July 4th Fireworks in Delaware [Updated 2018]

Fireworks on Independence Day are always a big draw. Below I have compiled a list of places in Delaware that you can see them for the both the fourth of July and surrounding dates. Delaware has some great venues for fireworks. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but if you are looking for some great displays in Delaware in 2018 for the 4th of July, consider this a starting point. As schedules may change, please take a few moments and confirm before you head out! Hopefully, you find this post of some help!

One important Safety tip with regard to pets. Please make sure your pets are secured safely at home during fireworks. July 4 is one of the times pets are most likely to run away due to being frightened by the noise.

If I missed any local fireworks, please give me a call and I will add them into the post.

New Castle County Delaware

July 3rd Fireworks

Wilmington Delaware

Blue Rocks play the Winston-Salem Dash July 3rd and they will feature a post-game fireworks display, get Blue Rocks tickets here.

The City of Wilmington

July 4th ?

Celebrate Independence Day along the Christina River. The afternoon begins with family fun activities, a live patriotic concert immediately preceding the fireworks by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and a  fabulous fireworks display at the end of the evening!

Rain date for Delaware Symphony Orchestra concert and Fireworks only is July 5.

Homes for Sale in Wilmington 

Saturday June30th-Raindate: July 1st

Elsmere Delaware

Elsmere Delaware will celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 1stat Fairgrounds Park. The Saturday event runs from 5:00-10 with fireworks at dusk. There are multiple food trucks that will be on-site. Click here for more information on Elsmere Celebration.

Insider Tip Get there early to have some fun. Parking is difficult to find on the streets of Elsmere.

Elsmere Listings

July 4th

Fireworks in Newark Delaware

Also on the 4th, you have City of Newark’s Park and Recreation Departments celebration. The fun starts at 6 with live entertainment and food vendors followed by fireworks at dusk. The event is held at the University of Delaware’s Athleticcomplex on Rt. 896. There are lot’s of places in Newark where the fireworks are visible, but the best places are in the Athletic complex itself. This program is made possible, in part, by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency committed to promoting and supporting the arts in Delaware. Free parking is available in the University of Delaware Athletic Complex lots.

The annual Independence Day celebration draws approximately 18,000 people. The fireworks are viewed by an estimated 40,000 people in the area. The University of Delaware Athletic Complex is packed with great activities and plenty of space is available to lay down a blanket and enjoy the sun and then the fireworks. Fine arts and crafts booths are available to browse and games abound for the kids. Live musical entertainment begins at 6 p.m.

Insider Tip Get there early or you won’t be able to find a parking spot.

Newark DE Houses for Sale

Hockessin Delaware

Hockessin Delaware will also have a 4th of July Celebration. The fun starts at Hockessin with the annual relay race in the morning. This year will feature the Food Truck festival beginning at 2:30 and going all the way until 9:30p.m. at the triangle behind the Hockessin Fire Department.. In the early afternoon, you can attend the Hockessin Independence Day parade. The parade begins at 3:00.

The fireworks usually begin at dusk. One of the best places to view the fireworks is at the Hockessin Library public fields.

Click here for more information on Hockessin Delaware’s July 4th Celebration

Homes in Hockessin

Another option to view the Hockessin Fireworks is to park at the Greenbank Station and take the Wilmington & Western train into Hockessin to view the Fireworks. The train departs at 7:00 and reservations are required. As of this posting, the fireworksexpress is still available but better act fast as they usually sell out! Hockessin has no rain date for the fireworks.

Middletown Delaware

The annual Fireworks display in Middletown does not appear to be scheduled this year.

 Middletown Properties

Longwood Garden

Longwood Garden will be having fireworks this year. However, they have already sold out.

July 15th

Delaware City

Delaware City Day is Saturday, July 21st. The fun begins at10am with Food and Craft activities. At 11:00 am the 36th annual parade starts. There will be music, vendors, crafts and fun activities all day. The fireworks show begins at 9:15 from Veterans Point.

Delaware City Homes for Sale

Dover Independence Day

Dover will be hosting an all-day celebration of the fourth of July with a lot of activities starting at 9 in the morning. One of the highlights of the day is the National Bell-ringing ceremony. Each Independence day, bells ring at 2:00 pm across the original 13 colonies to jointly celebrate the birth of the nation. From 4:00 on there will be food and craft vendors, free children activities, a parade, music, a flyover ceremony featuring C-17 and at Dusk (@9:20) the fireworks show. More information.

