Where to watch fireworks on July 4th in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa’s downtown Independence Day celebration returns this year with a night of fireworks and festivities.

The city of Tuscaloosa will host “Celebration on the River” from 6 to 9 p.m. on July 4 at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, 2710 Jack Warner Parkway.

This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and will include live music, kids’ activities and fireworks.

“After a successful return of Celebration on the River last year, I am thrilled to bring back the celebration of such an important day,” said Mayor Walt Maddox in a news release announcing the event.

Two years ago, COVID-19 concerns led to a pared-down July 4 event in Tuscaloosa, with the amphitheater closed to patrons and no PARA Kids Zone or live music. The fireworks display went on as planned in 2020, but attendees were encouraged to park downtown and listen to recorded patriotic music on their car radios.

Last year, with COVID-19 restrictions lifting as the global coronavirus pandemic eased, the 2021 Fourth of July in Tuscaloosa returned to its familiar form.

And last month, the City Council ensured the show will go on – for the foreseeable future, at least.

A unanimous council approved on March 29 a three-year, $60,000 contract with Adamsville-based Pyro Shows of Alabama for the annual Fourth of July fireworks spectacle in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

According to the contract, no show will exceed $20,000.

But before the sky lights up this year, the kids’ zone will open inside the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater at 6 p.m. with games and activities for all ages.

DJ Tank will be performing from 6 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. before giving way to the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, which will start its performance at about 7:55 p.m.

Then the light show will begin with fireworks at 9 p.m. following some brief remarks from the mayor.

Attendees are encouraged to park in the free parking deck located on 23rd Ave between Sixth and Seventh streets, just behind City Hall, and take a shuttle or walk to the Amphitheater.

Accessible parking also will be available in the amphitheater box office parking lot.

For security purposes, the amphitheater’s clear bag policy will be in effect for this event.

Those wanting up-to-date information or updates about Celebration on the River can sign up to receive text alerts for weather and event information by sending “TUSC4TH” to 888-777.

For more information, visit tuscaloosa.com/COTR.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Fireworks, festivities return for Tuscaloosa's July 4 celebration