July 4 2025: Stafford, Racetrack Hosting Pair Of Fireworks Events

STAFFORD/WILLINGTON, CT — Independence Day falls on a Friday in 2025, kicking off a star-spangled three-day weekend packed with fireworks displays in and within a close distance to Stafford and Willington.

There are plenty of fireworks displays in tap on an around July 4, headlined by events at the Stafford school complex and Stafford Motor Speedway..

To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July-related calendar, Patch has put together a guide to fireworks displays in the the surrounding areas.

First, the local. The Stafford SummerFest and Fireworks event is back with live music by the Loveland Hill Band, savory treats from regional food trucks and mobile eateries, a showcase of civic groups, lawn games and art activities and a fireworks display, sponsored by Stafford Savings Bank.

SummerFest is slated for Wednesday, June 25 (the rain date is June 26) at the Stafford school complex.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free, all activities will take place at Stafford High School, located at 145 Orcuttville Road in Stafford. The rural venue provides sprawling fields lush with grass and unobstructed views that are virtually void of ambient light – it’s a choice spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy this year’s fireworks. Parking and viewing areas will be designated throughout the complex.

The MSD Firecracker 30 and Fireworks event is scheduled for June 30 at the racetrack. Qualifying begins at 6 p.m. with feature races beginning at 7. Fireworks will follow the races.

Here is a sampling of other area options:

Enfield

Enfield's 40th July 4 celebration is slated for the evenings of July 11, 12 and 13 on the town green.

Vernon

The annual July in the Sky fireworks celebration will be staged at both Henry Park and Downtown Rockville on July 9 with a rain date of July 10. Festivities that include food and kids activities begin at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin after dark. The annual Push, Pedal and Pull Patriotic parade is staged at the Downtown Rockville portion of the event.

Manchester

Manchester's annual Dutch Fogarty Independence Day Celebration is hitting year 40 in 2025. This year, it is slated for July 5 with a rain date of July 6. The event is highlighted by live music, kids activities, market place offerings, food, family, friends and fireworks. It all starts at 4:00 p.m. and continues until the last rocket lights up the sky at 9:55 p.m. The event is at CT State Community College Manchester.

Hartford

The Hartford Bonanza is being staged on July 5 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Bushnell Park.

Wethersfield

The local fireworks display is on tap for June 7 at Cover Park. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

New Britain

Fireworks-related events are scheduled for July 4 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Willowbrook Park.

Bristol

At Lake Compounce, live music on the park's floating stage and fireworks are slated for July 4 and 5.

Middletown

Middletown's annual fireworks display is scheduled for June 28 (rain date is June 29) at Harbor Park. Music and food truck will be featured from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and fireworks are on tap for about 9:30 p.m.

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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.