Light Show: Your guide to Fourth of July Fireworks in Cleveland

It’s that time of summer again: fireflies, cookouts and Fourth of July fireworks, of course. We found the best places to cozy up and watch colorful explosions light up the sky across Northeast Ohio.

Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Orchestra.

Lakewood Park: After a day of parades, concerts and picnics, stop by Lakewood Park to catch the perfect end to a patriotic day. Bring blankets and chairs and come early for a lawn spot. Parking: Lakewood Park’s lots near the baseball field and in the center of the park. 9:30 p.m., July 4, free, 14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood, onelakewood.com

Cahoon Memorial Park-West: This staple fireworks display brings families young and old back every year. This year, though, Independence Day is in the middle of the annual citywide festival Bay Days (July 2-5), so crowds will be even thicker than in the past. Parking: The lots off of Cahoon Road or Park Lane. 9:45 p.m., July 4, free, 27600 Lake Road, Cahoon Memorial Park- West, Bay Village, cityofbayvillage.com

Grindstone Festival: Make a day out of it by taking in live bands at the Grindstone Festival (July 3-5) and sticking around for the 10 p.m. fireworks show. Bring a chair or blanket to get a great view. Parking: Near the gazebo. 10 p.m., July 4, free, Berea Commons, Coe Lake, Berea, cityofberea.org

Brunswick Summer Celebration: Between July 1 and 6, Brunswick will not only celebrate the country, but also the city itself. Along with musical guests, parades and activities for young and old, fireworks will light up the city’s sky over Brunswick High School. Parking: The high school’s parking lot and surrounding streets. July 4, $2 per person, free if under age 2, 3553 Center Road, Brunswick, 330-220-1111, summer-celebration.com

Independence Day Weekend: Independence is celebrating its namesake a day early this year. Food booths open at 7 p.m. and the fireworks are set off at 10 p.m. Festivities continue through July 6. Parking: Independence’s Elmwood Park has ample parking in many areas (near the recreation center, baseball fields, swimming pool), so get there early to grab some grub and a prime spot. 10 p.m., July 3 ( July 5 rain date), free, 6363 Selig Drive, Elmwood Park, Independence, independenceohio.org

Clague Park: After an afternoon parade down Hilliard Boulevard, people can join together at Clague Park for an evening of food, music and fireworks to ring in another year of freedom. Parking: Various parking lots around Clague Park, but avoid the parade route along Hilliard Boulevard July 4, free, corner of Hilliard Boulevard & Clague Road, Westlake, cityofwestlake.org

Akron’s National Rib Fest: Nothing says summer quite like barbecue and cover bands. This end-of-the-week celebration begins July 2 and runs through July 5. The Akron Symphony Orchestra will perform patriotic tributes on the Lock 3 stage right before the colors and lights fill the sky. Parking: Multiple downtown lots. Visit downtownakron.com for all parking options. 9:45 p.m., July 4, free, 200 S Main St., Akron, 330-375-2877, akronribfestival.org

A Salute to America: What would the Fourth of July be without the 1812 Overture? Experience real canons firing while our world-class orchestra performs this classic. Fireworks to follow, so bring a blank and chairs for the lawn. Parking: Although Blossom Music Center has plenty of spaces, it's also notoriously known for traffic jams. So do yourself a favor and arrive early or buy a parking pass with your tickets. 8 p.m., July 4, $23-$45, 1144 W Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-8040, clevelandorchestra.com

Cleveland Indians Game: The ultimate American evening. Watch the Indians play against the Kansas City Royals while downing some Dollar Dogs. Stay after for an extended fireworks display and patriotic tribute with a guaranteed seat. Parking: Choose from the variety of garages around the stadium or save money and take the RTA. 7:05 p.m., July 4, $17.25-$113.50, 2401 Ontario St., Progressive Field, Cleveland, 216-420-4487, cleveland.indians.mlb.com

Goodtimes Cruise III: Step abroad the Goodtimes Cruise III for dinner, dancing and fireworks. Reservations required for this classy celebration on the water. We suggest a fourth deck viewing ticket for a front row seat to the finale. Parking: Pier Parking Lot, the Port Authority Lot behind the FirstEnergy Stadium or Burke Lakefront Lot. Rates vary. 6 p.m. boarding, July 4, $20-$79.95, 825 E Ninth  St., Cleveland, 216-861-5110, goodtimeiii.com

By Katy Witkowski

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