Dover 4th of July Fireworks, Parades, Shows & Events 2025 in Delaware

Dover is a pro at celebrating Independence Day. On the 4th of July, the city’s administration arranges some amazing activities to make your patriotic celebration one to remember. Delaware’s capital and its nearby cities have a lot to offer to its residents and guests, including 4th of July race, parades and fireworks displays.

Dover 4th of July Celebration

The city of Dover goes all out for its annual Independence Day Celebration. The are around the city's Legislative Mall is full to the brim with activities, from entertaining live performances to moonbounces and train rides for children. The festivities usually span from 4 pm until 8:45 pm. First State Heritage Park hosts free walking tours from 10 am until 3 pm, while The Biggs Museum celebrates Independence with free admission all day from 10 am until 5 pm. The Old State House welcomes visitors for tours from 10 am until 6 pm, with an exclusive Declaration of Independence reading at 2 pm. But the stars of the night are the parade and the magnificent fireworks display.

Dover 4th of July Parade

Walter L. Fox Post No. 2 of the American Legion members annually organize a themed Independence Day parade as part of Dover's 4th of July celebration. The marching route is pretty familiar to the residents of the city: it begins at Hazel Road and proceeds through the the Downtown Dover. The parade's last stop is at The Green—a gorgeous historical center in Dover. During the parade, which normally starts at 6 pm, you’ll be able to witness a variety of vintage cars, themed floats, and patriotically dressed people.

Dover's 4th of July Fireworks Show

The city’s administration is especially proud of its annual fireworks show. In the company of your loved ones, you’ll be able to witness spectacular lights against the dark backdrop of the sky. The show normally starts right after the sunset. To reserve the best viewing point for the spectacle, swing by the Legislative Green Park in front of the Legislative Hall.

Before the fireworks performance, you’ll also have an opportunity to listen to some amazing hits at a 4th of July live music concert. The organizers of the event strongly encourage local food and drink vendors to join the celebration, so you should expect lots of delicious food and beverages. To taste all the delicious treats, visit M.L.K Jr Boulevard behind the Legislative Hall, where the food section of the event is normally set up.

Smyrna-Clayton 4th of July Parade

The towns of Smyrna and Clayton have developed a close bond over the centuries, and the Independence Day parade is a clear reflection of that. Each year, Smyrna and Clayton alternate as hosts of the procession, but it's organized by the Smyrna-Clayton 4th of July Foundation. The event normally begins on the morning of July 4th at around 9:30 am and is followed by a variety of activities in Municipal Park. This year, the procession sets off in Clayton at Main Street.

Bethany Beach Firecracker 5k Run

If you have a chance to venture south of Dover, stop by Bethany Beach, located 50 miles from the capital on the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. As a preparation for the locally famous 4th of July celebration, the residents participate in a Firecracker marathon, the proceeds of which fund the Independence Day fireworks.

Participation in this event costs $33. The race usually begins at 7:15 am at the crossroads of Atlantic Avenue & Garfield Parkway and ends at 8:30 am. You can even receive an award after successfully completing the run.

Bethany Beach 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Bethany Beach knows how to bring fun and joy to the residents with their annual 4th of July parade, starting at noon. The theme of the procession changes every year, and the participants get a chance to be creative with their float and costume decorations. The event features historical reenactments, for example, the 1st Delaware Regiment, non-profits, including the 1st State Detachment Marine Corps League, and various bands, such as WWIIunes, Oxford Brass, and The Honeycombs.

The parade is followed by a music concert at around 7:30 pm and fireworks at dusk if weather permits. This year, the band 1947 will make you relive all the 70s nostalgia with their set list comprised entirely of the best hits from the 1970s.