It's been 239 years since the USA first declared their independence on the fourth of July in 1777, and we have a lot of celebrating to do. This year, forget about being stuck in your car in bumper-to-bumper traffic and go big for freedom to see the most dazzling fireworks shows in this big, beautiful country of ours.

Here are some of the country’s best fireworks displays:

Nashville

5) Nashville

Let freedom ring and sing with Music City as they host a fun day of family festivities and fireworks. Let the little ones jump around on the moon bounce, create their own drawstring bag ($10), or play a few carnival games. When you’re done playing games, head over to either the Jack Daniel’s or Music City stage to enjoy a free concert with acts like Sheryl Crow, Maddie & Tae, Erin McCarley, and many more. The fireworks begin promptly at 9:35pm accompanied by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony.

For event information, please visit Visit Music City.

United States Army Band ensemble at Smithsonian Folklife Festival

4) Washington, D.C.

The most moving, and perhaps American, of the festivities begins with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival at the National Mall at 11am. It continues with the Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue and the United States Army Band ensemble performing a wide variety of modern music from pop to country to patriotic oldies. Afterwards, superstars like Smokey Robinson, Jackie Evancho, and more will take the stage and honor the centennial of the National Park Service. Finally, there’s nothing more patriotic than launching fireworks from the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool in the nation’s capital. The fireworks begin at 9:09pm EST and last for 17.5 minutes.

For event information, please visit the National Park Service.

3) Boston

The fireworks in Boston are bittersweet this year since it may very well be the last. The Boston Globe reported that after 43 years, the fireworks show is unable to find a corporate sponsor to cover the roughly $2 million annual expenses to produce the event. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is no sideshow – it’s even earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest audience in the history of orchestral concerts, with more than 400,000 people in attendance. The music, featuring Little Big Town (who do a breathtaking version of The Star-Spangled Banner above), Demi Lavato, and Nick Jonas begins at 8:30pm. The 30-minute light show starts at 10pm and is displayed over the Charles River. We’re hoping this won’t be the last show for Boston, but just in case, make sure not to miss this event if you’re in the area.

For event information, please visit Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

Philly

2) Philadelphia

Philadelphia, America’s birthplace, does not mess around when it comes to our nation’s independence – they start celebrating a week prior to July 4th. From free movies to free museums, there’s a ton to visit and explore at the home of the Liberty Bell. On July 3, don’t miss their historic block party at Independence Hall, which features live music, American cuisine, and fun activities. On July 4, from 12pm-4pm, join the 1.2-mile long parade, featuring colorful floats and 4,000 participants, including military members, marching bands, and cultural groups. Party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with DJ Biz Markie from 12pm-4pm and stay for the 5pm concert featuring Leon Bridges, Hamilton star and Philly’s own Leslie Odom, Jr., The Philly POPS, and many more, including surprise guest appearances. If that’s not enough, the grand finale fireworks begin at 10pm.

For event information, please visit Welcome America.

Independence Day fireworks in Hoboken, NJ

1) New York City

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. The 25-minute pyrotechnics will be fired from five barges on New York City’s East River, and will be viewed by at least three million spectators live in Midtown Manhattan, Union Square, Downtown Manhattan, and Brooklyn. There will be performances by Meghan Trainor, Kenny Chesney, 5 Seconds of Summer, and many more. It will be broadcast live on NBC at 8pm EST for those who can’t make it in person. The show is also one of the only displays with a digital component. Viewers will be able to download the Makelight app, allowing fans to be a part of the show and sync their mobile devices to match the explosions in the sky.

For event information, please visit Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.

Sometimes celebrating your freedom means enjoying the comfort of kicking back and relaxing without worrying about taking the wheel. Need a lift there? We’ll gladly take you wherever you want to go to celebrate our country’s independence and the fireworks show in style.

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