LITTLE ROCK, AR (Kat Robinson, Tie Dye Travels) – Arkansas is blessed with a plethora of great communities that share excitement and wonder on Independence Day.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best fireworks shows in the state.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best fireworks shows in the state.
All Weekend
Mountain View 4th of July Celebration — July 3-6
Head to north central Arkansas to enjoy everything from a barbecue cookoff to a watermelon feast at the Old Time Gathering on the Square. Activities will include a parade, a gospel concert, horseshoe pitching contest, a street dance and plenty of stuff for the kids to do. Fireworks will be Friday night at dark.
Thursday, July 3rd
Downday at Oaklawn Spa Blast — 4pm
Gates open at 4pm for this free event at Oaklawn Racing Park, featuring the group Downday performing in the Oaklawn infield. Fireworks at dark.
4th of July Fireworks at the De Queen Sportsplex — dusk
This annual show features an outdoor community concert, a salute to veterans and a fireworks show put on by the local fire department. Refreshments available for sale. Bring your lawn chair or blanket!
Other fireworks shows on the 3rd.
Friday, July 4th
31st Annual Pops on the River — noon to night
The largest fireworks show in the state, the annual event at Little Rock’s Riverfront Park begins with free kids activities, a classic car show, shopping and food vendors. Hear the National Guard Band and the Happy Tyme Jazz Band, listen to the Oh Say Can You Sing? contest and be inspired by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s annual patriotic performance.
Patriotic Ceremony and Fireworks over Lake Ouachita – events all day, fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
The community at Mountain Harbor Resort offers a patriotic ceremony to start off the day, honoring our nation’s veterans. It’s followed by a parade that runs through the whole community. In the evening, the resort puts on a fireworks show over Lake Ouachita that’s considered one of the best in the area.
13th Annual Ventris Trail’s End Resort Fireworks Display — afternoon and evening
Bring your boat! Join 600+ boats and hundreds of celebrants afloat on Beaver Lake for an afternoon of waterborne comraderie and an evening featuring an extraordinary fireworks show put on by Ventris Trail’s End Resort near Garfield. The annual gathering south of Marker 8 on the lake utilizes more than 8000 shells and an extraordinary sound system that pairs patriotic music to the overhead show.
Island Fest at DeGray Lake
A full day of activities for the kids at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, including water balloon games, lawn bowling, basketball, a paper airplane contest, a kayak race and a watermelon eating contest — along with an underwater treasure hunt in the lodge pool. Fireworks at dark.
The Mayor’s 4th of July Celebration — dusk to dark
Head to Fort Smith for a riverside celebration at West End Park. Don’t worry if you can’t get close — the fireworks can easily been seen through much of downtown Fort Smith!
Harrison’s 4th of July Fire in the Sky
Meant to recreate the original hometown firework show, this gathering along the banks of Lake Harrison and at the First National Bank Soccer Complex offers food vendors, games for the kids and a 9 pm fireworks show.
Other fireworks shows on the 4th:
Maumelle 4th Fest
Maumelle 4th Fest
Saturday, July 5th
Sandy Beach Fireworks Extravaganza — 5pm show, fireworks at dusk
Bring your lawn chair to Heber Springs and enjoy the sounds of The Imagine That Band and roots music singer Barrett Baber before the big display at 9:30 pm. Food vendors will be on hand and bouncy houses will be available for the kids. Tune in to KFFB 106.1 fm for a music simulcast as the fireworks go off over Greers Ferry Lake.
Gregg Orr Marine’s Highway 7 Fireworks — 9 pm
This big show on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs is ignited at Gregg Orr Marina (formerly Power Boats), featuring a half hour program that can be seen from Scenic Highway Seven and shoreline for a great distance around.
Other fireworks on the 5th: