July 4th Fireworks Delaware- Independence Day 2019
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 2019 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 July 6th-
Elsmere Delaware
Elsmere Delaware will celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 6th at 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 Athletic complex 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.
The following is an outline for this year’s relays, which will run from 9am to 12pm (setup starting at 7:30am).
*Participants should arrive at 8:30am.
*Parade of Neighborhoods begins at 9:00am.
*At 9:30am, there will be a FUN RUN for ages 5 and under.
*At 11:45am, there will be a FUN RUN for ages 15 and up (parents, this one is for you too!)
*12:00pm Awards Ceremony and pictures
This year will feature the Food Truck festival beginning at 2:00 and going all the way until 9:30 p.m. at the triangle behind the Hockessin Fire Department. The food truck festival will include a variety of good eats and sweet treats for everyone in the family, including a beer garden for guests 21+ with ID. An assortment of kids’ games and activities, local businesses and entertainment will also be present from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.
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.
Homes in Hockessin
Wilmington and Western Fireworks Express
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-July 4th
Rain date is scheduled for July 5th.
6-10 p.m.
The annual Fireworks display in Middletown will be July 4th from 6-10p.m. Rain date is scheduled for July 5th. There is no planned 4th of July Parade in Middletown this year.
Visitors to the fireworks may enter Silver Lake Park starting at 6 p.m. Non-profit vendors may sell items. Contact Rae at 378-5670 to sign up for a July 4th vending permit (must be non-profit group). No pets, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, personal fireworks, or open flames allowed in the park. Bike racks will be available to secure bikes near the entrance to the park.
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 20th. The fun begins at 10am 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
Kent County Delaware
July 4th
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
Schedule for Thursday, July 4, 2019 Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
Self-guided tours of the permanent collection. Free admission.
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North
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 Green
Visit the historic capitol for guided tours of the building throughout the day.
John Bell House on The Green
Simple Pleasures: 18th-century Games and Amusements
Colonial games and activities – for children of all ages!
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal StreetBiggs Kids: Patriotism
Celebrate our country by making a patriotic craft.
Legislative Hall – Delaware’s State Capitol Building, 411 Legislative Avenue
Military Heroes of Delaware
Tour our State’s current capitol building and learn about those in the Delaware Military Hall of Fame and remember their sacrifices. (Photo ID is required for all adults.)
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Stars and Stripes
Enjoy patriotic music recorded by John Philip Sousa and other artists for the Victor Record Company played on original Victrola Talking Machines!
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
Meet at the John Bell House on The Green
Dover 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 Ceremony
The Old State House on The Green
Every 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 aloud from the spot where the citizens of Dover first heard it in 1776 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 Ceremony
The Old State House on The Green
Join us as we read the Declaration of Independence aloud from the spot where the citizens of Dover first heard it in 1776 and ring the Old State House bell.
4:30 p.m.
Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
Meet at the John Bell House on The Green
Dover 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 brass ensemble, rock band and full concert band.
8 p.m.
Opening Ceremony
Ceremony 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 ofLegislative Hall, leading up to the fireworks show.
Dusk – About 9:20 p.m. Fireworks!
The 2019 Dover Fourth of July fireworks show by Brothers Fireworks, set to this year’s musicaltheme: “Coming To America”
In case of rain or high winds, fireworks will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 6.
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
The City of Lewes continues a long tradition of hosting old-fashioned games for children on Second Street beginning at 9 am. For the safety of the participants, Second Street will be closed while the games are in progress and will re-open at the conclusion of the games. Following the games, the Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade will wind its way down the Lewes – Rehoboth canal from the Roosevelt Inlet to Fisherman’s Wharf as part of the City of Lewes’ 4th of July holiday festivities.
The parade entrants will leave from Roosevelt Inlet across from the Coast Guard Station at 1:30 pm and at approximately 2 pm they will pass in front of the judges’ reviewing stand at Fisherman’s Wharf and turn before reaching the Savannah Road Drawbridge. Lewes Mayor Ted Becker will announce the parade with amplification in the area of Fisherman’s Wharf and the City Dock. The parade judges are members of City Council, Lightship Overfalls Foundation President Albert Didden and the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club President Jason Bentley. This is the 16th year that the Overfalls Foundation has co-hosted the Independence Day Boat Parade and the second year of their collaboration with the Rotary Club. This year’s parade is sponsored by the Freedom Boat Club of Delaware.
All pre-registered boat entrants will be eligible for prizes that include a Grand Prize trophy. First, Second and Third Place Ribbons will also be awarded. Boats will be judged on the best use of patriotic decorations.
At the conclusion of the parade, all boat entrants are invited to attend the Awards Ceremony on the deck of the Lightship Overfalls at 3:30 pm. To be eligible for a prize, the vessel must be registered no later than Noon on July 3rd.
Registration forms are available at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in the Fisher-Martin House in Zwaanendael Park and the Lewes Harbour Marina Bait and Tackle at the end of Anglers Road.
For more information, call the Lewes Chamber of Commerce (302) 645-8073. Late, unregistered entries are invited to join the parade by arriving at the Roosevelt Inlet at 1:30 pm.
There is no charge to participate as an entrant in the boat parade or to be a spectator. Good viewing spots line the canal on both sides and go on a first come basis.
The fun continues with the unique and quirky Doo-Dah Parade that forms in the vicinity of Lloyd’s Market on Savannah Road and winds its way down Kings Highway to Second Street and ends on Savannah Road, heading back towards Lloyds. No preregistration is required and everyone is invited to participate. The time the parade kicks off is always unpredictable but that’s what makes this iconic Lewes 4th of July tradition so entertaining.
Finally, the day caps off with the second annual, fully sanctioned fireworks that will be launched from a barge off Lewes Beach at dusk.
The best visibility is from Roosevelt Inlet to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal.
Free of charge to the public with free parking. Blankets or beach chairs welcome.
Lewes Beach Properties
July 1st
Rehoboth Beach
JULY 3RD, 2019 - 9:30 PM
Celebrate Independence Day in Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, with a spectacular firework display by Zambelli Fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are launched from the beach south of Rehoboth Avenue and visible up and down the boardwalk and beach. Please be in town early. Depending on the weather, the fireworks may be launched any time after 8 p.m.
Bandstand Entertainment
Rock with The Funsters. Performing 8-9:15 p.m. before the fireworks and then again until 11 p.m. following the fireworks.
Rehoboth Beach Homes for Sale
July 4th
Dewey Beach
There doesn't appear to be fireworks scheduled this year in Dewey Beach.
Real Estate in Dewey Beach
July 4th
Bethany Beach
Beginning at noon, the parade proceeds off the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave and Garfield Parkway.
BANDS FEATURED IN THE PARADE:
DELMAR DISTRICT PIPE BAND - A local bagpipe band from Clayton, DE
287th NATIONAL GUARD ARMY BAND Organized in Wilmington, Delaware in 1921, the 287th was originally the band of the 198th Coast Artillery Regiment. The band served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater in World War II, being stationed at Bora Bora and later occupied Japan. The band traveled to Bolivia in 1993 and to Germany in 2005 and has been a staple in the Bethany Beach independence day parade.
1ST DELAWARE REGIMENT The 1st Delaware Regiment dates back to the American Revolution. These men exemplified a strong fighting spirit, battle after battle, and, despite their numbers never being more than 800 in action, they were, and still are, held in high regard to military historians. This living history group is one of many reenactment units from all over the United States that bring the Delaware Regiment back to life.
1ST STATE DETACHMENT MARINE CORPS LEAGUE This non-profit organization’s primary purpose is to preserve the tradition, promote the interest, and perpetuate the history of the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.
BACK BAY STRUMMERSAll acoustic string band from Lewes playing the music of the 20s, 30s, and 40s on guitar, banjo, and ukulele. Enjoy sing-alongs, show tunes, and patriotic tunes.
DOWNTOWN DIXIELAND BAND A branch of the Milford Community Band, this is a group of 8 musicians who play Ragtime/Dixieland music of the time period 1880-1920.
GERMAN OOMPAH BANDThis 5 piece group out of Millsboro plays German-style Oompah music. The oom-pah sound is usually made by the tuba alternating between the root (tonic) of the chord and the 5th (dominant) — this sound is said to be the oom. The pah is played on the off-beats by higher-pitched instruments such as the clarinet, accordion or trombone.
CIRCLE C OUTFIT provides the perfect stage for our German Oompah band - a wagon decorated for July 4th pulled by a team of horses.
THE HONEYCOMBSThe Honeycombs have been a popular classic rock band in the Delaware area for the last 25 years. Honey Voshell formed the band in 1990 and traveled extensively in the 50's & 60's. He settled in Felton DE where he owns and operates the Drum Pad music store.
NAUTICAL SOUNDSThe Nautical Sounds Chorus was formed twenty plus years ago by a group of men who enjoy singing “barbershop style”. The Nautical Sounds have been delighting audiences since their founding in 1989 as the "South Coastal Chapter" of SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America - known now as the Barbershop Harmony Society - click for more information) and we are the only chapter of BHS in Sussex County Delaware.
OXFORD BRASS Brass quartet out of Oxford, PA playing patriotic and swing music.
TIDEWATER BRASS is an 8-piece New Orleans-style Jazz band out of Wilmington, Delaware.
At 7:15, there will be an awards ceremony on the bandstand. Jimi Smooth & the Hit Time Band 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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