The top spots for watching Fourth of July fireworks

Fourth of July fireworks in Watson Park

Staying in?

Remember that Lawrence is a fireworks-free community, so if you’re not venturing out for a viewing of the public display, it’s not legal to set off your own. Here’s a list of city-approved Fourth of July paraphernalia for at-home fun:

• Party poppers

• Snappers (small grains of explosive wrapped in paper that pop when thrown to the ground)

• Sparklers

• Snakes, glow worms (produces a snake-like ash upon burning)

• Toy caps and smoke devices

It’s a given that on every Fourth of July wherever you may be, when the sun goes down the sky will explode in a kaleidoscope of colors to celebrate Independence Day; however, it’s not a given that you’ll have a primo viewing spot of the fireworks display.

This year’s local fireworks show — brought to you by the Lawrence Jaycees — will shoot off around 9:45 p.m. from the levee behind Johnny’s Tavern in North Lawrence. Check out some of the top spots in town to take in the explosive Friday night surrounded by friends, family and other community members, with a bit of live music and local eats mixed in.

Lawrence locations

Watson Park, Sixth and Kentucky streets

Watson Park will be home to the sixth annual Party in the Park festival featuring food from local restaurants, children’s activities, street performers and live music, starting at 5 p.m. In the small gazebo, take in theatrical, magical, acoustic and poetic performances; on the main stage, six local bands will play 45-minute outdoor sets, with short musical theater acts between the tunes. Grab a seat or a patch of grass for the fireworks finale, but be warned as it is one of the most popular spots to see the fireworks display, so the earlier you get there the better.

Other parks

• Constant Park, near the corner of Tennessee and West Sixth streets

• Burcham Park, 200 Indiana St.

The Nest on Ninth, 1200 Oread Ave.

The closer to the sky, the better. The Nest on Ninth, on top of The Oread, serves as an elevated rooftop bar above the tall trees and buildings that would block your view in lower locations. The venue will host live music by Kim Murphree & Friends, and have food offerings available for purchase, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. There will be a $4 cover charge.

Abe and Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.

With a $5 charge to enter, donations from this family-friendly fireworks viewing spot go to the early education program at the Ballard Community Center. Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy Mr. Bacon BBQ, Torched Goodness (creme brûlée food truck), carnival games, a bouncy house and live performances while waiting for the main event. Then head out to the balcony to see the fireworks light up over the river. Children 2 and under get in free.

Kansas River Bridge

Lean up against the rails of the Kansas River Bridge for an up-close look at the fireworks show. It’s worth noting that if you head over to the dike across from where the fireworks are shot off, you can watch them in the sky and the reflection in the water for twice the show.

Campanile Hill above Memorial Stadium on the Kansas University campus

The Campanile Hill is a nice, grassy area to stretch out with a big blanket and an assortment of favorite food and beverages for a Fourth of July picnic with the family and/or other loved ones before the fireworks show begins.

Other area fireworks displays

Perry Lake

Jeff Fest, or the Jefferson County Firework Festival, is back with a fireworks display to Dedication Point at Perry Lake on Saturday. Starting at 10 a.m., the Jeff Fest will have arts and crafts booths, food vendors and a car and bike show for a full day of family activities before the fireworks shoot off at 10 p.m.

Baldwin City

From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, the Baldwin City Pool, 317 Fremont St., waives its fee on the Fourth of July. Brave the 16-foot slide, and enjoy the music, games, prizes and free hot dogs. Kickball (for all ages) will follow at the Baldwin City Sports Complex, 100 Bullpup Drive, from 7 to 9 p.m. A fireworks display will cap off the night, starting at 9:30 p.m. and can be viewed from the Sports Complex.

De Soto

At Riverfest Park, 33440 W. 79th St., this year’s display includes nearly 500 shells, along with 3,700 firework shots. The festivities, which include food vendors and live music, begin at 7:30 p.m. and go until 10:30 p.m.

McLouth

A fireworks display at Stan Bracksick Sports Complex, on Bulldog Boulevard, will begin at about 9:45 p.m. Friday.

Ottawa

The Ottawa City Band will perform before the fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Friday in Forest Park, 600 North Locust St.