From parades to fireworks shows, here are 9 ways to celebrate July 4th in OKC
It's time to let freedom ring.
After two years of curtailed celebrations — from cancellations and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to pyrotechnics-free festivities caused by last year's fireworks shortage — July Fourth celebrations across the Oklahoma City metropolitian area seem to be getting back to normal.
And that means they will be booming and bustling.
Here are nine events where you can get festive in the OKC area during the July Fourth holiday weekend:
1. Edmond's LibertyFest
When and where: Various events and venues.
Information: https://www.libertyfest.org.
Edmond's Independence Day extravaganza is celebrating its 50th anniversary with several events. The festivities include the Concert in the Park at 7:30 p.m. June 30 near Mitchell Hall on the University of Central Oklahoma campus. ParkFest is from 12:30 to 3 p.m. July 2 at Mitch Park, the road rally begins at 10 a.m. July 3 at Earl's Rib Palace, and the Liberty Sprint starts at 7:30 a.m. July 3 at at Ayers and Broadway.
On July 4, the parade begins at 9 a.m. in downtown Edmond and what's billed as the metro area's largest fireworks display blasts off at 9:30 p.m. at Hafer Park.
2. Stars & Stripes River Festival and Block Party
When and where: 8 a.m. to dusk July 2 in the Boathouse District, 725 S Lincoln Blvd.
Information: https://www.riversportokc.org.
The Stars & Stripes Block Party will start with dog yoga and feature surfing and whitewater fun, plus special attractions like a Dog Dock Diving exhibition, live music, a watermelon eating contest, yard games, food and more fireworks at dusk.
3. Red, White & Boom!
When and where: 8:30 p.m. July 3 at Scissortail Park, 300 SW Seventh.
Information: https://www.okcphil.org.
For the second year, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic will perform its free annual Independence Day concert at Scissortail Park, and this year, the fireworks will return to the beloved event and illuminate the downtown OKC skyline.
4. Norman's 4th Fest
When and where: 5 to 10 p.m. July 4 at Reaves Park, 2501 Jenkins Ave. in Norman.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/normanokparks.
Attractions will include yard games, face painting, a cornhole tournament, food trucks, adult beverages and live music, culminating in a fireworks show at dusk.
5. Yukon Freedom Fest
When and where: 5 to 10 p.m. July 3 and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4 at Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W Vandament, and City Park, 2200 S Holly Ave.
Information: http://www.yukonok.gov/freedom-fest.
The free two-day celebration includes a car show, children's parade, sand art competition, the Cherry Bomb Youth Triathlon, hot dog eating contest, food trucks and more. The Hi-Fi Hillbillies, Irv Wagner's Concert Band will play July 3, while Suer Freak and the OKC Philharmonic will perform July 4. Plus, fireworks shows will blast off at 10 p.m. both days.
6. Midwest City's Tribute to Liberty
When and where: 6 p.m. July 4 at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave.
Information: www.midwestcityok.org.
The event features live music, including The Andrews Sisters Tribute by Character Connection Co. and a performance by The Wise Guys, along with food trucks and a 9:45 p.m. fireworks show.
7. Bethany Freedom Fest
When and where: 10 a.m. July 2 in downtown Bethany and at Eldon Lyon Park.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/CityBethanyOK.
This year's event will feature a full day of activities, starting with a parade marching at 10 a.m. on historic Route 66 from Southern Nazarene University, 6729 NW 39th Expressway, to Eldon Lyon Park, 7400 NW 36.
The celebration will continue with Street Fest, including a car show, entertainment and vendors, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Bethany. At 9:55 p.m., fireworks will light up Eldon Lyon Park, which will open at 7 p.m.
8. Moore's Celebration in the Heartland
When and where: 2 to 10 p.m. July 4 in Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12 in Moore.
Information: https://www.cityofmoore.com.
Inflatables, helicopter rides, children's activities, food trucks and live music will lead up to the fireworks show set to music at about 9:45 p.m.
9. 36th annual Red Earth Festival
When and where: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 1-2 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63.
Tickets and information: https://www.redearth.org/redearth-festival.
If you're looking for a different kind of festival this holiday weekend, this long-running event might be a good option for you this year in its new time frame and venue. The intertribal celebration is showcasing Native American visual art, dance and culture inside the museum's Sam Noble Special Events Center and outside in its immersive new family-friendly attraction Liichokoshkomo’.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: July Fourth celebrations go through the weekend in the OKC metro area
