Summer is just about here (real Oregonians know that summer doesn’t start until the 4th of July) and that means we’re looking forward to a weekend of BBQ’s, parades, festivities, and, of course, fireworks.
With many cities outright banning personal fireworks due to the risk of fire danger, this is a great activity to leave to the pros.
Luckily for us, there are a ton of amazing firework shows to take in across the state. Some of these are set to music, some have been converted to drone shows, and others are just good old fashioned fun of keeping the kids up late and craning your neck to the sky.
Whether you’re on the coast, Portland, or somewhere in between, here are 11 amazing firework displays to check out this 4th of July.
Note that almost all of these shows start around 10 PM
Portland Waterfront
We lived in Portland for nearly a decade before relocating to Bend so we’ve watched this display from every angle. The Blues Fest is happening this weekend so head down for some tunes and stick around for the show.
Our favorite spot (even though it isn’t exactly the closest) was from the top of Mount Tabor. From there you could see the fireworks going off over the city and the…ahem…less-than-legal fireworks going off all over the rest of town.
Don’t want to head downtown? You can also catch shows at Fort Vancouver or Oaks Amusement Park.
Pilot Butte in Bend
It is hard to pick a better spot in Oregon for the 4th than in Bend. The weather is usually amazing (although we did have a pretty chilly 4th a few years back), you can take in the pet parade in the morning, and Pilot Butte serves as the perfect launching point as it is visisible from all across town. You can fight the crowds and set up camp directly under the butte or hang out further away and enjoy the show (and a quick drive or walk back home).
One of always amusing side effects from this show is the annual (although unplanned) lighting of the butte. The fireworks usually results in a bush or two on the butte catching fire and requiring some intervention from the on-site fire departement team.
Wallowa Lake in Joseph
Joseph and the Wallowas hold a special place in our hearts and one year we hope to join the 4th of July fun where we can watch the show directly from the water.
The fireworks are launched from a raft at the north end of the lake and you can watch either from shore or directly from the water on a boat. If you choose to head out on the water make sure to move slow and make sure your lights are in working order.
Riverview Park in Independence
Enjoy a good old fashioned small town Independence Day celebration in that aptly named town of Independence. Located just SW of Salem, this two day celebration offers up a full day of fun followed by a fireworks show along the river.
If you’re in Salem you can also catch a fireworks show at the fairgrounds although folks have shared that the parking there can be a bit of a nightmare.
Astoria
All those inland firework shows are nice but there is something that just can’t be beat about fireworks going off over the ocean. While Astoria doesn’t “technically” qualify as oceanfront, they still have tides which makes it close enough for me.
This annual show takes place over the Columbia and is set to music which can be streamed over the radio on 103.9 FM.
One cool thing about the 4th celebrations here is the city organizes an annual cleanup on the 5th in an effort to keep the streets, river, and beaches free of debris from the parade and personal fireworks.
Seaside
Speaking of personal fireworks…there is perhaps no place in the state where folks take the celebrating into their own hands more than Seaside. Here the show used to be less the professional show and more watching all the folks who were willing to spend a professional show amount of money on their own personal firework supply.
Note that the use of personal fireworks on the beach is illegal and can carry some hefty fines. Also, this is one of the biggest shows in the state and waits to leave can easily last an hour+.
Rockaway Beach
There are no shortages of fireworks shows to choose from up and down the coast but this one offers a special twist as you can view the show from the train!
Hop the historic McCloud River Railroad #25 steam locomotive in Garibaldi for a ride down to Rockaway for the show followed by a ride back north to your car to beat the traffic.
Newport
Newport launches their always popular firework show over Yaquina Bay which offers up plenty of spots to grab a spot to watch (and get out of dodge when the show is over). Too bad you can’t grab a pint at Rogue before the show anymore…
Brookings
The Brookings Sky High fireworks show features one of the largest fireworks displays on the southern Oregon coast.
If you want to add a little extra fun to the day, make sure to show up early for the cardboard boat races and see if anyone can finish or whether the water will swallow the vessels.
Boomfest in Central Point
With a name like Boomfest, you know you’re in for a good show. One unique aspect of the firework show in Central Point (aside from the huge professional display), is they have a dedicated citizen’s firework zone with the Jackson County Fire Deparetment on hand to make sure the action stays safe.
Hood River
Last, but certainly not least, is the place where you most want to leave the fireworks to the professionals (given the recent fire across the river in Lyle). This firework show is 100% operated by volunteers who spend months planning out the 15-20 minute extravaganza.
