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Celebrate the true meaning of American Independence Day
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Gather your red, white, and blue accessories because the 4th of July is just around the corner! On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress, and the United States of America was born. This holiday is also known as Independence Day and is celebrated with fireworks, delicious food, and more. Keep reading for the best and easiest ways you can celebrate the Fourth of July this year.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
42 Ways to Celebrate Independence Day
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Wear a red, white, and blue outfit. Dressing up in a patriotic outfit is a simple and affordable way to participate in the 4th of July. Plus, you’ll look absolutely fabulous! Toss on a red, blue, or white shirt or coordinate your whole outfit with a red top, blue bottoms, and white shoes. [1] X Research source
- Going to a family or neighborhood event? Wear matching 4th of July shirts!
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2Get into some patriotic tie-dying. Create a tie-dyed shirt , bag, or other item in red, white, and blue colors. Then, you can wear your item and show off your handiwork at any Fourth of July events you’re attending! One of the easiest ways to tie-dye a shirt is with Kool-Aid, which you can do by following these steps: [2] X Research source
- Mix 1 package of red Kool-Aid with 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of vinegar, then do the same with a packet of blue Kool-Aid . Stir both of your mixtures until the Kool-Aid is completely dissolved.
- Use rubber bands to pull and twist your white shirt into different shapes. Then, dip the rubber-banded ends into the bowls to create the pattern you want.
- Let dry, then cut the rubber bands and iron the shirt on medium-high with an ironing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
- Let the top sit for 24 hours before washing.
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3Do a red, white, and blue make-up look. Try a simple, everyday patriotic look with royal blue eyeliner , bright red lipstick, and a dot of white highlighter in the inner corner of your eye. For something a bit more glam, recreate the star-spangled banner on your eyelids with these steps:
- Apply a shimmery white eyeshadow onto the entirety of your eyelid. [3] X Research source
- Apply a cobalt blue gel eyeliner along your top lash line, creating a thick wing at the outer corner of your eye. [4] X Research source
- Color in the inner tear duct portion of your eye with a large white eye pencil and carry the color along your lower lash line. [5] X Research source
- Apply a vibrant red eyeshadow onto the outer two-thirds of your lower lash line and connect it to the blue wing you created in prior steps. [6] X Research source
- If you want to add even more patriotic flair, use a finely-sharpened white eyeliner or small artist’s brush to draw some tiny stars onto your brow bone. [7] X Research source
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Paint your nails in patriotic colors. Decorate your nails for the Fourth of July with any combination of red, white, and blue polishes—this can be as simple as painting different colors on alternating fingers! If you’re a bit more advanced, try painting red and blue polka dots onto a white polish base. [8] X Research source
- Or, paint red and white stripes onto your nails and apply a blue star-shaped nail sticker in the center.
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5Make red, white, and blue treats. It’s your patriotic duty to indulge in a little (or a lot of) dessert on Independence Day. Make a festive display of any type of themed treat, including cakes, pies, cookies, and more! Get started with these ideas for Fourth of July foods:
- Star Spangled Banner Cake: Purchase or bake a large vanilla sheet cake. Outline and fill in a small rectangle in the top-left corner of the cake with cream cheese frosting. Cover the rectangle with blueberries, then use a star tip to frost on small white stars. On the rest of the cake, create alternating horizontal rows of two lines of raspberries and two lines of frosting until the cake is covered. [9] X Research source
- Above the Fruited Trifle: Fill a trifle dish with alternating layers of pound cake cubes, blueberries and blackberries, whipped cream cheese frosting, and strawberries. Finish the top of the trifle with artfully arranged red and blue fruits. [10] X Research source
- Of Thee Ice Cream Sandwiches: Make a batch of sugar cookie dough and mix in a generous amount of red, white, and blue sprinkles. Bake the cookies according to recipe instructions, then let them cool before placing a scoop of ice cream between the flat side of two cookies. Freeze the sandwiches at least 1 hour before serving.
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6Set up an ice cream bar with red, white, and blue toppings. Give your guests a DIY dessert that’s as delicious as it is patriotic! Set out enough sundae cups for each of your guests to have one (or two) servings. Then, fill a table with cartons of different-flavored ice creams and bowls of red-white-and-blue toppings.
- For example, you could offer maraschino cherries, blueberries, strawberries, white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and sprinkles!
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Make refreshing and patriotic cocktails. Serve up a batch of delicious red, white, and blue cocktails. Try a patriotic margarita by blending diced watermelon into your usual margarita recipe. Instead of salt, dust the rim with blue sanding sugar and add a garnish of honeydew melon stars on a stick (use a star-shaped cookie cutter to get the perfect look!).
