Fireworks and Flying Pigs
If you're anywhere near Cincinnati this Fourth of July, you are in luck. The region offers one of the best combinations of patriotic celebrations, neighborhood traditions, and big-ticket entertainment anywhere in the Midwest. Whether you are in the mood for fireworks, rollercoasters, riverside concerts, or a full day of Americana, Cincinnati's top events cover it all.
Here is your clear and complete guide to the five most popular Independence Day celebrations in the region for 2025.
1. Ault Park Fourth of July Celebration
Location: Ault Park Pavilion, 5090 Observatory Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
More info: aultparkac.org
Ault Park is the heart of the city's eastside celebration. This neighborhood tradition has been going strong for nearly 60 years and regularly draws over 5,000 people. The day begins with a children’s parade at 11:00 AM and continues with food trucks, beer tents, games, and live music. As the sun sets, Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks delivers a show that lights up the tree canopy and the hillside crowd. Families spread out picnic blankets early in the day and stay through the final spark in the sky.
2. Kings Island Star-Spangled Nights
Location: 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040
Time: July 4 and 5, park open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM with fireworks each night at 10:00 PM
More info: visitkingsisland.com
Kings Island turns the Fourth of July into a two-day event with its Star-Spangled Nights experience. Guests can spend the day riding rollercoasters, splashing through Soak City, and enjoying live music. When night falls, the sky fills with fireworks set to patriotic music. It is one of the most high-energy ways to celebrate and a favorite for families looking to combine thrills with tradition.
3. Newport Blast at Newport on the Levee
Location: 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071
Time: Wednesday, July 3, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
More info: newportonthelevee.com
Newport Blast offers a slightly earlier celebration with a lot of character. This riverfront party features line-dancing lessons, Wild West photo booths, live music, and carnival-style games. It all leads up to a Rozzi fireworks show over the river around 9:50 PM. For a unique view, guests can take part in a Fourth of July Dinner Cruise with BB Riverboats. This is a solid option for those who want to beat the July 4 crowds and still get a full holiday experience.
4. Red White and Blue Ash
Location: Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242
Time: Thursday, July 4, from 4:00 PM to 10:35 PM
More info: blueashevents.com
Red White and Blue Ash is the largest single-day Fourth of July party in the region. Summit Park becomes a massive fairground with food vendors, rides, and music. This year’s headliner is Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top performing with The BFGs. The fireworks begin at 10:00 PM and are among the most elaborate in the state. The event layout makes it easy to bring kids, meet up with friends, and enjoy a full evening with everything in one place.
5. Fort Thomas Independence Day Celebration
Location: Tower Park, 900 S Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas, KY 41075
Time: Thursday, July 4, beginning at 7:40 AM with fireworks at 10:00 PM
More info: ftthomas.org
If you want to celebrate from morning to night, Fort Thomas is your destination. The day starts with the Firecracker 5K at 7:40 AM, followed by a small-town parade at 10:30 AM. Food trucks, live bands, and local vendors take over Tower Park throughout the day. The setting is friendly and relaxed, with enough variety to keep all ages entertained. Fireworks begin at 10:00 PM and wrap up a full day of activity.
Cincinnati’s Fourth of July scene is a mix of high-energy festivals, classic park picnics, and local traditions that have lasted generations. Whether you are chasing adrenaline at Kings Island or taking it slow on the banks of the Ohio River, the city offers a place for everyone to celebrate. The only challenge is choosing which experience to call your own.