Your guide to 2023 Fall River fireworks: where to watch, where to park, other July 4 fun

FALL RIVER — If you're looking to start July with a bang, Fall River's annual Fourth of July festivities are not to be missed.

The Independence Day feature presentation is the city's much-anticipated, and always impressive, fireworks display lighting up the skies over the Taunton River. But July 4 celebrations don't end there, as events span the Fall River waterfront throughout the course of the night.

As you get decked out in red, white and blue and plan your trip to this year’s events, here is a quick guide to where to go, what to expect and how to get there:

When and where are the Fall River fireworks

Fall River's fireworks will be held Tuesday, July 4, starting at 9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and get there early to snag a prime viewing spot.

Find the best viewing spot

And just where is the best place to watch, you wonder?

Lit from a barge on Taunton River, 1338 Davol St., there are plenty of vantage points to get a good glimpse of the fireworks action.

Heritage State Park draws a large crowd of spectators young and old, who line the boardwalk and set up camp on the meadow to take it in.

At waterfront dining destinations like the Cove Restaurant, Pier 52 or Barrett's Waterfront you can enjoy the show with a drink in hand.

For the most unique viewing spot, reserve a spot on the Big Mamie. Climb aboard starting at 7:30 p.m. for a July 4 to remember as you gaze at the fireworks overhead from the deck of the Battleship Massachusetts, just under the Braga Bridge at 5 Water St.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at https://www.battleshipcove.org/special-events. They're limited so grab them while they last.

Or secure a spot at one of the three waterfront locations offering entertainment and food truck fare leading up the big show.

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Other July 4 fun in Fall River

Fireworks don't go up until the sun goes down, but there will be tons for folks to enjoy before then.

The Fall River Fourth of July Celebration, sponsored by BayCoast Bank, will feature music and food trucks at three locations: Heritage State Park, Sen. Thomas Norton City Pier and Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park.

Sen. Thomas Norton City Pier will have kids activities — such as face painting, airbrush and glitter tattoos, a caricaturist and a photo booth — and food trucks on hand from 5 to 9 p.m.

You can also fill up on an array of sweet and savory offerings from Green Jar Cocina, What’s Up Cupcake, Ice N’ Roll, as well as Troy City Brewing's beer garden and wine and sangria from Party With Primo.

From 5 to 9 p.m., Heritage State Park will be hopping with DJ Eric Jussaume and food trucks along the Heritage State bike path — from Friskie Fries to Black Dog Donut, Cool Licks Ice Cream, Supa Dupa, Blount, Gnarly Vine Farms and Del’s Lemonade.

And from 7 to 9 p.m., head to Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park for a sunset concert in front of the Iwo Jima Monument, as the 215th Army band performs patriotic classics. There will also be a 101st FA gun salute.

Those looking for a bite can check out the Dorothy Cox Ice Cream Cart or Big Dog Eats, which will be on site during the performance.

Where to park

Free parking will be available at Battleship Cove and along Water Street.

You can also utilize a few other lots within walking distance: the Pearl Street Garage (where there will be shuttle service), Stan & Paul's Lot at 1048 Davol St.; J. Karam Management Lot at 10 N. Main St.; Executive Plaza Lot at 101 President Ave.; Narrows Lot at 16 Anawan St.; and Morton/North Park Lot on Hood Street.

All are free and open to the public for the Fourth of July Celebration. All parking is first come, first served.

Post-Fourth of July volunteers wanted

After the excitement has died down and the crowds have dispersed, getting our beautiful city spaces back in shape will be a group effort. And the city is seeking your help.

The following morning, Wednesday, July 5, the Office of Mayor Paul Coogan will lead a volunteer cleanup around the waterfront. Anyone who wants to pitch in should meet outside the Heritage Park Visitors Center at 8 a.m. where tools and supplies will be available.

For more information on the year's Fall River Fourth of July Celebration, visit the Facebook event page at https://fb.me/e/x8t3AuWz.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: What to know about Fall River's Fourth of July Celebration