News Summary
As Independence Day approaches, communities in West Michigan are preparing for lively Fourth of July celebrations filled with fireworks, parades, and fun events for families. Residents and visitors can look forward to festivities including the Grand Rapids Fireworks at Ah-Nab-Awen Park and various local parades, culminating in spectacular displays throughout the region. Activities are set to engage all ages, making this year’s celebrations a joyful gathering for everyone.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Communities across West Michigan are gearing up for vibrant and festive Fourth of July celebrations this year, with plans for fireworks, parades, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Independence Day falls on Friday, July 4, 2025, and localities are eager to invite residents and visitors to join in the celebrations.
The highlight of the weekend will be the Grand Rapids Fireworks, presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025. This event will take place at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, offering free admission to the public. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment starting at 6 p.m., with food vendors and exhibits set up to enhance the festivities. Family activities at the park will continue until 10:30 p.m., culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.
On July 4, the Ottawa Hills neighborhood will feature its traditional Hollyhock Lane Parade, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The parade will be accompanied by live jazz music, refreshments like coffee and cookies for adults, and popsicles for kids, alongside cash prizes for the best kids’ floats and patriotic sing-alongs. Following this, a noon parade and fireworks display will also take place over Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids.
Grandville will host its own Fourth of July celebration, with a parade starting at 10 a.m. and fireworks set for dusk. Other communities, including Ada Township and Cascade Township, have planned engaging events that day. Ada’s festivities will commence with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by a bike parade at 9:45 a.m. and a main parade at 10 a.m. Cascade Township will feature a hometown parade, street fair, food, games, and live music throughout the day, completing the city’s celebration with a fireworks display.
Kentwood will kick off its day with a pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and a 5K race at 8 a.m., leading up to live music and fireworks at dusk. Allendale has a full day planned starting at 10 a.m. with a parade and ending with fireworks in the evening.
The city of Holland is set to feature fireworks over Lake Macatawa from Kollen Park on July 4, while Ferrysburg will begin with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a parade at 10:20 a.m. Grand Haven will join the festivities with a fireworks show at 10:10 p.m., in partnership with the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. Similarly, Muskegon will host a fireworks celebration with live music at Heritage Landing, ensuring a lively atmosphere.
Other notable events include a parade in White Lake starting at 9 a.m. followed by fireworks at dusk, and Portland’s parade commencing at 10 a.m., culminating at the local high school. For those looking for extended celebrations, Allegan will host a community festival featuring a parade on July 3, with fireworks scheduled for 10:15 p.m.
Dorr will celebrate from July 3 to 7, offering various activities throughout this period. Hopkins is planning a full day of festivities that include a freedom run, pancake breakfast, and concluding with a fireworks display at dusk. Saugatuck-Douglas will kick off their celebration with a parade on July 4, followed by fireworks the following day. For a unique Independence Day experience, the Milwaukee Clipper is offering an Independence Day Party with views of fireworks from the boat.
As West Michigan communities embrace the spirit of Independence Day, residents and visitors alike look forward to a joyful celebration filled with traditions, active participation, and beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky.
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Additional Resources
- WOODTV: Fourth of July Fireworks & Parades in West Michigan
- MLive: Fourth of July Celebrations in West Michigan
- WZZM13: West Michigan Fourth of July Fireworks List
- Fox17: Grand Rapids Cautions on Firework Use
- Denver7: Fireworks Information
- Wikipedia: Independence Day (United States)
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Independence Day
- Google Search: Fourth of July celebrations Michigan
- Google News: Fourth of July events West Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
