How to celebrate the Fourth of July in and around Oxford
The Fourth of July is right around the corner. Here's all the ways you can celebrate in Oxford and beyond.
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday celebrating freedom from the British and the signing of the Declaration of Independence more than 200 years ago. It's also a day to spend with your family, enjoy the different parades and events different towns put on and of course, end the day with fireworks.
Not sure how to celebrate this year? Here are some events across Butler County to get you started.
Oxford Events
Oxford Masonic Lodge Charity Car & Bike Show & OPRD Freedom Festival
June 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Uptown Parks
The Oxford Masonic Lodge is holding its second annual car show Uptown the weekend before July 4 in collaboration with Oxford Parks & Recreation's Freedom Festival. The car show will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and feature live music, vendors, a farmers market, raffles and food trucks.
After the car show, Oxford's Freedom Festival Parade will run from 5-6 p.m. The parade route starts at Kramer Elementary and travels south on College Avenue before turning onto High Street. Kids ages 3-12 can decorate their bikes for the Bike Parade, and pet owners are encouraged to dress up their pets for the festivities.
Oxford Freedom Festival
July 3, 5-10:30 p.m. — Oxford Community Park
This festival, put on by Oxford Parks and Recreation, includes axe throwing, inflatables, games, live music, food and local vendors. Families are welcomed and encouraged to join in on the festivities or even host a craft booth. Fireworks start at 10 p.m.
Thunder Friday
July 5, 5-10 p.m. — Hueston Woods Lodge
Cap off Independence Day week with Hueston Woods' annual fireworks display. The event is free, but make sure to bring your own seating for the evening.
Butler County Events
Hamilton's Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. — Butler County Fairgrounds
Bring your family to enjoy Hamilton's parade beginning at the Butler County Fairgrounds at noon, then later in the day at 8:30 p.m. there's a free riverside concert and a firework show starting at 10 p.m. This is Butler County's "largest" celebration full of historical adventures and 4th of July festivities for all ages.
Taps, Tastes and Tunes
July 4-6, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. — Voice of America National Museum of Broadcasting
Presented by Kemba Credit Union, this festival takes place at the Voice of America National Museum of Broadcasting. There will be four performances: John Morgan on July 4, LIT on July 5 and both The Smithereens (with guest vocalist John Cowsill) and Nine Days on July 6. The festival offers live music, food and July 5 will have the fireworks display.
Middletown Independence Parade
July 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Smith Park
Middletown's annual Fourth of July parade will start at Smith Park and head toward Main Street before taking a left on Central Avenue. The parade features patriotic tunes from marching bands and dazzling floats
Liberty Township Parade
July 4, 9 a.m. — Lakota East High School
Liberty Township's annual parade starts at the high school, will continue to Wyandot Lane and then return to the high school. This year, the Butler County Democratic Party will be celebrating the Fourth of July by walking in the parade in their patriotic colors, waving flags and promoting their party.
Cincinnati Events
Newport Blast
July 3, 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. — Newport on the Levee
Presented by Newport on the Levee, this celebration brings face painting, live music, food and of course fireworks.
Red White & Boom with Cincinnati Pops
July 4, 8 p.m. — Riverbend Music Center
Celebrate Independence Day with conductor John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for a display of America's favorite music. The night will end with a fireworks display.
Other Firework Options
July 3, 2024 — Event starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at 10 p.m. at Drew Campbell Memorial Commons, 4160 Springdale Rd.
July 2-4, 2024 — Fireworks start at 10 p.m. at United Dairy Farmers, 127 W Broadway St.
July 3, 2024 — Event starts at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks at dusk at Kuliga Park, 6717 Bridgetown Rd.
July 3, 2024 — Fireworks starting at 10 p.m. at Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason Montgomery Rd. and Community Center Campus, 6060 Mason Montgomery Rd.
July 3, 2024 — Fireworks starting at 10 p.m. at Riverside Ballfield, 100 Race St.
July 4, 2024 — Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and fireworks start at 10 p.m. at Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Rd.
