The Fourth of July marks the birth of the United States as an independent nation. Citizens gather throughout the country to celebrate with fireworks and parades. This year promises to be even more celebratory because it is America’s 250th birthday! It will mark 250 years since the delegates signed the Declaration of Independence.
Are you ready for a truly iconic celebration? Keep reading for our top destinations for Fourth of July 2026: Iconic Places to Celebrate the 250th Birthday!
Cody, Wyoming
Cody, Wyoming is one of the best places in the country to celebrate the Fourth of July. This small western town throws a big celebration, which will be even bigger this year thanks to the country’s 250th birthday.
There is so much to look forward to when you visit Cody in the first week of July. This patriotic small town will host five days of rodeos, three parades, and all sorts of fun activities. Check out some of our top suggestions below.
Rodeo
Cody knows rodeo. The Cody Nite Rodeo is held nightly during the summer months of June through August, excluding June 30 through July 4. This family-friendly event provides two hours of entertainment every night. It is an amateur rodeo and isn’t sanctioned by any rodeo associations.
From June 30 to July 4, Cody hosts the Cody Stampede. This PRCA-sanctioned professional rodeo features top national talent. The professional rodeo action kicks off on June 30 with PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls Tour. This event features both bull riders and bull fighters. The rodeo excitement continues the next four nights with high stakes and big purses.
Parades and Fireworks
In celebration of our nation, Cody will host parades and fireworks. On July 2, the Cody Stampede Kiddie Parade kicks off at 10 am. On July 3 and July 4 at 9:30 am, families are welcome to enjoy the Stampede Parades. This year’s theme is “250 Years of Legends, Liberty and the Lasting West.”
After a day of merriment and celebration, visitors are invited to watch fireworks as they are shot off across the Shoshone River between the rodeo grounds and town.
Wild West Arts Fest
The Wild West Arts Fest is a 3-day arts and crafts fair that runs from July 2 to July 4. There is something for everyone, including jewelry, pottery, woodworking, furniture, photography, food items, and more!
Cody is the place to be this Fourth of July! Start planning your vacation with your free print and downloadable Cody-Yellowstone Adventure Vacation Guide!
Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Garrett County, Maryland is simply stunning in the summer thanks to its lush mountains, flowing rivers, and refreshing lakes. Whether you prefer a day full of activities or a day full of relaxation, Garrett County is the destination for you!
Garrett County is also home to the state’s largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake. During the summer months, it is the ideal spot for boating, fishing, kayaking, tubing, swimming, and canoeing. Fun Fourth of July ideas include those below:
Wisp Resort
Wisp Resort is Maryland’s premier mountain resort. Tucked away in the mountains, the resort offers land, water, and aerial adventures.
On July 4, the Farm & Art Market opens at 5pm. It’s the best spot to pick up fresh produce, hand-crafted wares, and unique goods. Continue the celebration with a bonus Stage Wisp concert on the front lawn!
Fire on the Mountain Fireworks
After a day of water activities, shopping, and music, grab your blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy Garrett County’s annual Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display. Garrett County will celebrate the 250th birthday with fireworks above Marsh Mountain at Wisp Resort overlooking Deep Creek Lake on July 4.
Now is the time to plan your unforgettable Deep Creek Lake getaway. Request your free print and downloadable Garrett County – Deep Creek Lake Visitors Guide today!
Columbia & Montour Counties, Pennsylvania
This Fourth of July, celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Columbia and Montour Counties in East Central Pennsylvania! The two-county region offers beautiful scenery, hometown hospitality, and a plethora of events. Start planning your iconic celebration with some of our top suggestions below.
Redcoats and Rebels America 250 Summer Camp
What’s one of the best ways to teach your children all about America’s founding? At a fun and educational summer camp! This camp runs from June 29 to July 3 and offers a truly unique experience for campgoers. During this interactive experience, campers will become either revolutionaries for a new republic or loyalists to the British Crown. Sign up for camp today!
Fourth of July Celebrations
Columbia and Montour Counties include Bloomsburg, Berwick, Danville, and their surrounding communities. Each community will have its own unique Fourth of July celebration. We recommend planning ahead to make sure you can attend all the festivities.
Millville will have its Fourth of July Parade on July 4 at 10:00 am. This event is free and open to the public.
Berwick Fourth of July celebrations will go all day. The Borough will host its annual Fourth of July Celebration at Jackson Mansion. There will also be a Fourth of July party in the Historical Society’s parking lot featuring food vendors, live music, and more. The party will continue until the fireworks show at dusk.
Open Houses and Tours
Celebrating America often involves embracing our past. During the first week of July, visitors can take advantage of opportunities to attend open houses. This includes the Fort McClure House Public Tours and Open House at the Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society on July 2. It also includes the Montgomery and Boyd House Tours on July 5.
Are you ready to find your way to the heart of Pennsylvania? Now is the time to get your free print and downloadable Columbia & Montour Counties Visitors Guide.
Chautauqua County & Lake Erie, New York
Western New York is magnificent! Chautauqua County and Lake Erie are home to sparkling lakes, countless outdoor experiences, and lots of fun Fourth of July celebrations! Start planning your fun with our top activities below!
Great Blue Heron Music Festival
The Great Blue Heron Music Festival is a three-day festival. It runs from July 3 through July 5. This family-friendly event features 48 artists on four stages, perfect for music lovers who want to move and groove all weekend long. Buy your tickets today!
Fourth of July Weekend at The Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House
Bemus Point offers a full lineup of Fourth of July fun near Chautauqua Lake. Locals and visitors are invited to come together and celebrate with live music, golf, food, drinks, and more! The outdoor setting is family friendly, pet friendly, and close to the Bemus Point fireworks.
Fourth of July Celebration in Findley Lake
Findley Lake is the place to celebrate this Fourth of July! There is plenty to see and do, including a duck race, Fire Company Chicken Bake Sale, boat parade, and fireworks. On July 5, visitors are invited to continue the celebration at the Findley Lake Race Around the Lake, a five-mile race and fun walk.
Start planning your great getaway! Get your free print and downloadable Chautauqua & Lake Erie Travel Guide today!
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Escape to New Hampshire’s White Mountains this Fourth of July! The area is home to towering peaks, stunning scenery, and countless Fourth of July festivities. Most of the surrounding towns are celebrating with fireworks, parades, and activities throughout the weekend.
Fourth of July Celebrations
For a truly iconic 250th birthday celebration, plan a visit to Gorham. Gorham is home to the state’s oldest and longest Independence Day celebration! The three-day event includes the following:
- live music
- carnival rides
- patriotic-themed ATV scavenger hunt
- farmer’s market
- old car show
- fireworks
Other towns worth checking out for the holiday include the following:
- Woodstock
- Jackson Village
- North Conway
- Bartlett
- Ossipee
Fireworks
The Fourth of July isn’t complete without a dazzling fireworks display. This year’s many displays promise to be even more epic as the country celebrates America’s 250th birthday. Some of the top locations to watch fireworks in the White Mountains include the following:
- Lincoln and Woodstock
- Bretton Woods
- Franconia and Sugar Hill
- Kancamagus Highway Scenic Overlooks
Ready to plan your iconic Fourth of July getaway? Get your free print and downloadable White Mountains, New Hampshire Travel Guide today!
Where Will You Celebrate?
From rodeos to mountain retreats, there are plenty of iconic places to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Ready to plan a memorable Fourth of July vacation? Check out all of our free print and downloadable travel guides!