Boom Town

Nothing sets in the feel of summer like gazing up at the sky and being awestruck by a glimmering series of pyrotechnics. Shake up your Fourth of July plans with one of these patriotic displays that go beyond just a burst and boom. From concerts to festivals to cruises, we have you covered, so you can grab a hot dog (and maybe a brew or two), sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Photo by Roger Mastroianni

DOWNTOWN 

Star-Spangled Spectacular
Start the festivities off early and head downtown tonight for this annual free concert by the Cleveland Orchestra. William Eddins will be conducting the orchestra as it celebrates Superman's 50th anniversary and plays music from Toy Story to honor Randy Newman's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The night will conclude with fireworks set to Tchaikovsky's "1812" Overture. July 1, 9 p.m. Public Square, Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com

City of Cleveland Fireworks
Engage in a citywide tradition by taking in this brilliant fireworks display shot off from the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. Get the best view from Jacobs Pavilion, Shooters, Settlers Landing, Whiskey Island, Edgewater Park or Kirtland Park. Come at 7 p.m. for the Family Funfest at Settlers Landing featuring items from the former Euclid Beach amusement park, a Sousa band and refreshments for sale. July 4, 10 p.m. Cleveland, cityofcleveland.oh.us

Cruise and Fireworks 
Enjoy the show from the best spot in the city: the water. Board the Goodtime III at 6:30 p.m. for a cruise and gourmet buffet dinner for $60-$80. If you'd rather skip an upscale dinner July Fourth, you can still grab a seat on the cruise at 9 p.m. for $20-$50 and watch the fireworks from the lake. July 4, 6:30 p.m. Prices vary. North Coast Harbor, 825 E. 9th St. Pier, Cleveland, 216-861-5110, goodtimeIII.com

Rock and Boom
Explore the William G. Mather steamship and watch fireworks from the dock beside it. Food and drinks are available on board for an extra charge, or you can buy a family four-pack of food vouchers for $75. July 4, 7 p.m. $15 or $12 for members. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-694-2000, greatscience.com

Red, White and Brew
Hit the boardwalk and let the views of the city and the Cuyahoga River enhance your fireworks experience. Greater Cleveland Aquarium will be open until 8 p.m., with food and drink vendors and entertainment outside until the show's over. Another reason to attend: adults get a free drink ticket. July 4, 6-9 p.m. $25 for adults, $10 for kids. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Red, White and Zoo
Join red pandas, white storks and blue poison dart frogs to celebrate Independence Day. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day at the zoo with animal activities scattered throughout the exhibits. July 4. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Regular admission fee applies. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clemetzoo.com


EAST

Geneva-on-the-Lake
Get away for July Fourth this year. Take in Geneva's grand display can watch from the golf course or from the strip. Yankies Bar & Grill and other spots will have deals and festivities throughout the night. July 4 10 p.m. Geneva-on-the-Lake Municipal Golf Course, 4902 Al Mraz Drive, Geneva-on-the-Lake, visitgenevaonthelake.com

Headlands July Fourth Parade and Fireworks
Join in the 61st annual parade, beginning at Forest and Garden roads and ending at the Lake Overlook Drive. Get your sugary fix at the bake sale and then come back that night to enjoy fireworks at the Civic Center. July 4 noon and 9:50 p.m. Corduroy Road and Civic Center Park, Mentor, cityofmentor.com

Chagrin Falls Fireworks

Grab the kids, decorate their bikes and head over to the bike parade. Hang around for a celebration of our veterans and a car show, then come back on Friday for a festival and fireworks.  July 4, 8:30 p.m. Triangle Park, Chagrin Falls; July 5, 6 p.m. Free. River Road Park, Bainbridge, cvcc.org,


WEST

Bay Days

Work off all the barbecue fare you'll be eating with this 5-mile race and 1-mile fun run at 8:15 a.m. at the Bay Village High School. A parade will take place at the gazebo at 11:30 a.m., followed by a read of the Declaration of Independence. Afterwards, take in a festival full of games and live music until fireworks at dusk. July 4, 8:15 a.m.-10:30 p.m. 5-mile race registration fee $25, members $20. Bay Village, cityofbayvillage.com

Westlake Parade and Festival
Gearheads will enjoy a classic car show. There's also a parade that begins at Lee Burneson Middle School and travels to the park, where games, food and entertainment will be going on until dusk, concluding with fireworks. July 4, 10 a.m. Clague Park, Westlake, cityofwestlake.org 

Lake Erie Crushers
It doesn't get more American than baseball on the Fourth of July. Watch the Lake Erie Crushers play the Windy City Thunderbolts in special red, white and blue jerseys, then enjoy a fireworks display after the game. July 4, 7:05 p.m. All Pro Freight Stadium, 2009 Baseball Blvd. Avon, lakeeriecrushers.com

SOUTH

Brunswick Summer Celebration
Stuff your faces in pie and watermelon contests during this festival also filled with live entertainment and rides. A talent search and costume parade will round out the night. July 4, 1-11 p.m. Brunswick High School, 3553 Center Road, Brunswick, summer-celebration.com

Grindstone Festival
Celebrate America with live music and fireworks at 10 p.m. July Fourth. Then, if you're still feeling the holiday spirit come back Friday and Saturday for an animal show, parade, movie showing and campout. July 4-6, 2 to 11 p.m. Coe Lake, Berea, cityofberea.org

Fireworks in Hudson
If you're thirsting for more reasons to ooh and aah after the Fourth, come out for the 40th annual fireworks display that never disappoints. July 5, dusk. Barlow Farm Park, Hudson, myhfc.org