This year, Connecticut isn’t limiting its Fourth of July celebrations to just one night—towns and cities across the state are lighting up the skies all week long with dazzling fireworks displays, boat parades, concerts, and family-friendly festivals. From beachside blasts to downtown bonanzas, the 2025 calendar is packed with red, white, and boom-worthy events starting as early as July 2 and stretching well past the weekend.
Fireworks displays are a big part of summer, and here in Connecticut, our fireworks exhibitions do not disappoint. And the best part is most of these events are free!
Below is your guide to the very best Independence Day events and other fireworks shows happening across Connecticut—organized by date to help you plan multiple nights of patriotic fun.
NOTE: Please visit your town’s website to make sure the fireworks are still on. We cannot be held responsible for cancellations or changes. If you know of a cancellation or change please let us know and we will make the change on our list.
Connecticut 4th of July Fireworks Schedule
July 2
Madison Fireworks Display
The town’s beloved fireworks return to West Wharf Beach at 9:30 p.m. The show launches from a barge off the coast—best viewed from Madison’s scenic beaches. Rain date: July 11.
Meriden Independence Day Celebration
Hubbard Park will be buzzing with food trucks, music, and more starting at 5:30 p.m., capped off with a fireworks show after 9 p.m. Rain date: July 11.
Stamford Annual Fireworks Show
Fireworks light up the sky at Cummings Beach at dusk. A local favorite for waterfront views and patriotic vibes. Rain date: July 3.
Stratford Fireworks
Head to Short Beach Park for one of the area’s biggest shows—fireworks launch at 9 p.m. Get there early for parking. Rain date: July 7.
Westport Independence Day Fireworks
Enjoy this beachside celebration at Compo Beach, with fireworks scheduled for 9 p.m. Rain date: July 3.
July 3
Derby Fireworks
Celebrate on 3rd Street with a vibrant fireworks show at 9 p.m. Rain date: July 5.
West Haven Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular
Live music at Savin Rock from 7–9 p.m. leads into fireworks blasting over the Long Island Sound at 9:15 p.m. Rain date: July 5.
Sharon Independence Day Celebration
Food, games, and face painting begin at 4:45 p.m. at Memorial Park Beach. Fireworks light up the night sky around 9:15 p.m. Rain date: July 6.
July 4
Essex Boat Parade & Festivities
The Connecticut River Museum hosts a festive boat parade with cannon fire starting at 2 p.m. Enjoy exhibits, a scavenger hunt, and waterfront fun from noon to 3 p.m.
New Haven Fireworks
Catch the city’s big show from 9–9:30 p.m., launched from East Rock Park. Best viewing is from the Wilbur Cross High School lot.
New Britain “Great American Boom”
From 5 to 10 p.m., Willow Brook Park hosts food trucks, a DJ, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Rain date: July 5.
New Canaan Family 4th
Waveny Park festivities begin at 5 p.m., with food trucks, live music, and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Rain date: July 5.
Middlebury 3D Fireworks Show
Quassy Amusement Park delivers its signature 3D fireworks after dark—special viewing glasses available in the park.
Cornwall Independence Day Celebration
The Main Street Mile kicks off at 4:30 p.m., followed by a festive evening capped with fireworks (TBA).
Simsbury “Celebrate America!” Concert
The Hartford Symphony Orchestra performs at 7:30 p.m. at Simsbury Performing Arts Center, followed by a dazzling fireworks finale at 11:30 p.m. Rain date: July 5.
Wilton Fireworks
The show takes place at Wilton High School Athletic Fields. Time TBA—check town listings for updates.
Naugatuck Fireworks Festival
Festivities start at 5 p.m. on Church Street with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Lake Waramaug Fireworks (Warren)
Fireworks over the lake start at 9:30 p.m.—a hidden gem celebration with a beautiful setting. Rain date: July 5.
Weston Family 4th Celebration
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. at Weston Middle School Field. Fireworks light the sky at 9:20 p.m.
Lake Compounce Fireworks (Bristol)
The park hosts fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on both July 4 and 5—make a full day of it with rides, water attractions, and family fun.
July 5
Hartford Bonanza
Bushnell Park will be buzzing from 4–10 p.m. with live music, food trucks, and the city’s biggest fireworks show at 10 p.m. Rain date: July 6.
Greenwich Fireworks Displays
Two shows at Binney Park and Greenwich Point Park begin at dusk. Rain date: July 6.
Fairfield Fireworks
Head to Jennings Beach for fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show. Rain date: July 6.
Manchester Dutch Fogarty Celebration
Music, a marketplace, and kids’ activities start at 4 p.m., with fireworks closing the night at 9:55 p.m. Rain date: July 6.
Norwich Harbor Fireworks
Live entertainment and family activities start at 5 p.m. at 100 Chelsea Drive. Fireworks launch at 9 p.m. Rain date: July 8.
Putnam Roc-Kin’-On Fireworks
Enjoy live music at Rotary Park from 7–9 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Rain date: July 13.
Town of Orange Fireworks
Live music begins at 6:30 p.m., with fireworks following. Rain date: July 6.
July 6
New Milford Fireworks Celebration
This year’s display moves to Young’s Field Road for better views. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music and the town’s signature cake. Fireworks go off at 9:30 p.m.
July 9
Vernon “July in the Sky” Fireworks Spectacular
Fireworks explode over both downtown Rockville and Henry Park at dusk. Henry Park requires admission; downtown Rockville is free. Rain date: July 10.
July 11
Torrington Independence Day Celebration
From 4–10 p.m. at Torrington Middle School, enjoy carnival rides, food, and live music before the fireworks show. Rain date: July 12.
Enfield July 4 Celebration
Festivities run July 11–13 with music, games, a parade, and more. Fireworks schedule TBA.
Unionville Fireworks & Carnival
Hosted by Tunxis Hose Company No. 1, with fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
July 12
Guilford Fireworks
Head to the fairgrounds for a full evening of fun starting at 7 p.m., with fireworks launching at dusk.
Mashantucket Pequot “Celebrate New London” Fireworks
Downtown and Waterfront Park will host this annual celebration with fireworks time TBA.
July 19
Celebrate East Lyme Festival
The Niantic Bay lights up with fireworks at 9 p.m. after an afternoon of food, music, and shopping starting at 3 p.m. at McCook’s Park.
Looking for More Info?
If you can’t find fireworks displays listed above for your Connecticut town or city, visit their website to see if they have new information listed since our last update.
Town of Bethany Connecticut | Town of Cheshire Connecticut | Town of Cromwell Connecticut | Town of Darien Connecticut | Town of East Granby Connecticut | Town of East Hartford Connecticut | Town of Farmington Connecticut | Town of Greenwich Connecticut | Town of Groton Connecticut | City of Hartford Connecticut | Town of Madison Connecticut | City of Meriden Connecticut | City of Milford Connecticut | City of New London Connecticut | City of New Haven Connecticut | Town of New Milford Connecticut | City of Norwalk Connecticut | Town of Rocky Hill Connecticut | City of Stamford Connecticut | Town of Simsbury Connecticut | Town of Stratford Connecticut | Town of Wallingford Connecticut | Town of Waterford Connecticut | Town of Woodbury Connecticut
I can’t wait for the 4th of July celebrations in Connecticut! The fireworks shows sound amazing, and I’m excited to check out some of the local festivities you mentioned. Thanks for the great roundup!