5 ways to celebrate July 4th in Montgomery— free fireworks, family-friendly fun + more

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As the entire country honors 250 years since America’s founding, this year’s July 4th takes on increased significance.

To give the day its due, Montgomery is gearing up to celebrate the Fourth and America’s milestone birthday in a BIG way, with multiple events happening all over the city and culminating in the City of Montgomery’s FREE and family-friendly Independence Day bash, including a spectacular fireworks show.

Here’s how to spend the holiday taking in all the capital has on tap for a memory-making July 4th. 🎇

The Montgomery Zoo is open for family fun on July 4th

Spend July 4th morning taking a walk on the wild side at The Montgomery Zoo. The attraction is open on the holiday and its more than 500 animals are ready to entertain and educate as you stroll along the Zoo’s mostly shady paths. Grab lunch at Overlook Cafe or a chocolate-covered banana from the gift store before you leave.

Here’s what you need to know: Independence Day at The Montgomery Zoo

• When: July 4, 2026 | 9AM – 4PM
• Where: The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL
• More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Two founding-father approved ways to float into fun on July 4th

On July 4th afternoon, beat the peak summer heat with some all-American adventure at Montgomery Whitewater’s Red, White & Tube event, offering discounts on inner tube rentals. Kick back in a comfy inner tube and let cool splashes refresh you as you twist and bounce through gentle rapids on the park’s state-of-the-art manmade whitewater course. No experience is needed to embark on this thrill ride. Don’t miss the other family fun too, like zip-lining and live music. And make sure to sample one of the drink specials at Eddy’s restaurant overlooking all the fun on the water. 

Here’s what you need to know: Red, White & Tube 

• When: Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5, 2026
• Where: Montgomery Whitewater, 1100 Maxwell Blvd, Montgomery, AL
• More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Or enjoy a day on the water without getting wet with a Sip-N-Cycle Pedal Cruise Independence Day Boat Party along the Alabama River. Gather some friends, don your most patriotic red-white-and-blue attire, pack a cooler with your favorite drinks and snacks and hop onboard. You can get in on the action and help the pedal-powered craft make its way along the waterway, or totally relax and let the engine do all the work. 

Here’s what you need to know: Sip-N-Cycle Pedal Cruise Independence Day Boat Party 

• When: Friday, July 3 + Saturday, July 4, 2026 | all day, starting at 11AM
• Where: Riverfront Park dock, 355 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL
• More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram

With FREE live music + fireworks, The City of Montgomery’s Independence Day Celebration will be a blast

Whatever you do during the day, save energy for the true main event: The City of Montgomery’s Independence Day Celebration. Explore the educational tables sharing info about our country’s founding, dig into a variety of tasty treats on offer from local food vendors and listen to the mix of music (from patriotic classics to more modern song selections) played during the 151st Alabama Army National Guard Band’s live performance.

And when the sun goes down, the party really gets going with a rousing fireworks show lighting up the capital city night sky with bursts of blazing colors. 

Here’s what you need to know: Independence Day Celebration

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 7PM – 9PM
• Where: Cramton Bowl, 1022 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL
• More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram

If crowds and fireworks aren’t your thing, consider a leisurely roll down the river with a Getaway Cruise on the Harriott II Riverboat. The beloved watercraft sets sail on July 4 at 4:30PM for a two-hour trip complete with live entertainment, plus food and drinks available to purchase.

Here’s what you need to know: Harriott II Getaway Cruise

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 4:30 PM
• Where: Harriott II Riverboat, docked at Riverfront Park: 200 Coosa St, Montgomery, AL
• More info: Website | Facebook

How are you celebrating America’s 250th + July 4th in the City of Montgomery? Let us know @montgomeryup!

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