Cedar Rapids Will Have Three Fireworks Displays This 4th of July Weekend

If you love fireworks, you're in for a huge treat over the 4th of July weekend in Cedar Rapids. There will be three big displays in the city this year.

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Last week, we shared with you that the Cedar Rapids Celebration of Freedom Fireworks will have a different footprint both this year and in 2024. That's due to work on the flood wall on the southeast side of the Cedar River.

Several past seating areas will be off-limits this year. As has been the case for the past several years, the 1st Ave. Bridge won't be accessible. This year and next, you also won't be able to sit on the 2nd Ave. Bridge, Plaza Park (between the 2nd and 3rd Ave. Bridges), or along 1st St. SW.

This year's display will be the culmination of the 40th Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. Fireworks typically begin at around 9:40 p.m. on the 4th of July. More information is available here.

Also on the 4th of July, the Cedar Rapids Kernels will have a fireworks display after their home game against the Quad City River Bandits. The first pitch for the game is at 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.

The Kernels also have fireworks displays after every Saturday home game throughout the season. Here are the remaining dates for the displays in 2023: June 17, June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5, August 19, and September 2.

This year's first 4th of July weekend fireworks display in Cedar Rapids will mark the return of the Cedar Boat Club Fireworks Show at Ellis Harbor. It's a great way to celebrate the group's 75th anniversary.

It's important to note that this year's display will be on Sunday, July 2, due to logistics. It has been on July 3 in previous years. The display on Sunday, July 2 will begin around sunset. The Cedar Boat Club says the best viewing spots are "on the ski show bleachers, in front of Ellis Park, the Ellis Harbor pier, and on the water itself with a boat."

The Cedar Boat Club has been doing fireworks displays for Cedar Rapids for more than 45 years and the 2023 display will begin at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. It is expected to end by no later than 9:15. Food will be available from at least four vendors along Ellis Road.

The 2023 Cedar Boat Club 75th Anniversary Fireworks Show will be the first the organization has been able to host since 2019. We're SO glad to hear it's back.