participants can also compete for cash prizes for the best kids’ floats and join in on patriotic sing-alongs to celebrate the day.
The East Grand Rapids parade is scheduled for noon on July 4. Following the parade, residents can enjoy activities at John Collins Park, including live music starting at 8 p.m., which will conclude with a fireworks display over Reeds Lake.
In Grandville, the day begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and an arts and crafts show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can expect live music, food vendors, and fireworks at dusk, making for a full day of celebration.
Ada Township will also be abuzz with activity. A pancake breakfast will be served at the fire station from 7 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a children’s bike parade at 9:45 a.m. The main parade starts at 10 a.m. with additional activities such as a classic car show, live music at Legacy Park, and fireworks after dark.
Not far from Ada, Caledonia will host a parade beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, followed by a fireworks display at dusk at Cal Plex.
In Cascade Township, the Independence Day Celebration kicks off with a parade on July 4, which will be followed by a street fair offering food, games, and live music, allowing families to enjoy a full day of fun leading into evening barbecues and fireworks.
For the residents of Kentwood, the day starts early with a pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and a 5K race at 8 a.m. The parade is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a carnival from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Evening festivities will feature fireworks at dusk.
The celebrations continue in Allendale, where a parade is planned for 10 a.m., along with a Party in the Park starting at 11 a.m., culminating in fireworks after dark.
In Holland, fireworks will light up the sky at dusk over Lake Macatawa from Kollen Park, with fair food available throughout the day from noon to 10 p.m.
Other areas across West Michigan are also hosting festive activities: Ferrysburg will feature a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a parade at 10:20 a.m., and a party in the park; Grand Haven has its fireworks scheduled for 10:10 to 10:35 p.m.; Muskegon will celebrate with fireworks and DJ Prim from 8 to 10 p.m. on July 4; White Lake has activities lined up before their evening fireworks; and Portland will host its own parade beginning at 10 a.m. on the 4th.
Communities like Allegan and Dorr are also bringing the excitement with parades, live music, and fireworks from July 3 to 7. Finally, Hopkins will be bustling with a freedom run, pancake breakfast, kids’ parade, community parade, live music, and evening fireworks.
With so many diverse celebrations happening across West Michigan, residents are encouraged to join in the festivities and honor the spirit of Independence Day as communities come together in celebration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fireworks Ignite Tree Fire in Grand Rapids
East Grand Rapids Celebrates Independence Day with Festivities
Grand Rapids Fire Incident Highlights Fireworks Safety Concerns
Grand Rapids Announces Changes for July 4th Fireworks Celebration
Grand Rapids Fire Hospitalizes One at Lamberton Lake Apartments
Grand Rapids Celebrates Independence Day with Fireworks
West Michigan Gears Up for Fourth of July Celebrations
Grand Rapids Pride Festival Brings Unity and Joy
Grand Rapids Commemorates Juneteenth with Celebrations
Kentwood Launches Annual Summer Concert Series
Additional Resources
- WOOD TV: West Michigan Celebrates Independence Day
- Wikipedia: Independence Day (United States)
- MLive: Where to Celebrate Fourth of July Across West Michigan
- Google Search: Fourth of July celebrations in West Michigan
- Newark Advocate: Granville 2024 Fourth of July Celebration Event Schedule
- Google Scholar: Fourth of July celebration events
- GRKids: 4th of July Parades & Fireworks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Independence Day
- WOOD TV: List of Fourth of July Fireworks & Parades in West Michigan 2025
- Google News: Fourth of July fireworks
