Tulsans will celebrate the birth of the United States throughout the metro area on July 4th, Independence Day.

Perhaps the largest public event will be the Folds of Honor FreedomFest, hosted by River Parks Authority hosts Folds of Honor FreedomFest.

The 46th annual Independence Day celebration will be Monday, July 4, with a large fireworks display. Entertainment and activities will be centered at River West Festival Park, 2100 South Jackson Avenue. The event is free and open to the public.

Launched from the 21st Street Bridge, the fireworks display will be viewable for the tens of thousands who go to both sides of the Arkansas River during the family evening.

As in previous years, Folds of Honor FreedomFest will feature the largest aerial fireworks display in northeast Oklahoma with a presentation of colorful bursts soaring high into the sky.

Hance Pyrotechnics will create the precision display. Community members are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to spread across River West Festival Park and Dream Keepers Park, which will offer the best views of the fireworks display.

“We’re excited to welcome the greater Tulsa community to River West Festival Park and Dream Keepers Park for family fun and a patriotic celebration at Folds of Honor FreedomFest,” said Tonja Carrigg, director of community relations for River Parks Authority. At both locations on each side of the river, live music begins at 6 p.m. Local bands include The Fabulous Mid Life Crisis Band, Empire Rock Band, The Hi-Fi Hillbillies and The Captain Ledge Band, continuing until 9:15 p.m.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile be at River West Festival Park.Both locations will offer inflatables, balloon artists, caricaturists, stilt walkers and other entertainment. The HollyFrontier Kids Zone will be at River West Festival Park.

Guests can enjoy a variety of local eats from numerous food trucks. Several patriotic presentations will occur throughout the evening, led by Folds of Honor, an Owasso- based nonprofit organization that honors the sacrifice of American heroes by giving hope  through educational scholarships.

Around 8 p.m., the Red Bull Air Force Skydiving Team will complete a jump from the sky, landing at River West Festival Park. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. and will also be synchronized to music broadcasted on KRMG-FM.

River Parks Authority will host a Tail Gate Bash for those who wish to bring their own patriotic party to the festival. For $45, the Tail Gate Bash pass gives you special access to one of 30 exclusive parking spots inside River West Festival Park. Tailgaters are welcome to bring propane grills, food and beverages of their choice, a pop-up tent for shade and chairs and tables. Tail Gate Bash passes can be purchased here until they are sold out.

River Parks Authority strongly patrons to plan ahead, carpool, ride share or bike to the event as parking spaces are extremely limited this year. On the River West Festival Park side, parking is available in River Parks’ managed areas for $5-10, cash only. The $10 parking is near 2100 S. Jackson Avenue, adjacent to the festival grounds.  The $5 parking is near the West Tulsa City Yard at 42 W. 23rd Street, which is an estimated 7-minute walk to the festival grounds.

Due to construction, there will be no access to green space south of the 21st Street bridge along the Arkansas River. Those who park at the West Tulsa City Yard lots will not be permitted to remain near their vehicles during the festival. Handicap parking is available on a first-come-first-serve basis in the $10 lot near 2100 S. Jackson Ave.  at the River West Festival Park. For information, visit www.freedomfesttulsa.com.

Here’s a partial list of other fireworks shows:

  • Bartlesville Freedomfest at Sooner Park, July 4
  • Block Party at New Orleans Square in Broken Arrow, July 1
  • Bixby Freedom Celebration at Bentley Sports Complex, July 1
  • Claremore Fireworks Spectacular at Claremore Lake, July 2
  • Duck Creek Fireworks at Grand Lake in Ketchum, July 4
  • Fire on the Water at CrossTimbers Marina, July 4
  • Fireworks at the Lake in Pawnee Lake area, July 4
  • Fireworks at the Park in Sand Springs, July 3
  • Folds of Honor FreedomFest in Tulsa, July 4
  • Grand Lake Fireworks in Disney, July 3
  • Haskell Lakefest at Haskell Lake, July 2
  • Lake Tenkiller Association Fireworks, July 4
  • Red, White, and BOOM in Owasso, July 4
  • Sequoyah State Park Firework Show, July 2