Where to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Northern Kentucky

From parades and carnival rides to concerts, fireworks and even a wrestling match, Northern Kentucky cities are celebrating Independence Day with events for all ages as the nation marks its 250th birthday. 

To help plan your holiday weekend, LINK nky has rounded up some of the largest Fourth of July celebrations taking place throughout the region.

Here’s where to find them:

Bellevue 

Red, White and Bellevue is back for first Friday on July 3. 

Shop local businesses, enjoy food and drinks, take in the festive atmosphere and show off your best red, white and blue outfits.

Live music starts at 6 p.m. at Bellevue Vets, 24 Fairfield Ave. Fireworks begin at 10:30 p.m.

Edgewood

5K run

The 48th Annual City of Edgewood Independence Day 5K Race will begin at Presidents Park at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Pre-register online here. Pre-registration is available until July 3 at 5 p.m.

Race day registration and packet pickup will open at 6:15 a.m. and close at 7 a.m. Please arrive early.

Parade

The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Participants need to assemble at the Caywood Elementary and Turkeyfoot Middle School campus at 3300 Turkeyfoot Road at 8:45 a.m. No walkers are permitted.

This year’s theme is: “Fireworks, Freedom & 250 Years.”

Plaques will be awarded for:

• Best original entry
• Best performing entry
• Best entry honoring the Fourth of July

A brief awards ceremony will follow the parade at the flagpole in Presidents Park, 283 Dudley Road.

Concert and fireworks

Come early for the fireworks and enjoy “Not Johnny Band.”

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at Freedom Park, 550 Freedom Park Drive and continues until the fireworks begin at dusk.

In case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 5.

Florence

The city of Florence’s Independence Day concert and fireworks celebration is Friday, July 3. 

The day’s lineup includes:

• The Florence Community Band will play from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• The Rusty Griswolds will play from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• A kids zone will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• The fireworks show starts at 10 p.m.

Admission is free. The event is at Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way. 

Know before you go:

• No outside food or beverages permitted
• Clear bags are required
• Small clutch bags or wallets measuring 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller are permitted
• Concessions available throughout the evening

Fort Mitchell

Fort Michell’s Independence Day Parade is Saturday, July 4 at 12:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is Amber “Waves” of Grain. Brad Fritz is the parade’s grand marshal this year. 

The parade route will go from DCCH Center for Children and Families Fairgrounds/Easterseals Redwood at 75 Orphanage Road, to Dixie Highway to Beechwood Road to Beechwood Schools at 54 Beechwood Road. 

City streets along Dixie Highway between Orphanage Road and Beechwood Road will close at 11:45 a.m. 

The parade will be held rain or shine.

Fort Thomas

The Fort Thomas Fourth of July parade and fireworks event will be held on Saturday, July 4. 

Start the morning with the parade at 10:30 a.m., the parade will begin at Highland United Methodist Church at 314 N Ft Thomas Ave. across from Highlands High School, and go south along the avenue, ending at the intersection of S Fort Thomas Avenue and River Road by Fort Thomas Pizza. 

There’s still time to enter your float into the parade! Applications are due June 30 by 5 p.m. Applications can be found here. 

After the parade, head over to Tower Park at 5 p.m. for kids activities, food trucks and vendors, live music, and of course the firework show starting at 10 p.m. 

Independence

The Independence Fourth of July celebration is returning as a two-day festival at Memorial Park, 2001 Jackwoods Parkway, featuring carnival rides, games, live music, food, fireworks and family activities.

Friday, July 3

The festival is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Discount ride bracelets are available Friday only (save $5). 

The day’s lineup of events include:

• Northern Wrestling Federation presents live professional wrestling at the Donna Yeager Amphitheater from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Live music by Michelle Robinson Band from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• A Roman candle show finale at 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 4

The Fourth of July Parade starts at noon from Summit View Academy at 5006 Madison Pike Basecamp 1, to Simon Kenton High School, 11132 Madison Pike.  

A free shuttle service from Summit View Academy to Memorial Park will run from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (shuttles pause during the fireworks).

• Festival at Memorial Park from 2 p.m. to midnight. Ride bracelets are $25.
• Live music by Slow Train at 7 p.m.
• The fireworks show starts at 10 p.m.
• Hickory Grove Baptist Church will have a free “family fun zone” at the festival featuring games, pickleball and a video gaming truck. 

No coolers or outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Newport

Last year’s “Newport Blast” turns “Cincy Blast” this year with events on both sides of the river on Friday, July 3. 

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday and watch the firework show at Newport on The Levee with live music, entertainment and family fun.

In the Aquarium Plaza on The Levee:

• Kick off the celebration with a live DJ spinning your favorite hits from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Live performance by DV8 Band from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• The fireworks and drone show starts at 10 p.m.

After the fireworks, continue the celebration at Bridgeview Box Park and Shiners, both featuring live DJs and drink specials late into the night.

In the Central Plaza on The Levee:

• Fun for all ages with festive face painting from 5 p.m. to  9 p.m.
• Strike a pose with Lady Liberty for a patriotic photo opportunity from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Need event details or directions? Stop by the information tent between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

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