Here is a complete list of the schedule of events in Dover:

Morning

• 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North (formerly called Duke of York Street)Capital Challenge!  Visit the sites within First State Heritage Park to complete a special holiday scavenger hunt – with new interactive challenges – through Dover’s cultural treasures and win a prize! The Old State House on The GreenGuied tours throughout the day. Enjoy “Thunder and Rain” – a feature film presentation about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride for independence playing throughout the day. John Bell House on The GreenSimple Pleasures: 18th-century Games and AmusementsColonial games and activities – for children of all ages! 
• 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Legislative Hall – Delaware’s State Capitol Building, 411 Legislative AvenueThe Laws of FunTour our State’s Capitol building and learn about the legislation that created and protected our State and National parks, making them available for the public to enjoy. (Photo ID is required for all adults.) Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street“Stars and Stripes”Enjoy patriotic music played on original Victrola Talking Machines!
• 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.   Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street               The Biggs will be open and free for the Dover 4th of July festivities. Stop in to see the museum’s current special exhibition of etchings by Rembrandt, a special exhibition of needlework samplers from 18th and 19th century Delaware, and the museum’s permanent collection of American paintings, furniture and silver. There will also be a special Biggs Kids craft for children of all ages: Show off your 4th with red, white, and blue by making a patriotic paper lantern at the Biggs!  
• 12:30 p.m.  Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour Meet at the John Bell House on The GreenDover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence.  Hear of such valiant figures as John Haslet, John Patton, and Dr. James Tilton.
• 2 p.m.National Bell-Ringing CeremonyThe Old State House on The GreenEvery Independence Day, bells ring across America’s thirteen original colonies at 2 p.m. to jointly celebrate the birth of our nation. Join us as we read the Declaration of Independence and ring the Old State House bell.
• 2:30 p.m.Tales of Slavery and Freedom Walking Tour Meet at the John Bell House on The Green Find out how a brave group of runaway slaves known as the Dover Eight made a daring escape from the Dover Jail. Hear about famous African-American Richard Allen and his connections to the Golden Fleece Tavern.
• 4 p.m.National Bell-Ringing CeremonyThe Old State House on The GreenJoin us as we read the Declaration of Independence and ring the Old State House bell.
• 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.Food and Craft Vendors Peruse and purchase from a variety of food and craft vendors on Martin Luther King Blvd. North (formerly Duke of York St., next to Legislative Mall)
• 4:30 p.m.Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour Meet at the John Bell House on The GreenDover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence.  Hear of such valiant figures as John Haslet, John Patton, and Dr. James Tilton.
• 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.Free Children’s Activities Moonbounces, pony rides and petting zoo on the west end of Legislative Mall, near the Liberty Bell replica and in front of the Biggs Museum.
• 6 p.m.Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade Sponsored by the American Legion Fox Post #2, enjoy a patriotic parade with music, marchers, antique cars and more through downtown Dover. The parade route is along State Street, starting at Hazel Road and ending just past The Green.
• 7 p.m.287th Army Band of the Delaware National Guard.  The amazing and versatile band of Delaware’s National Guard will play from 7 until the fireworks, showcasing a variety of musical styles and performing in different ensemble arrangements, including a brass ensemble, rock band, and full concert band.
• 8 p.m.Opening CeremonyCeremony featuring C-17 flyover, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem, led by Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen in front of Legislative Hall.
• 8:15 p.m.287th Army Band of the Delaware National Guard continues Dover’s Fourth of July tradition, a concert of patriotic, pop and band classics in front of Legislative Hall, leading up to the fireworks show.
• Dusk – About 9:20 p.m.Fireworks!The 2018 Dover Fourth of July fireworks show by Serpico Fireworks, set to this year’s musical theme.

July 1st

Lewes

Fireworks cruise. Departing from Lewes on the M/V Delaware, the cruise features live music and fireworks over the Delaware Bay. There is a fee. More information.

July 4th 

Lewes Terminal Green

• Music begins at 6:30
• Face painting begins at 6 and ends at 8:30
• Fireworks start at 9 and end at 9:30
• Band ends at approximately 10:00

Free of charge to the public with free parking.  Blankets or beach chairs welcome.

Lewes Beach Properties

Rehoboth Beach

The 2017 Fireworks is Sunday, July 1, at approximately 9:15 p.m. Depending on the weather, the fireworks may be launched any time after 8:00 p.m. Gather on the boardwalk and shoreline to watch the fireworks as they are launched from the beach. there will be live entertainment at the Bandstand before and after the show. More Information.

Rehoboth Beach Homes for Sale

Dewey Beach

There doesn't appear to be fireworks scheduled this year in Dewey Beach.

Real Estate in Dewey Beach

Bethany Beach

Beginning at noon, the parade proceeds off the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave and Garfield Parkway.  At 7:15, there will be an awards ceremony on the bandstand. Love Seed Mama Jump takes the stage at 7:30. The evening ends at dusk with the Fireworks display.

Bethany Beach Homes

Please make sure you check with each venue to see if events have changed before you make your plans.

There are also a lot of events in both Philadelphia, Baltimore as well, but these are the July 4th fireworks in Delaware 2016.

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