Whether you’re running a 5K or dancing under the fireworks, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Northern Kentucky.
Here is a list of what’s happening where and when:
Bellevue
The Bellevue Vets is hosting a Red, White, and Boom party with live music starting at 7 p.m. and fireworks at dusk.
The Bellevue Vets is located at 24 Fairfield Ave.
Covington
The Friends of Peaselburg Neighborhood Association is holding its Independence Day parade at 11 a.m. on July 4 at St. Augustine School, W. 19 St., Covington. See decorated bicycles, wagons, strollers, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, banners, dogs, cars, trucks and floats.
A gathering with refreshments will follow the parade at St. Augustine School.
Edgewood
The city of Edgewood is hosting its annual 5K run, parade, concert and fireworks event.
The 5K run will start at 7:30 a.m. on July 4 at Presidents Park. Runners can sign up until July 3 at 5 p.m. Race day registration and pick-up will open at 6:15 a.m. and close at 7 a.m.
To register or get more information about the 5K, click here. Presidents Park is located at 283 Dudley Road in Edgewood.
The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Participants should assemble in the Caywood Elementary and Turkeyfoot Middle School campus at 8:45 a.m. This year’s parade theme is “Freedom in Full Bloom.” Plaques will be awarded to the best original entry, performing entry, and entry honoring the 4th. There will be a brief award ceremony following the parade at the flagpole at Presidents Park.
The concert will be put on by the “Derek Alan Band” at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Park and will continue until the fireworks show at dusk. In the case of inclement weather, the show will be postponed to Sunday, July 6.
Freedom Park is located at 550 Freedom Park Drive in Edgewood.
Florence
The Florence Independence Day Celebration will take place on July 3 at the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd. The evening will begin with a performance by the Florence Community Band at 5:30 p.m., followed by live music from “Under the Sun” at 7 p.m. Enjoy food, a kids zone and family-friendly activities leading up to a fireworks show at 10 p.m.
In case of rain, the fireworks will be postponed to Friday, July 4.
Fort Mitchell
The Fort Mitchell Independence Day Parade will be held on July 4 at 12:30 p.m. This year’s parade theme is “America: The Land of Opportunity.”
The parade begins at the DCCH Center for Children and Families Fairgrounds at 75 Orphanage Road, follows Dixie Highway to Beechwood Road, ending at Beechwood High School at 54 Beechwood Road.
Fort Thomas
Fort Thomas’ Independence Day Celebration kicks off on July 4 with the Al Salvato’s Kids Fun Run at 7:40 a.m. and then the YMCA Firecracker 5K at 8:15 a.m. Check out the race’s website or contact Nick Heiss at 859-781-1814 or nheiss@myy.org to register.
Later in the morning, residents and visitors are invited to line the streets for the city’s parade at 10:30 a.m. This year’s parade theme is “Honoring Our History”—a tribute to the people, stories and events that have shaped the Fort Thomas community.
In the evening, the celebration continues at Tower Park beginning at 5 p.m. with the kids zone, live music by Maria Carrelli and The Sly Band, food trucks, West Sixth Brewery will be on-site serving up cold beer and a variety of fun activities for all ages. The kids zone will have attractions including a petting zoo, face painting, balloon artist, carnival games, bouncy houses and circus performers.
“We look forward to another exciting celebration here in the Fort,” said Fort Thomas Mayor Eric Haas. “This year, we are excited to be honoring Deanna and Jim Beineke as this year’s grand marshals. Also, make sure you stop by Tower Park starting at 5 p.m. for food, drinks, activities, great music, and an amazing fireworks spectacular.”
The festivities will close with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Tower Park is located at 900 S Fort Thomas Avenue.
Independence
The city of Independence is having a two-day 4th of July celebration.
Friday’s timeline consists of:
- 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Bring the kids out to Memorial Park, located at 2001 Jack Woods Parkway in Independence, as the festival opens with family fun activities. Discounted $20 ride bracelets are offered on Friday.
- 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Jason the Great will put on a magic show.
- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Gia’s Balloon Buddies.
- 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: The band “Hoopty” will play a variety of country, rock and pop.
- 10 p.m.: A Roman candle display will be held.
Saturday’s timeline of events is:
- 3 p.m.: The Independence Day Parade starts at Summit View Academy at 5006 Madison Pike, winding down Madison Pike to Simon Kenton High School at 11132 Madison Pike. Registration forms for the parade are available here.
- 4 p.m. to Midnight: Memorial Park is open for the Independence Celebration festivities (after the parade ends). Ride braclets are $25.
- 7 p.m.: The band “Slow Train” will play your favorite 80s, rock, country and oldies.
- 10 p.m.: The fireworks show begins.
Newport
The city of Newport is holding “Newport Blast” at 5 p.m. on July 3 at Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way.
Celebrate Independence Day with live country music, bull rides, line dancing, fun games and a fireworks show at 10 p.m. BB Riverboats will be offering ticketed cruise options to coincide with the event, which require advance reservations. Blast admission is free.
“Returning for its second year with an exciting western theme, Newport Blast is quickly becoming a signature Independence Day weekend celebration in Northern Kentucky,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY. “We’re thrilled to welcome residents and visitors to experience the very best our region has to offer — from stunning riverfront views to exceptional dining and one-of-a-kind shopping.”