July 4th 2024 Fireworks, Events Around Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Independence Day is fast approaching so it's time to find out where you can celebrate in and around Bridgeport. Area events include fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun.

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 Bridgeport and the surrounding areas.

July 4 Festivities For 2024

What: Barnum Festival Fireworks
Where: Seaside Park
When: 7 p.m., Friday, June 28

"A classic summer experience, join us for an unforgettable evening in Seaside Park that culminates in fireworks."

What: Champions on Parade
When: June 29; Gates Open at 5:00 PM; Show Starts at 6:00 PM
Where: Shelton High School, 120 Meadow Street, Shelton

What: The Great Street Parade
When: June 30; Parade Starts at 11:00 AM
Where: Corner of Park Avenue & Capitol Avenue
- Travel Straight Down Park Ave and Ends at Seaside Park

What: Community Health Fair
When: June 30; 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Seaside Park

Today, Americans celebrate the birth of a new nation 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.

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.