Independence Day is a great occasion to explore Niagara Falls. A long summer weekend offers many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, family getaways, backyard BBQs, and fantastic fireworks displays. The Niagara Falls sights, Buffalo Bisons baseball game, exhilarating Cave of the Winds tour, multiple fireworks displays, and exciting cruises are just a few attractions of Niagara Falls during the 4th of July weekend.
Independence Eve Celebration (July 3, 2024)
The most traditional way to celebrate America's birthday in Buffalo is via 28th annual Independence Eve Celebration. This year it will be held on July 3rd at 6:05 pm at the Sahlen Field, where Buffalo Bisons host a baseball game, America’s favorite pastime. Their opponents are favorites from the state of New York, Rochester Red Wings. The show also features Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra playing patriotic music to honor the heroes of the USA and the largest fireworks show of the season. The cost of the tickets starts at $30.
Olcott's Patriots Day Parade (July 3-4, 2024)
If you are okay with a little travel, swing by the cozy community of Olcott, located 30 miles away from Niagara Falls, where residents celebrate the 4th of July by throwing a vibrant parade and a fireworks show. On July 4th, feel free to wear your best patriotic outfit or enjoy the procession of red, white, and blue wagons, costumes, and bikes. The participants gather in the North section of Krull Park at 12 pm and march to Olcott Beach Carousel Park at 12:30 pm.
The culmination of the day is the fireworks display, which starts at 10 pm from the east pier. The best places to view the spectacular sight include the Lake Ontario shoreline at Krull Park, Olcott Yacht Club, and the Lakeview Village Shoppes. The show takes place on July 3rd and 4th.
4th of July Niagara Falls Illumination in Clifton Hill (July 4, 2024)
Almost every night, Niagara Falls lit up with the colors of the rainbow and bring joy to families from all over the United States. The illumination is provided by the lights positioned right on top of Table Rock Centre, at the edge of Horseshoe Falls, near Queen Victoria Place, and on the other side from American Falls. As a special event for the 4th of July, the performance is scheduled to repeat during the first 15 minutes of every hour, with the water lit up in patriotic shades of red, white, and blue.
Cave of the Winds (July 4, 2024 - July 7, 2024)
The 4th of July weekend is a great time to explore the scenic sights around you, and natural attractions offer special excursions. Cave of the Winds is a chance to tour Niagara Falls as close as it gets. It's located on Goat island between Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. The elevator takes you 175 feet (53 m) into Niagara Gorge to the Hurricane Deck, located 150 feet (46 m) from the ground and just 20 feet (6 m) across from Bridal Veil Falls, offering you a breathtaking view of the waterfall. The Hurricane Deck was created with people with disabilities in mind.
The spot opens at 9 am and closes at 9:15 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and at 8:15 pm on Sunday. The tickets range from $17 for adults and $21 for youth. If you're traveling as a group of 20 or more people, the tickets cost $15 per person from Monday to Thursday and $17 per person from Friday to Sunday.
Niagara Falls State Park Firework Display (all summer)
Niagara Falls State Park runs over 100 firework displays throughout the summer, which means a daily display starting from May 17th until October 7th, weather permitting. Obviously, the Fourth of July fireworks show lasts a considerable amount of time and is a sight to behold. The show begins at 10 pm in front of the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
For the best view of the fireworks, visit Prospect Point Park, which is considered to be one of the best locations to enjoy the spectacle. It's situated right in the middle of Niagara State Park and is open 24 hours a day. You can enter the park for free, but there is a fee of $1.25 to enter the Observation Tower. The spot closes at 10:30 pm, so you'll still have a chance to witness the pyrotechnics show.