- For a more kid-friendly drink, mix equal parts liquid strawberry daiquiri mix, liquid piña colada mix, and Cool Blue Gatorade. Serve the drink over ice (and you can always add a splash of rum for the 21-and-over crowd). [11] X Research source
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8Decorate your home in red, white, and blue. Add Fourth of July decorations to your porch, yard, and the interior of your home—whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying them yourself! Start with the classic mini American flag or spruce up your home with red, white, and blue streamers .
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9Dress your pets in red, white, and blue outfits. Make sure your furry friend has a chance to get in on the holiday spirit! Tie a red-white-and-blue bandana around your cat or dog’s neck, or fasten a star-spangled bow tie to their collar. You can even look for Uncle Sam hats made for your canine or feline friends!
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Do some patriotic arts and crafts. Keep the little ones occupied with festive coloring, painting, or beading. Arts and crafts are the perfect side activity for family-friendly events, plus they give kiddos a sweet souvenir to leave with. Check out these fun 4th of July crafts: [12] X Research source
- Cut red, white, and blue crepe paper into strips and tape them to the inside of a construction paper cylinder to make a paper windsock .
- Finger paint with red, white, and blue to create an abstract flag or landscape.
- Use red, white, and blue pony beads to fashion a patriotic pony bead bracelet .
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11Make a patriotic wreath. A DIY craft project is a great way to spend your Fourth of July—plus, you can use these wreaths as decorations for any party you might be planning! There are lots of different options online for how to make the perfect Independence Day wreath, but try this hydrangea one for a quick and easy option: [13] X Research source
- You’ll need a 24 inches (61 cm) wire wreath frame , paddle wire , star-patterned blue ribbon , six fake red hydrangea stems , and six fake white hydrangea stems .
- Arrange your hydrangeas around the wreath so that they’re alternating red and white. Cut the stem off of each flower, then use a piece of paddle wire to secure them to the wire wreath.
- Tie your blue ribbon around one part of the wreath in a big bow and use the paddle wire to secure it if necessary.
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12Attend a parade in your town or city. Kick off the day by watching the band and patriotic floats march by. Many communities and cities host parades on the 4th of July that are usually free to attend. Simply jump in the car and head down to the parade street to get a prime seat. This activity is sure to please family members of all ages. [14] X Research source
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Go to an outdoor concert. Many cities and towns host concerts in local parks to celebrate the Fourth of July. Along with concerts, you may be able to find outdoor film showings and theater performances happening throughout your city. Search “outdoor concerts” or “outdoor movies” along with the name of your town to find some events near you.
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14Spend the day at an amusement park. Fill your Fourth of July with a busy schedule of rollercoasters, fair food, and arcade games. A day at the theme park screams Americana summer, so it’s a great way to commemorate all of the things you love about the American lifestyle. Many amusement parks also host special events like patriotic parades and costume contests on the Fourth.
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15Watch (or participate in) a hot dog eating contest. Search online to see if anyone in your town is hosting an Independence Day hot dog eating contest. If so, apply to participate or show up with your friends and family to watch the madness! You can also have your own amateur contest at home. Fire up the grill and challenge your loved ones to see who can eat the most hot dogs.
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Host or attend a block party. If your neighborhood doesn’t already have an annual block party, organize one yourself! Reach out to your friends and neighbors and let them know that you’re planning a Fourth of July block party. Ask everyone to bring their favorite potluck dish, and set up a speaker system and holiday activities to make the party as fun and memorable as possible.
- Research your city’s requirements for hosting a block party. You may need to file a permit or register the event with your local town hall. [15] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source
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17Host a backyard barbeque. Who doesn’t like a good old-fashioned barbeque? With the 4th of July at the peak of summer, it’s the perfect time to plan a cookout. Decorate the table with red, white, and blue decor, and ask everyone to bring a festive dessert. Here are some of our favorite cookout staples: [16] X Research source
- Berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream
- Red, white, and blue poke cake with homemade whipped cream
- Sponge cake decorated like the American flag
- Red, white, and blue rocket popsicles
- Potato salad
- Pasta salad
- Fruit salad
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18Attend a party on a nearby military base. If you live near an army base, you might not know that most of these bases host some sort of public 4th of July party. [17] X Research source Search online or reach out to your local military chapter to find out the details of their Independence Day event (which usually includes fireworks, bouncy houses, and live music).
