Delaware residents will have multiple opportunities to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and festivities across all three counties this week. Several towns are planning traditional fireworks displays at dusk on July 4th, while others have added daytime activities and alternate celebrations to mark the holiday.
In New Castle County, fireworks shows will take place in Hockessin, Middletown, and Newark. The Hockessin display will be visible from several locations around town. Middletown’s show is scheduled at Silver Lake Park on East Cochran Street, with a rain date set for July 5. Newark will host its display at the University of Delaware’s Athletic Complex on Marvin Drive.
Wilmington will not host a fireworks show this year but will hold an Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 5, from noon to 3:00 p.m. in Rodney Square. The free, family-friendly event will include live music, cultural performances, children’s attractions, and food vendors. Mayor John Carney is set to sign an executive order during the event to officially launch the Wilmington 250th Celebration, a yearlong commemoration leading up to America’s 250th birthday in 2026. The city will also feature two drone light shows on July 25 and August 22 at 9:30 p.m. on the Riverfront.
In Kent County, Dover will host a fireworks show beginning at 9:15 p.m. near Legislative Hall on Legislative Avenue. The Smyrna/Clayton display will be held at dusk at the Little League Fields across from the high school and middle school on Duck Creek Parkway.
Sussex County communities will celebrate both on July 4th and surrounding dates. Fireworks in Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, Laurel, and Lewes are all scheduled for dusk on July 4. Rehoboth Beach will present its fireworks show on July 5 at 9:30 p.m., launched from the beach between Philadelphia and Hickman Streets.
