Where to watch July 4 fireworks around Portland
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Things go boom, for America. Photo: Thye Gn/Contributor/Getty Images
It'll be America's 249th birthday on Friday, and that means it's time to watch some colorful explosions.
Why it matters: Watching a professional fireworks display lets you mark Independence Day without breaking local laws — and without losing a finger or starting a wildfire.
Here are a few places to mark the holiday around Portland and beyond.
💥 Downtown Portland
The biggest show in the region launches from Tom McCall Waterfront park, which is hosting the Blues Fest over the weekend. The booms are expected to begin around 10pm.
- But you don't need tickets to the festival to take in the aerial display: Mount Tabor, the International Rose Test Garden and the East Bank Esplanade are all prime viewing locations.
- The Hawthorne and Morrison bridges will also be closed to cars starting at 7pm so onlookers can gather safely.
🧨 Oaks Park
A smaller, but still impressive, fireworks display will pop off from Oaks Amusement Park just north of the Sellwood Bridge around 10pm.
- The park is offering a "4th of July Spectacular" package that includes all-day access to the rides, plus an early opportunity to set up a blanket and/or a grill on the lawn.
🎆 Lake Oswego
Lake O has a packed schedule of Independence Day events, with a concert at Millennium Plaza Park on Thursday, a parade on the morning of the 4th and a laser light show starting around 10:15pm that night.
⚡ Tigard
Portland's neighbor to the southwest is also forgoing the booms and bangs of traditional fireworks, but will still put on a show with colorful drones stepping in to light up the sky.
- Activities — including face painting, music. food and a dance party — get started at 6pm at Cook Family Park.
- The 10-minute drone show is expected to lift off around 10pm.
➡️ Outside of Portland
If you're heading out of town, there's probably a celebration near you.
- Salem, Astoria, Seaside, Hood River and The Dalles all will be hosting a smattering of parades, picnics and fireworks shows.