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Watch a local fireworks show. Fireworks are a classic Independence Day activity and are great for the whole family. Check your town’s social media sites or ask neighbors to see where the festivities take place. [18] X Research source
- Check out our guide on photographing fireworks to get lasting memories of this year’s holiday.
- Can’t attend a local show? National firework displays from big cities like New York City and Washington D.C. are often televised.
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20Light sparklers in your backyard. Are you unable to travel into the city for a fireworks show? Fortunately, firework stands pop up all over town around this holiday. Just make sure to check your area’s fireworks regulations before lighting anything, as many states have specific laws that must be followed. [19] X Research source
- The American Pyrotechnics Association has an online directory you can reference for consumer fireworks regulations by state.
- Sparklers are a great, fun, and relatively safe firework for kids and adults.
- You can also make your own fireworks at home, such as sparklers, glow snakes, and smoke bombs.
- Be cautious when shooting off fireworks yourself.
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21Host a patriotic movie marathon. Immerse yourself in the holiday's history by watching a movie that centers around the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, or the Founding Fathers. Here are some great films to add to the Independence Day movie marathon list: [20] X Research source
- Hamilton
- 1776
- Harriet
- National Treasure
- Top Gun
- Independence Day
- Born on the Fourth of July
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Listen to a patriotic playlist. Use your favorite streaming service or music platform to craft a perfect playlist filled with your favorite patriotic bops. Queue up your playlist when you’re at a party, backyard cookout, or watching fireworks at the park. Here are some classic Americana songs to get you started: [21] X Research source
- My Country ‘Tis by Dolly Parton
- Kids in America by Kim Wilde
- Firework by Katy Perry
- Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
- Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen
- The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key (notable recordings by Jimi Hendrix and Chris Stapleton)
- America the Beautiful by Katherine Lee Bates and Samuel Augustus Ward (notable recordings by Ray Charles and Mariah Carey)
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23Attend a baseball game. Celebrate America’s independence with America’s favorite pastime. Hot dogs, sun, and that oh-so-familiar baseball tune, what’s not to love? Take the family to a local game or drive to the nearest major league stadium to see your favorite team.
- Couldn’t grab tickets? Pick up a mitt, ball, and bat and gather the whole neighborhood for a friendly game.
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24Have a volleyball tournament. Beach volleyball is one of the most classic summer sports—and its origins can actually be traced back to Massachusetts, making it uniquely American! [22] X Research source Get together a group of competitive friends and kick off a new annual volleyball tournament tradition at your local beach or in your backyard.
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Play backyard games. Get your friends and family together for a tournament of nostalgic outdoor games on July 4th. Some backyard games that everyone will love include croquet, horseshoes, cornhole, badminton, and more! Sneak these games in between your delicious barbecue and the fireworks show for a perfect Independence Day celebration.
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26Play pool games to beat the heat. If you have a day off on a beautiful summer’s day…you may as well enjoy it to the fullest! Invite your friends and family to enjoy the pool with you. Stock up on pool floats, water basketball sets, and blow-up beach balls to treat your loved ones to a swimming extravaganza. [23] X Research source
- Don’t have a pool? Invest in an above ground swimming pool , or just get a large kiddie pool that you can pull out whenever you need it!
- Alternatively, set up a sprinkler or slip and slide with the same amount of fun with slightly less fuss!
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27Have a water balloon fight. If it’s looking like this July 4th will be a scorcher, there’s no better way to cool off than with a water balloon fight. If you’re hosting the whole extended family for the Fourth, set up a kids-versus-adults battle for an extra dose of competitive spirit. [24] X Research source
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Rent a boat and take it out on the water. Hit the high seas to fully relax (and beat the heat) on a hot July day. Look into renting a speedboat or even a kayak, and spend the day cooling off at your nearest ocean, lake, or river.
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29Go fishing. The Fourth of July is a great day to make time for any classic summer activity—including fishing. Get outside and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of nature, and bring along your friends and family if they’re interested. If you make a good catch, bring it along to the holiday cookout!
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30Go berry picking. The most popular season for patriotism is also the best for berry-picking! Go to a local farm that offers U-pick options and load up on fresh strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Snack your fruit as is, or turn it into a beautiful berry pie to serve at your backyard barbecue later.
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Have a picnic. Sometimes, something as simple as having a picnic can make the most memories. Round up the family, pack the picnic basket, and head to your favorite park. Bring a ball or frisbee to play with after your meal for even more summertime fun. [25] X Research source
- Many parks will host events on or around the 4th of July. Check your park’s social media pages or website to see what’s planned.
- Don’t live close to a park? Lay out the picnic blanket in your backyard or even your living room.
