33 OF THE BEST 4TH OF JULY IDEAS FOR 2023 - FOOD, COCKTAILS, DECOR, & MORE!
Independence Day just hits differently after COVID. Freedom. We know we love it more than ever after living through a pandemic. This year, we're doubling down on the party. From music events to cocktail ideas, we've got an endless list of items you can use while celebrating America’s birthday with a bang! Celebrate in style with festive 4th of July ideas for any way you like to party. If you know what you're looking for, click the link to go directly there. (1-5) Barbecue Ideas (6-8) The Perfect Sides (9-11) Cocktail Ideas (12-14) Dessert Ideas (15-17) Party Decoration Ideas (18-25) Music Ideas (26-33) The Best Places To See Fireworks
33 of the Best 4th of July Ideas for 2023
July 4 Party Ideas
Hot diggity dog! This classic fare’s time to shine is on the 4th of July because this holiday features barbecue parties from sea to shining sea. Millions and millions of wieners meet their makers every year during America’s birthday party. And if you want to party like Maya Angelou - she gave her doctorly advice here: “I love a Hebrew National hot dog with an ice-cold Corona – no lime. If the phone rings, I won’t answer until I’m done.”
4th of July Barbecue Party Ideas
Man the grill and deliver these dressed-up dogs to delight your company on the fourth. 1. Blue Angel – Spicy Buffalo sauce and bold blue cheese with angel-hair coleslaw on top. Your taste buds will take flight with this spicy and sweet pairing. 2. Green Beret – Smashed avocado plus salty diced bacon finished with a kick of hot chili flakes to make your taste buds jump. 3. Thunderbird – Baked beans topped with crispy potato chips. You’ll be bringing the thunder… insert fart jokes here. Fly the bird proudly at anyone who has a problem with it. 4. Golden Knight – A1-sauteed mushrooms and swirly caramelized onions with yellow mustard floating atop a golden toasted bun. Suns out, buns out! We all need to remember the golden rule of prepping dawgs as stated by the great Clint Eastwood said as Dirty Harry, “Nobody, I mean nobody, puts ketchup on a hot dog.” 5. Brats - If you prefer a brat, Army Wife Alex on Three Little Ferns has got you covered with Grilled Yuengling Brats and Peppers. “Yuengling infused Smithfield Bratwurst + Yuengling marinated vegetables + a cold Yuengling in hand sounds like a win to me!”
4th of July Recipes
Serving up 4th of July dishes doesn’t have to be complicated. Grill, baby, grill! Add drinks, a couple of sides and a sweet treat, and you’ve got a recipe for cookout success. 6. A salad base with a variety of toppings that guests can serve themselves is one of the foods covered in 7 Help Yourself Meals for Easy Entertaining by InDependent Wellness Community for Military Spouses. 7. Potato salad is a staple side when it comes to cookouts. Check out Our Favorite Potato Salad on Cosmopolitan Cornbread by Veteran milspouse Constance Smith. 8. Show off just a little with Grilled Corn with Spicy Bacon Butter by the Pioneer Woman.
4th of July Cocktails
Did you know Washington ordered double rum rations and an artillery salute so troops fighting in the American Revolution could observe the Fourth of July in 1778? Channel our founding father and raise a glass to freedom. We know fitness is an essential part of the military lifestyle, so these fresh-for-summer drink recipes are low in sugar. 9. Margarita Slushy from the Frugal Navy Wife. “SO, what makes the difference in the recipe? Not too much triple sec, using the right tequila and fresh limes juice!” 10. Melon Ball Mojitos – nutritionist recommended at Craving Something Healthy! “Garnish with fresh basil and mint and raise a glass to incorporating an extra serving of fruit into your meal plan.” 11. Watermelon Blast from Men’s Health: “The best summer cocktails don’t need a ton of sugar to taste great. In fact, if the quality of your ingredients is high, you rarely need anything beyond a little simple syrup to help balance all the flavors.”
4th of July Dessert Recipes
12. These sweet Bald eagle treats by Howcast are perfect for “Nailed It” fun with the family on the 4th of July! 13. American Cheesecake Squares from Delish: Less than 10 ingredients – this flag looks fresh and fancy with blueberry “stars” and strawberry-jam “stripes.” 14. Patriotic Dessert Board with Smores Dip
4th of July Party Decorations
Keep decorations simple and let summer – and the barbecue grill – shine. 15. A few fresh flowers is an easy way to make a centerpiece. Let the experts at Martha Stewart help you choose blooms with The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism. 16. Fill water balloons with water and freeze. Place in a cooler or tub and nestle in beers, Cokes, and seltzers to keep em’ cold in style. 17. Deck out your party with these easy 4th of July crafts by Hallmark. Printables include patriotic pinwheels, rocket party favors, shooting star garlands, fans, food picks, and more. These ideas will have your guests quoting Jennifer Coolidge as Paulette in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blue: “You look like the Fourth of July! Makes me want a hot dog real bad!” Suggested read:20 4th of July Quotes To Get You Pumped for Independence Day
4th of July Music Inspiration
4th of July ideas aren't complete without a rocking soundtrack! Here's recommended listening to inspire you as you set up your celebrations. 18. “America the Beautiful” U.S. Navy Band 19. “The Star-Spangled Banner” Metallica 20. “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” Toby Keith 21. “Party in the U.S.A.” Miley Cyrus 22. “Fourth of July Song” (Bye Bye Bye Parody) Sesame Street 23. “Firework” Katy Perry 24. “God Bless the U.S.A.” Lee Greenwood 25. “Battle Hymn of the Republic”
Where Can I See the 4th of July Fireworks?
This year millions, of Americans will hit the road searching for the best 4th of July celebrations in the country. And millions more will host watch parties and backyard barbecues. We’ve got great options for either. We also make it easy to find deals in these areas if you explore beyond the Independence Day shows.
25. Fort Bragg, N.C.
The annual Fort Bragg July 4th Celebration returns for 2023! This year’s event features the music of Gavin DeGraw and Sheryl Crow, parachute free-fall demonstrations, their iconic flag ceremony, fireworks, and food and beverages. Free and open to the public.
26. Washington, D.C.
The National Independence Day Parade will take place on July 4th at 11:45 a.m. on Constitution Avenue (how fitting) from 7th to 17th Street. The parade will also be streamed live on the National Independence Day Parade Facebook.
27. Kansas City
Kansas City's Celebrate America event is back this year, and it includes the ever-iconic Worlds of Fun firework celebration. The show begins at 9:30 p.m., but festivities are happening all day long at Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun theme parks!
28. Nashville
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event is happening again this year in Downtown Nashville with Brad Paisley headlining. Also performing on stage are Ben Rector, The War and Treaty, and Tiera Kennedy. The entire event is free! The event will be the largest fireworks show in the history of the city, and the show itself will be synchronized with a live performance from the Nashville Symphony.
29. N.Y.C.
2023 Macy’s Fireworks will illuminate the Big Apple’s skyline once again on its 4th of July party at 8:00 p.m.
30. L.A.
The 96th Annual AmericaFest happens at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Opened in October 1922, the stadium is a National Historic Landmark and a California Historic Civil Engineering landmark. There will be tons of performances and festivities to take you well into the evening on July 4th.
31. Saint Louis
106 GLI athletes, 3,600 pounds of fireworks, 7 events, and 500 volunteers are what make up America's Biggest Birthday Party at Fair Saint Louis. The entire events spans three days from July 2nd to the 4th, so you won't miss out on any fun!
32. Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Strip massive fireworks show features the Plaza Hotel and Casino fireworks celebrations. Fireworks will start popping off at 8:30 p.m. atop the Julius Tower.
33. Chicago
The fireworks at the Navy Pier can be watched throughout the summer with a grand display happening on the 2nd. The general Hilton summer fireworks display is free to attend and starts at 9:30 p.m. Just find an empty spot on the pier and enjoy! If you miss this occasion, they'll be shooting off fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the month of July. More like this:Declaration of Independence Grievances That Led to the Birth of a Nation We hope you have a safe 4th of July no matter what 4th of July ideas you use. Whether you throw a backyard bash, travel to one of America’s great cities to watch fireworks, or host a watch party, we hope this year's celebration is a blowout. And to our nation's military members and Veterans, we are grateful for your service in keeping America safe so we are able to celebrate freedom every year on the 4th of July! More July 4th content: Best Fireworks For Your 4th of July Celebrations
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