Fireworks Are Back — Make the Most of Fireworks in 2021

Get ready for the largest fireworks display in Northern Connecticut! At Enfield’s Fourth of July Town Celebration,  the festivities begin early with an 11 a.m. parade, and fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of fun to have in between.

In addition to sampling local fare at the Taste of Enfield and other entertainment at the Town Celebration, head off-site to grab drinks at Powder Hollow Brewery or perhaps taste wine at R Dee Winery. Want to try something unique? Go axe throwing at Odin’s Keep Axe House – or even stop by for their full arcade and bar. Below are more nearby places to eat, stay, and explore on the day of the fireworks.

Another event we’ve missed: fireworks at Lake Compounce, America’s oldest amusement park! In addition to enjoying thrilling rides, games, and tasty treats in the park, there are many ways to make your day special at nearby destinations.

Take the family for a stroll at H.C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center and even explore live animal exhibits inside. Going with friends? Grab pre-fireworks drinks at Firefly Hollow Brewing Company. And if you plan to eat out beforehand, you’re not too far from J. Timothy’s nationally famed wings in the neighboring town of Plainville. Want to extend the fireworks experience? You can stay over at Lake Compounce’s Campground. Discover more nearby places to eat, stay, and explore on the day of the fireworks below.

In Fairfield, watch fireworks over the water at Jennings Beach. Make a whole day of it by enjoying the afternoon at Jennings or other nearby beaches such as Penfield Beach or Rickards Beach. Eat a pre-fireworks meal at Flipside Burgers & Bar, Toto Restaurant, or Centro Restorante & Bar, then treat yourself to a photo-worthy ice cream creation at Milkcraft. If you’re looking to pick up some last-minute patriotic swag, perhaps you’ll find some goodies shopping in Fairfield Center, or pick up a whole picnic spread from meats and cheeses to fruit, dessert, and more at The Pantry. Want to make your picnic luxurious? Luxury Picnic Co. will set everything up for your special evening, from aesthetically pleasing blankets to drinks and charcuterie boards. Below are more nearby places to eat, stay, and explore on the day of the fireworks.

Enjoy beautiful lakefront fireworks at Lake Waramaug in Warren, which begins with the Rim-the-Lake flare lighting tradition. Extend your celebration with a pre-fireworks dinner overlooking the lake at Hopkins Inn (and maybe even stay overnight too!) Looking for something really unique? Plan a luxury picnic by the lake with The CT Picnic Co. — they'll set up stunning decor and provide all the goodies.

Want to make a day of it? Neighboring towns Kent and Litchfield offer so much to explore, from the famed waterfall at Kent Falls State Park to shopping in the quaint and walkable downtown Litchfield. While in Litchfield, discover family thrills on the water at Connecticut Watersports or saddle up at Lee’s Riding Stable. Going with friends? Sample handcrafted premium spirits together at Litchfield Distillery. Below are more nearby places to eat, stay, and explore on the day of the fireworks.

Along with fantastic fireworks, this event packs more than 25 of Connecticut's best food trucks, amazing vendors, and children's entertainment such as face painting, henna, and more!

You certainly can make a whole day out of the event alone, but there’s just as much to explore off-site as well. Spend the afternoon teeing off at Western Hills Golf Course or perhaps hunt for patriotic attire at Brass Mill Shopping Center. Before the fireworks go off, grab a great meal at The Art of Yum, Signatures Restaurant, or Louie’s Pizza, then head to Fascia’s Chocolates and cool down with gelato. Below are more nearby places to eat, stay, and explore on the day of the fireworks.

Before the 9 p.m. fireworks, enjoy outdoor dining set up in the street, movies in the art park, summer-themed cocktails, and Pirates roaming Bank Street. Want to make a whole day of your outing? We have a few ideas.

Explore the downtown Wall to Wall Mural Walk highlighting 16 murals, drawings, and other large-scale masterpieces. Embark on a family fishing trip aboard Reelin, take a Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruise, or enjoy boat rides, waterslides, mini-golf, arcade games, an Olympic-sized pool, and more at Ocean Beach Park. If you’re going with friends, stop for pre-fireworks drinks at Tox Brewing Company and head to 33 Golden for nightlife after the event. For more ideas to make the most of the day, check out the spots below.

While fireworks are the cherry-on-top to any Fourth of July celebration, they’re spectacular all summer long! After watching the Yard Goats hit some home runs at Dunkin Donuts Park, enjoy fireworks on many dates throughout the season.

Before the game, try brews in the taproom of Hog River Brewing Company, then sample a plethora of food hall flavors at nearby Parkville Market, or grab barbecue at Bear’s Smokehouse. For family fun, the day of the game, take a walk in Bushnell Park or discover a variety of waterfront activities at Riverfront Recapture. For more ideas to make the most of the day, check out the spots below.

If you’re closer to Mystic Country, you can see post-game fireworks after watching the Sea Unicorns play at Dodd Stadium.

On a nice day, the family will love a pre-game stroll at Mohegan Park Memorial Rose Garden to see a stunning display of flowers. Sample beer at Epicure Brewing or These Guys Brewing, and enjoy dinner at Illiano’s Grill or Harp & Dragon Pub. Explore more nearby places to eat, stay, and play on the day of the fireworks below.