A Guide to Celebrating the 4th of July in Nevada

From Las Vegas and Laughlin to Reno and Sparks, the Silver State goes red, white and blue in a big way. Independence Day will be celebrated not only with fireworks and parades but also art walks, symphony concerts and auto races.

To celebrate Independence Day, The Linq plaza will be tricked out in patriotic colors, with even the High Roller observation wheel getting into the act. From June 30th through July 4th, there will be concerts, artwork and a red-white-and-blue LED light parade.

Fireworks alone not incendiary enough for you? On July 3rd, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is hosting a “Night of Fire” that opens with stock car racing, skid plate racing and waterless boat racing and ends with a full “rockets red glare” display. Beer, sodas, hot dogs and other treats will be available.

Fireworks on the Strip are a highlight of any July 4th in Las Vegas, and Caesars Palace is going all out with their display. There will be a viewing party at the Venus Pool with cocktails and DJs on the 4th, but you can start the party sooner at Caesars Spanish Steps on the afternoon of June 30th with a DJ, drink specials and a foosball tournament. Also, the Trevi restaurant will be serving the Red, White & Boom, a strawberry Margarita with blue curaçao.

In Downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino will be shooting off their own fireworks display, honoring both Independence Day and the hotel’s 47th anniversary. On June 30th, there will be a pool party with DJs, food trucks and drink specials. The Fremont Street Experience will have free entertainment all weekend, including free concerts by Everclear and Local H on June 30th and Billy Ray Cyrus on July 4th.

Begin the festivities a little early with the 10th annual Reno Midtown Artwalk on June 28th. The neighborhood of Midtown will feature live performances, children’s activities and art exhibits, along with shops, restaurants and galleries. The event will culminate in a fireworks display and live concert. On July 4th itself, you can keep it cultural with the Reno Phil Orchestra and Chorus performing at Wingfield Park, again with a big fireworks finale.

“Star Spangled Sparks” is one of the region’s biggest fireworks displays, set off from the top of the Nugget Casino Resort. Held on July 4th, the party in Victorian Square features live entertainment, a bike parade, crafts, vendors, food and more.

For those who prefer their pyrotechnics in a less urban setting, the “Lights on the Lake” illuminates Lake Tahoe with a dazzling fireworks display. The show can be seen from Nevada Beach, Edgewood-Tahoe, Lakeview Commons and, most spectacularly, from cruise ships on the lake.

The city of Laughlin will hold its 28th annual “Rockets Over the River” celebration on June 30th and July 4th. On both nights, fireworks will be set off above all the riverfront casinos, with musical accompaniment.

Celebrate small-town style with the “Boulder City Damboree,” an annual festival honoring the nation and the town. It’s an all-day extravaganza that kicks off with a pancake breakfast, continues throughout the day with parades, games, fly-over displays and culminates in a fireworks celebration with a DJ.