You Won't Want To Miss These Incredible Fireworks Shows In Alaska This Year
Carey Seward
Author
Alaskan’s love to celebrate under the midnight sun and the 4th of July is perfect for celebrating… with fireworks! In Alaska, we celebrate with festivals, live music, delicious food, and fireworks displays for you to enjoy. Fireworks are harder to see in the bright summer nights, and the wildfire danger keeps but nothing could stop us from celebrating with explosions.
In 2016, we told you all about many of the fantastic places to see fireworks in Alaska. As the Fourth approaches, you might be asking, “where can I find fireworks near me this year?” Alaskans love to celebrate, so no matter what village, tiny roadside town or neighbourhood you find yourself in, there is sure to be something going on for the 4th, most often barbecues, parades, and games. Here are some of the excellent shows that should not be missed:
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Fireworks are tricky in Alaska in July. In the rainier southern parts of the state, fireworks shows are often rained out and in the sunnier parts, wildfire danger keeps fireworks on a tight leash. Check with your local fire department to find out the fire danger level before even making a campfire. Fireworks are illegal to set off in all but a few areas of the state, so make sure of the current local status before lighting anything.
Fireworks are less common as you go father north as the midnight sun lights up the night skies and fire danger increases. In the Interior and the far north, communities usually save their fireworks for New Year’s Eve when conditions are much more favorable with dark nights starting early and snow to protect from fires. But every so often, the conditions are perfect for an amazing fireworks display.
Here is a list of some of the fun celebrations around the state:
Southeast Fireworks
In these rainy areas, fireworks displays are fairly safe, unless they are rained out
- Juneau, July 3, 11:59 PM, Downtown Juneau, Gastineau Channel
- Ketchikan, July 4, 11:59 PM, Downtown Ketchikan, Over the water
- Sitka, July 4, 10 PM, Downtown Sitka, Over the water
Valdez-Cordova Celebrations
- Cordova, July 4, Day time Parade and events starting at 10 am No Fireworks
- McCarthy, July 4, 11:59 PM, McCarthy Campground, Fireworks when permitted
- Valdez, July 4, Downtown Valdez, Picnic, Parade, Bonfire & S’more Roast No Fireworks
Matanuska-Susitna Fireworks
- Eagle River Fireworks, July 3, 11:59 PM Eagle River Lion’s Club Park when permitted
- Talkeetna, July 4, 11:59 PM, Downtown Talkeetna, when permitted
- Wasilla, July 4, 11:59 PM, Wonderland Park at Lucille Street, when permitted
Anchorage Fireworks
- Mulcahy Stadium, July 4, Approx. 11:59 PM after the annual Alaska Baseball League doubleheader, when permitted
Kenai Peninsula Fireworks
Since serious wildfires have plagued Alaska the last few years, fireworks are banned on the Peninsula currently. Cities will have displays if weather conditions permit, but the parades and celebrations will go on rain or shine.
- Girdwood, July 4, 11:59 PM, Girdwood Community Park, Mile 2.2 on the Alyeska Highway
- Homer, July 4, Noon for Parade and barbecue, when permitted
- Seldovia, July 4, Noon, Parade, picnics, three-legged and sack races, when permitted
- Seward, July 3, 11:59 PM, Over the harbor. Get a great view from the hills or out on the water in a boat!
- Soldotna, July 4, 11 AM-1 PM, Soldotna Community Center. Picnic, when permitted
Western Alaska Celebrations No fireworks
There is currently a full burn ban for Western Alaska
- Bethel, July 4, downtown Bethel, Picnic and games, vendors and parade at Noon
In the North of Alaska in addition to the everpresent wildfire danger, it’s light all night on the 4th of July. Most communities wait until the darkness returns in the winter to set off fireworks. That doesn’t stop these fantastic celebrations:
Interior Celebrations No fireworks
- Fairbanks, July 4, All Day, Pioneer Park, Festivities and Games
- Ester, July 4, Noon, Main Street, Parade to Picnic in Ester Park
- Healy (Denali), July 4, Noon, Downtown, Parade
Far North Celebrations No fireworks
- Kotzebue, July 4, 10 am-7:30, First Baptist Church. Parade, games and Blanket Toss.
- Nome, July 4, All day starting at noon, Fire trucks, old time cars, floats, and candy!
- Utqiagvik (Barrow), July 4, All Day, Simmonds Field. Top of the World Games!
Where will you be celebrating your Fourth of July this year? Are there any other fireworks displays in Alaska that you could add to this list?
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