Where to See Fireworks Shows in Alabama

Fireworks shows — like pretty much everything else since the first case of coronavirus was announced in Alabama in March  —  will be different this year. In fact, some just aren’t happening: Several of the biggest  Independence Day shows have been canceled out of health and safety concerns.

Notable show cancellations include U.S. Space & Rocket Center July 4th Celebration in Huntsville and the Independence Day Festival at McFarland Park in Florence. The city of Gulf Shores and Smith Lake also canceled their fireworks show.

But a few municipalities and organizations plan to go forward with their shows and, of course, encourage attendees to practice social distancing and not attend if they don’t feel well. 

You can still make the most of the Fourth while following the recommended health and safety guidelines. Here is a roundup of the 2020 fireworks shows in Alabama.

Five top fireworks shows in Alabama

1.THE ANNUAL FIREWORKS SHOW AT VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM

City: Birmingham
Status: Still on! Starts at 9 p.m.
Location: Vulcan Park & Museum

Known as “Thunder on the Mountain,” this year’s event is being called a “celebration of resiliency.” The show is one of the state’s largest, and social distancing shouldn’t be an issue because you can watch it from so many vantage points around the city. The show is free to the public and will last approximately 20 minutes

Prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and the UAB campus, among others. We recommend finding a place to view the show well in advance of the 9 p.m. show. We encourage you to adhere to the CDC and Jefferson County Department of Health guidelines on social distancing.

Please note: That Vulcan Park & Museum will close at  6  p.m. No spectators will be allowed inside the park or at the entrance to Vulcan Trail.

 

2. THE WHARF INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
City: Orange Beach
Status: Still on! Fireworks start at 8:45 p.m.
Location: 23101 Canal Road

The Wharf will host a “socially distant” Independence Day Celebration, providing American flags and glow items to wave when the sun sets. Its iconic palm trees will “dance to a patriotic theme of red, white, and blue.” Check out this map to find open-air viewing spots.

3. TRUSSVILLE FREEDOM CELEBRATION
City: Trussville
Status: Still on! The celebration starts at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Location: Mall in historic downtown Trussville

The celebration will include food vendors like Wasabi Juans, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, and Bendy’s Ice Cream, and live music by Act of Congress. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. 

Parking is available all around the historic downtown area so arrive early to get a good spot. The best way to find the Mall in the historic downtown is to put the Cahaba Elementary (301 Parkway Drive) into your GPS and it will lead you right to the event.

4. CITY OF AUBURN DRIVE-IN FIREWORKS
City: Auburn
Status: Still on! The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.
Location: Fireworks will be set off in a centrally located area, the old water tower site on East University Drive, next to Duck Samford Park.

The drive-in show starts at 9 p.m., and families are encouraged to drive to Duck Samford Stadium, 1840 East Glenn Avenue, Duck Samford, and Bo Cavin Baseball fields, 333 Airport road, and other surrounding parking lots to view the fireworks show from their automobiles. 

Other 4th of July fireworks tips

Other municipalities that still plan to hold fireworks shows including Prattville, and Tuscaloosa. Keep in mind that event plans could change depending on weather and health and safety concerns, so be sure to check on the day of the event to confirm an event is still scheduled and begins at the same time.

We recommend:

  • Packing a cooler with your favorite snacks and watching the show from the safety of your car.
  • Finding a remote spot with a decent view of the show and having a picnic.
  • Planning a backyard barbecue and watching the fireworks on TV. No traffic, no social distancing, no problem!

Looking for Independence Day essentials? We can help! Alabama Outdoors wants everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors