fun

Family Fourth Festivities

Catch a fireworks show to celebrate America’s independence!

There is perhaps no more iconic fireworks show in Birmigham than Thunder on the Mountain, held at Vulcan every year. At about 9 p.m., the start of more than 2,500 shells will light up the sky around the statue. The light spectacular lasts a half-hour and is set to music from artists like James Brown and Neil Diamond on iHeart radio stations (102.5 The Bull, 103.1 The Vulcan, 103.7 The Q, 104.1 The Beat, Birmingham’s ALT 991, B106.5, 105 Hallelujah FM, Magic 96.5, News Radio 960 WERC, News Radio 105.5 WERC and also on La Jefa 98.3). This year’s show will include a special tribute to the 2022 World Games, which kick off in Birmingham on July 7, making it the biggest show Vulcan has ever put on. There will also be a selection of songs as a tribute to the city. (Vulcan Park and Museum will close at 6 p.m. on July 4 to prepare for the show.) If you can’t make the show in person, you can watch the live stream on WBRC Fox 6. For viewing tips and other information, visit visitvulcan.com.

The 2022 Fireworks Show hosted by the City of Alabaster starts at 6 p.m. with food trucks, bounce houses, games including corn hole, lawn bowling, bocce ball and more, plus the Coca-Cola Music Truck. A 13-minute fireworks show at 9 p.m. concludes the event. Held at Thompson High School on Warrior Parkway, viewing areas

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include all parking areas on school property and the open meadow areas in front of the school. Due to fireworks protocol and safety issues, the Warrior Parkway entrance and exit from Thompson Road will be closed beginning at 8 p.m. until 30 minutes after the fireworks finale. For more restrictions and information, visit cityofalabaster.com/379/fireworks-show-july.

The City of Pelham’s Annual Fireworks Show, Fire on the Water, will be held at Oak Mountain State Park on July 3rd. Join the fun starting at 5:30 p.m. for food vendors, swimming, live music, and other activities. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. sharp, rain or shine. Gates to the park open at 7 a.m. so families can spend the day at the beach or at nearby Treetop Nature Trail, playing beach volleyball, and visiting the playground and fishing piers. Regular park rates apply until 4 p.m. After then, entrance is $15 per vehicle, and gates will close at 7 p.m. Guests can bring their own chairs, blankets, and coolers, but no outside alcohol is allowed. For other closures, restrictions, and more information, visit alapark.com/events/ oak-mountain-state-park/fire-water-0.

On the Mall in historic downtown, the Trussville Freedom Celebration—put on by FBC Trussville with the aid of corporate sponsors—on July 4th starts at 5:30 p.m. with food vendors like El Compa Taco Truck, Southland BBQ, Pazzo Big Slice Pizza, Bendy’s Cookies and Ice Cream, Kona Ice, Dixieland Funnel Cakes, and more. DJ Platinum takes the stage at 6 p.m., followed by Act of Congress at 7:30 pm. And fireworks at 9 p.m. There’s no admission and you can bring your own food, but alcohol is prohibited. Set your GPS to 301 Parkway Dr. 35173 for the best directions. For more information, visit trussvillefreedomcelebration.com.

The Birmingham Barons play the Tennessee Smokies on the Fourth! Take the kids down to Regions Field for all-American hot dogs, ice cream, and baseball. First pitch is at 5:30 p.m. with fireworks to follow after the game (win or lose!).

Celebrate Independence Day 1776 at American Village in Montevallo. Gates open at 11 a.m. and special programming is offered from noon till the evening fireworks. Families can participate in more than 40 patriotic activities, including music, dancing, games, encounters with past patriots, and the Battle at Concord Bridge. Food trucks will be on-site; fireworks start at twilight. Admission is $5, but veterans, active military, and children ages 4 and under are free. For more information, visit americanvillage.org.

Heading to the lake? The 4th Annual Triple Creek Fireworks Show begins just after sunset on July 3rd at The Patio on Smith Lake on Rock Creek near Bailey’s Bridge. Thanks to the generosity of the Triple Creek Community— Rock Creek, White Oak Creek, Crooked Creek, and other attendees—the fireworks show is nearly an hour-long. This family-friendly event is held on private property, so be sure to view by boat from a safe distance.

In Eclectic near Lake Martin, the 4th of July Fireworks and Concert at The AMP kicks off on July 4th at 6:30 p.m. with cover band The Bank Walkers, followed by country crooner Andrew Jannakos (of The Voice fame) at 8 p.m. and again after the 9 p.m. fireworks show. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. so guests can find a spot on the grassy lawn at The AMP. For more information and tickets, visit theamponlakemartin.com.