Best July 4th Fireworks (2010)551

May the Fourth be with you! We've got a list of some of the nation's most impressive fireworks displays...

Atlanta, GA
Stone Mountain Park's Fabulous Fourth Fireworks include a laser light show projected against the side of Stone Mountain - breathtaking and powerful!

Boston, MA
In what has become one of Boston's great traditions, the Boston Pops' July 4th concert under the stars celebrates America's birthday with a dazzling showcase of the music America loves at the Hatch Shell, followed by a world-class, 30-minute, fireworks extravaganza.

Chicago, IL
If you don't mind a bit of a drive, the Naval Station at Great Lakes hosts a free Fourth of July Carnival on Saturday and Sunday. Determined to stay in town? Check out the festivities at Navy Pier and The Chicago History Museum.

Denver-Boulder, CO
In Denver, the Colorado Rapids and Dick's Sporting Goods Park Complex team up to host 4th Fest Colorado, a free outdoor festival featuring live bands and main stage acts, a climbing wall, sporting activities, vendors, fireworks, and the Family Activity Zone.

Ralphie's Independence Day Blast is Boulder's can't-miss summer party. Find it at Folsom Stadium.

Detroit, MI
Dearborn's Greenfield Village adds a historical perspective to the Fourth with Salute to America - 19th century games and activities all capped off with a concert by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, fireworks, and cannon fire.

Houston, TX
Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park is famous for live music; fireworks; and a kids' zone with face painting, rides, games, stage shows, and hands-on activities.

Los Angeles, CA
Free fireworks displays fill the air above The Coliseum, Calabasas, La Crescenta, Culver City, The Marina, Pacific Palisades, Woodland Hills, and West Covina. Folks who don't mind paying a little can enjoy the traditional displays at the Hollywood Bowl or the Rose Bowl.

Miami, FL
America's Birthday Bash in Miami's Bayfront Park features inflatables, kids' games, face painting, games, live music, and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza over Biscayne Bay.

Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis rocks the riverfront on Independence Day, with the Red, White & Boom! festival, which features an evening of children's activities, four stages of live music, and lots of great viewing spots for the fireworks, including the historic Stone Arch Bridge.

Nashville, TN
A full music line-up and a fireworks display illuminate Riverfront Park. Take a family cruise on the 2nd ($8/person) and/or picnic at the Julianne Hough concert on the 3rd (she plays again, with Trace Adkins and a huge line up of luminaries, on the 4th). The Family Fun Zone opens at 12n on Sunday, July 4th, complete with a Musical Petting Zoo where kids can experience and interact with a variety of musical instruments.

New York, NY
Macy's 34th annual 4th of July extravaganza is a big crowd pleaser, and that, of course, means big crowds! The dazzling action, which takes place on the Hudson River this year, allows for prime viewing for spectators from 23rd to 59th Streets on the West side of Manhattan.

Orlando, FL
For a fabulous fireworks show that doesn't require theme park admission, head to Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The city's popular Fireworks at the Fountain celebration features a play area for kids, live entertainment, and more.

Philadelphia, PA
The Life, Liberty, and You Concert and Fireworks event in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offered as part of the 2010 Wawa Welcome America! celebration, features live performances by the Goo Goo Dolls, The Roots, Chrisette Michele, Chuck Brown, and and Green River Ordinance, as well as a fireworks display set to patriotic music.

Pittsburgh, PA
The three-day Three Rivers Regatta, held in Point State Park and areas along the North Shore of the Allegheny River, offers something for everyone, including live music, family entertainment, a kids' zone, powerboat racing, a fireworks and laser light show, and more.

Providence, RI
The city offers a family-friendly weekend at India Point. On Saturday, the United States Army Concert Band & Chorus performs, and on Sunday, the RI Philharmonic Pops' performance culminates in a spectacular fireworks display set to music and broadcast on LITE 105.

San Francisco, CA
The 4th of July Fireworks Cruises give families a unique perspective on incredible fireworks being set off at the Embarcadero. No crowds, a refreshment buffet, and a tour the San Francisco Bay make the price worth it.

St. Louis, MO
Fair St. Louis bills itself as the "largest" in the US - with good reason. It's held at the Gateway Arch Riverfront and includes dazzling fireworks and the K-Town Kids' Zone, with hands-on activities like crafts, science experiments, sports events, games, inflatables.

St. Paul, MN
The annual four-day Taste of Minnesota food and music festival at Harriet Island Regional Park features dozens of eateries, five stages of primo live music - this year including Counting Crows, Gin Blossoms, and The New Standards - a beautiful riverside setting, an expanded activity zone just for families, and fab fireworks on the Fourth.

Tampa, FL
The quintessential holiday celebration in Tampa takes place at Channelside Bay Plaza. Firework fans can kick back at the I Heart History Freedom Festival on the grounds of the St. Petersburg Museum of History and secure a prime fireworks viewing spot. Families can also take advantage of the view from the Florida Aquarium, which offers a special July 4th admission deal especially for fireworks fans.

Washington, DC
Independence Day is an all-day affair on the Mall, starting with the Independence Day Parade held along Constitution Avenue and the Annual July 4th Celebration at the National Archives, which includes a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The National Air and Space Museum's Annual Independence Day Concert is at 6pm, followed by A Capitol Fourth, on the West Lawn of the US Capitol, featuring the NSO and many musical luminaries - and don't forget those fireworks!

Is there a spectacular celebration near you that we missed? Let us know!