4TH OF JULY EVENTS, FIREWORKS AROUND MEMPHIS
Independence Day falls in the middle of the week this year, meaning there will be plenty of fireworks and fun on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Memphis area will offer an array of entertainment options to celebrate America’s birthday — from family events to charity races, rooftop parties, baseball games and more.
Here's a sampling of activities and holiday highlights happening in and around the Bluff City:
Millington's USA Stadium (4351 Babe Howard Blvd.) will be the site of the Flag City Freedom Celebration. The Naval Support Activity has partnered with the city of Millington to mark America's birthday with fireworks, concessions and kids' activities. Gates open at 4 p.m. The event is free, but parking is $5. Details: http://www.millingtontn.gov/.
The City of Horn Lake presents fireworks and a festival at Latimer Lake Park (5633 Tulane Road). Gates for this free event open at 4 p.m. There will be live music from The Michael New Band at 7 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Details: hornlakeevents.com.
The Bobby K. Flaherty Municipal Center (U.S. 79 and Appling Road) will be the site of Bartlett’s fireworks show and more. A mix of events — including live music and ceremonies honoring veterans — will take place starting at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. The event is free.
Collierville will mark its 33rd annual Independence Day Celebration this year, with festivities starting at 6 p.m. The program at H. W. Cox Park (440 West Powell Road) will honor veterans and include live music as well as a fireworks show starting around 9:30 p.m. Details: collierville.com.
The Memphis Botanic Garden (750 Cherry Road) provides the setting for the annual Stars and Stripes 5K. The event — which benefits the American Red Cross — will flip the usual script, with the race set to begin at 7 p.m. (there will also be a kids race). Following the run, there will be live music, food and post-race festivities. Entrance fee is $25 in advance, $30 day of. Details: https://memphisstarsandstripes. racesonline.com.
Central Gardens continues its long tradition of Independence Day parades. The event will start at 10 a.m. and move along Carr Avenue between Rozelle and Willett. Those wishing to enter the costume contest should meet at Rozelle and Willett at 9 a.m. At the same time, the CooperYoung Community Association will also join in on the July 4 fun with a parade starting at the Peabody Elementary school at 10 a.m. with children and pets invited to join. Details: centralgardens.org or cooperyoung.org.
Cordova Community Center's Annual Independence Day Celebration and Parade will feature Tennessee House of Representatives member Dwayne Thompson as grand marshal. The patriotic program begins at 9:30 am and will be followed by a parade featuring awards for best attire and decorations. Following the parade, free refreshments will be provided on the Community Center grounds (1017 Sanga Road). Details: www.cordovacommunitycenter.com .
Come celebrate the USA with an all-American day at AutoZone Park (200 Union Ave.) Experience the national pastime as the Memphis Redbirds take on the Omaha Storm Chasers, and enjoy the game, plus food and fireworks. A specialty ticket option for the game includes a cookout and a ticket for one price. The cookout runs from when gates open at 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Game time is 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will follow. Tickets are $20 and $23. Details: https://www.milb.com/memphis.
Downtown’s venerable Peabody Hotel (149 Union Ave.) hosts a rooftop event where you can watch the City of Memphis fireworks show light up the sky over the Mississippi. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. This is open to the public, and there is no cover charge. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Details: http://www.peabodymemphis.com/ events-en.html.
Germantown offers its own Fourth of July experience with a family-friendly event at Municipal Park (1900 S. Germantown Road). Kicking off at 5 p.m., there will be amusements, games, crafts and food, with fireworks starting shortly after 9 p.m. Free. Details: www.Germantown-tn.gov or 901751-5669.
The BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove (6285 Snowden Lane) hosts a July 4 jam, with music and fireworks. Gates open at 4 p.m. Entertainment gets started at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks follow just after 9 p.m. Picnics and coolers are welcome. The event is free. Details: southavenchamber.com.
The Olive Branch City Park (8267 Goodman Road) will be the site of the 19th Annual Celebrate Your Independence Fireworks and Festival. There will be live music (from 7 to 9 p.m.) with Fingertick, food vendors, activities for the kids, and a fireworks night cap at 9:15 p.m. Event is free, but you will want to arrive early as the space is limited at the park. The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. Details: http://www.obms.us.
Hernando Civic Center ball fields (3800 Robertson Gin Road) will be the site of a celebration, with concessions, fireworks and music from Scary Lizard Ladies, Submerged, Alex Butler and Brady and the Bunch. Start time is 6 p.m. Details: visitdesotocounty.com/events/ hernando-independence-dayfireworks.
Once again, the Mud Island River Park (125 Front St. What promises to be the biggest/best fireworks display in Memphis. The park opens at 10 a.m. Activities begin at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Details: mudisland.com.