Fourth of July Guide for Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor Families

Show your red, white and blue spirit with these patriotic crafts and recipes, local parades, fireworks displays and more!

From cookouts and huge backyard celebrations to parades and fireworks displays, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Fourth of July. Our tips on decor, food and activities and suggestions on where to celebrate and see fireworks are sure to make this Independence Day with the kiddos your best one yet! 

Decor

No backyard Fourth of July celebration worth having comes without some festive red, white and blue swag. 

You can definitely grab some flag plates, napkins and paper fence decorations from the store — or you can give your yard a bit more flair with some handmade creations. Plus, these DIY decorations are a great project for kids! 

Make your own props for a Fourth of July photo booth, or decorate the yard with DIY patriotic pinwheels. Need some more suggestions? Check out  our full list of Fourth of July crafts.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to add some Independence Day colors to your wardrobe with a few Fourth of July outfit ideas.

Food

Sure, you can have burgers or grilled chicken with some potato salad and chips (again) this year. Whether you’re cooking for your kids or for an entire backyard party, why not impress everyone with these creative cookout recipes? 

From loaded burgers to root beer baked beans to red, white and blue desserts, these Fourth of July recipe for family parties are sure to take your meal up a notch. 

Fireworks

Attend a local fireworks show or you can get your fireworks fix by nabbing some from your local parking lot pop-up or grocery store. 

Consumer-grade fireworks are legal to shoot off from June 29-July 4, 2023, until 11:45 p.m. Make sure you check Michigan’s current fireworks laws before shooting them off. It also doesn’t hurt to be well-versed in fireworks safety, especially if you’re going to have your kids around the fireworks fun. 

Events

From patriotic parades to fireworks displays that light up the night, there’s so many fun ways to celebrate the Fourth around town. Check out these local events and find even more in our roundup of Fourth of July Fireworks and Events in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Red, White & Blues Fireworks Festival

June 24, 2023

Enjoy a firework show along with live music, shopping, food and more. For all ages.

The 12th Annual Walled Lake Civic Fund Fireworks Show

June 24, 2023

This fireworks celebration has been happening for the past 12 years. Families can watch the Walled Lake Fireworks light up the sky over Walled Lake. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Ford Fireworks 

June 26, 2023 

This event is recognized as one of America’s largest and most magnificent fireworks displays. It’s a spectacular summer tradition in the city and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of spectators. The fireworks are shot off from three barges on the Detroit River.

Fireworks at Stony Creek Metropark 

June 30, 2023

Join the tens of thousands of Macomb County neighbors for the Stony Creek Metropark fireworks show. Participants just need to pack some food, grab a picnic blanket and enjoy the show under the stars. Macomb Symphony Orchestra will be playing their show “Celebrate America”, with special guest the 338th Army Band. Orchestra and Band will play from 7-9:15 p.m. For all ages.

Salute to America: Summer Stroll

June 30-July 3, 2023

Wander through Greenfield Village and enjoy small ensembles from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra scattered around the open-air history museum. American history is proudly on display at the event with choral-singing, ragtime, jazz and more on the setlist. Guests can enjoy marching fifes and drums and a booming fireworks display.

Clawson 4th of July Freedom Festival

July 4, 2023

Head to Clawson Park to join in on the Fourth of July fun including live music, food trucks, arts and crafts fair, fireworks and more.

Clinton Township Fireworks

July 5, 2023

Families can enjoy inflatables, face painting, food vendors and live musical performances during the day and a fireworks show at dusk.

Uncle Sam Jam

July 6-9, 2023

  • Address: Civic Center Park, 24135 Hall Road, Woodhaven
  • Cost: $30/all day ride passes, $10/monster truck ride, $10-$15/parking

Enjoy a carnival, live music, axe throwing, cornhole tournaments, freak show, petting zoo, monster truck rides and fireworks, too.


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Metro Parent Editorial Team
Metro Parent Editorial Team
Since 1986, the Metro Parent editorial team is trained to be the go-to source for metro Detroit families, offering a rich blend of expert advice, compelling stories, and the top local activities for kids. Renowned for their award-winning content, the team of editors and writers are dedicated to enriching family life by connecting parents with the finest resources and experiences our community has to offer.

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