- Make your holiday picnic even more special by turning it into a family reunion. Invite all the cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents to spend a day together at the park.
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32Make backyard s’mores. Nothing screams “summer” more than a toasted pillow of marshmallow and a melted chunk of chocolate between two graham crackers. Roasting marshmallows is a downright delicious way to spend time together as a family and reflect on America’s history. [26] X Research source
- Don’t have a fire pit? Make s’mores in the microwave rain or shine!
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33Visit a national monument or historical landmark. Take a family vacation or a day trip to visit a location that’s important to American history. Head to Washington D.C., the nation’s capital, or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to fully immerse yourself in the 4th of July’s history. [27] X Research source
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Check out a historical reenactment. Historical reenactments are a great way to learn about past events and have fun. Search “historical reenactment near me” to find opportunities in your area.
- If you’re in the Philadelphia area, you can visit Independence Hall to watch actors reenact the moment the Declaration of Independence was signed. [28] X Research source
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35Visit a history museum. A local or national museum trip can be enriching for all ages. It doesn’t matter what part of American history you learn about as long as you’re learning! Focus on an exhibit or specific museum that interests the whole family.
- Plan your day around visiting a museum further away to turn the trip into a day vacation.
- Find museums near you by searching “museums near me” online.
- Double-check that the museum is open on the 4th of July, as some museums close for the holiday.
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36Visit a national park. The U.S. is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse protected wilderness areas in the world—spend your holiday celebrating the beautiful landscapes that you get to call home! Take a trip to a national park for a day of hiking, sightseeing, or camping. Purple mountain majesties, indeed!
- If you don’t live near a national park and can’t take a trip out of town, that’s okay! Look up campsites and hiking trails in your area—scenic landscapes are just as awe-inspiring whether they’re classified as national parks or not.
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Study up on your U.S. history trivia. Independence Day is the best day to brush up on facts about American history—even if you were born and raised in the U.S.A. Host a fun game of American trivia with your friends and family, or take some time to yourself to read through a list of Fourth of July fun facts .
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38Read a book about American history. Spend the quiet morning of your July 4th holiday catching up on some reading—and brushing up on your historical knowledge. Whether you have time to read a few pages or a whole book, try a biographical classic like Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton or David W. Blight’s Frederick Douglass . [29] X Research source
- If you prefer fictional novels, read America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie or Rise to Rebellion: A Novel of the American Revolution by Jeff Shaara.
- If you have children, introduce them to American History through books like Dear Mr. Washington by Lynn Cullen (early readers), The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution: A Handbook for Time Travelers by Jonathan W. Stokes (elementary grades), Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson (middle grades), and A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon (young adult).
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39Read the Declaration of Independence. Reading the Declaration of Independence is extremely educational and eye-opening. Gather your family and friends around and take turns reading the words of our founding fathers.
- If you have little ones, read the Declaration to them or, better yet, introduce them to the Declaration’s history with Schoolhouse Rock’s “ The Declaration .”
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Volunteer in your community. The 4th of July is all about freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Many people in this country need help, and sparing just a few hours of your time can make someone’s day that much better. So, pass on the patriotic spirit by devoting some of your day to volunteering in a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or veteran’s hospital.
- Get the whole family involved to grow stronger together and spread compassion.
- Go to VolunteerMatch.org to find volunteering opportunities near you.
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41Send a letter or package to a veteran or troop. America’s founding fathers put a lot of work into the nation’s freedom, and thanking the soldiers who have and are continuing to fight can make a huge difference. Veterans and troops sacrifice everything for us, so why not take a small moment of your day to send them a care package or write them a letter? [30] X Research source
- Operation Gratitude and Soldiers’ Angels can help your family connect with soldiers overseas.
- Talk to your local community center or library to see if there are any opportunities to help local veterans.
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Encourage others to register to vote. As a holiday that commemorates a nation’s liberty and the rights of its citizens, what better day is there to remind citizens of their right to vote? Sign up to volunteer at a voter registration event, recruit poll works, or even post an infographic on your social media about how important it is to vote in local and national elections. [31] X Research source
- Search online to see if any naturalization ceremonies are happening in your area on July 4th. Attend a ceremony to celebrate new American citizens and offer to help them register to vote!
- Along with information about voter rights, spread the word about important deadlines for local petitions and landmark elections.
- Of course, you should also make sure that you’re registered to vote and are tuned in to relevant elections!
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QuestionWhere do I buy patriotic clothes?Community AnswerAnywhere! Just buy a cute outfit that's red, white and blue. