July 4th 2025 Fireworks, Events Around New Britain

NEW BRITAIN, CT — Independence Day falls on a Friday in 2025, kicking off a star-spangled three-day weekend packed with fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun in and around New Britain.

To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to what’s going on in New Britain and the surrounding areas.

July 4 Festivities For 2025:

The New Britain Recreation and Community Services Department said the 2025 Great American Boom fireworks event is scheduled from 6-10:30 p.m at Willow Brook Park on July 4. The rain date is Saturday, July 5.

A parking pass is REQUIRED for entry. Parking passes can be picked up at the New Britain Recreation and Community Services Department (27 West Main Street, Room 302, New Britain, CT, 06051), 8:15am-3:45pm starting from Tuesday, June 17th until Thursday, July 3rd.

Additional purchase and parking pass pickup hours: Tuesday, July 1st 12:00pm – 8:00pm at New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way

Wednesday, July 2nd 12:00pm – 8:00pm at New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way

Thursday, July 3rd 12:00pm - 8:00pm at New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way

Friday, July 4th 9:00am – 4:00pm at New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way.

EVENT RECEIPT MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF PARKING PASS PICKUP.

The following details are essential for safety of spectators and staff. Parking pass/placard is REQUIRED for entry. Parking pass/placard MUST be hung on rearview mirror. Parking is available at NBHS & Willow Brook Park, follow signage and police traffic directions.

Parking lots open at 6pm. Tailgating is allowed

Parking lot entry will close at 9pm. The fireworks show will take place at approximately 9:30pm. Per Sec. 17-46 of the City of New Britain ordinances, alcoholic beverages shall not be consumed in parks. No personal fireworks, sparklers, or fountains allowed. No pets allowed. NO PARKING PASS, NO ENTRY, NO REFUNDS.

Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. In that document, the 13 original colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.

During the pivotal summer of 1776, the pre-Revolutionary celebrations honoring King George III’s birthday were replaced with mock funerals as a symbolic break from the crown.

It was an exciting time in Philadelphia — the Continental Congress voted to break from the crown and, two days later on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the original 13 colonies —New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland. Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia — to adopt the Declaration of Independence.

The first annual commemoration of the nation’s independence was in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, while the Revolutionary War was ongoing. Fireworks have been part of Fourth of July festivities since the first celebration in Philadelphia.

Today, Americans celebrate with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings and barbecues. Celebrations, though, predate by centuries the designation of Independence Day as a federal holiday, which didn’t happen until 1941.