Burgers and fireworks await you on the most American holiday of the year: the 4th of July. This holiday brings friends and family outside to witness the biggest and loudest fireworks celebration of the year. Several awesome events are happening in Ohio either directly on or around July 4, so take a look at the biggest ones close to Akron.

Ashville 4th of July Celebration

This celebration consists of families all around Ohio gathering to celebrate Independence Day. These festivals are known for Triple Treat Shows, kid-friendly carnivals full of food, rides, and games with a vehicle theme. The celebration starts with a parade on June 30 and ends with a huge fireworks show the night of the 4th of July, and tons of contests, entertainment, and food vendors await you in between.

This event is free to attend and takes place from June 30 to July 4 in Ashville, which is about two hours south of Akron. Interstate 71 is the recommended route; visitors should book a hotel and stay a few days to get the full experience.

Brunswick Summer Celebration

Want something a little closer to Akron? This event in Brunswick is loaded with live musical performances and entertainment plus exciting rides provided by Bates Bros. Amusements. Adults can check out the beer grotto, while folks of all ages can compete in contests for prizes. The fireworks will be held on July 1 at 10:00 p.m.

This event also takes place from June 30 to July 4. Admission to this event is $3 per person, with a $17 day-long wristband granting access to all the rides.

First Town Days Festival

New Philadelphia hosts this free gathering with a pageant, afternoon parades, live shows, a pie eating contest, and the enigmatic men’s legs competition, all in Tuscora Park. There is also a 5,000-meter run and other community supporting events. July 3 is seniors day and July 4 is family day, so there are loads of fun things to do for seniors and kids.

First Town Days Festival is only an hour from Akron down Interstate 77 and takes place from June 30 to July 4, so Akron residents can easily make a trip out of their preferred day.

Centerville American Festival

Unlike the three events above, Centerville American Festival takes place only on the 4th of July. Themed around Americana, this old-fashioned festival has over 70,000 attendants every year. Live entertainment runs all day, and there is a 21-acre park filled with pony rides, water features, games, and a petting zoo. Antique car and truck shows, a massive street parade, a 5k family run, and a magnificent fireworks display are all scheduled as well. Best of all, admission and parking are both free.

Although it’s three hours from Akron on Interstate 71, this event’s sheer size and scale make it a worthy day trip if you leave in the early morning.

Between these four events, it might be tough to decide which one to attend, but none will disappoint. Give one a try if you’d like to celebrate the 4th of July in a truly bombastic way.

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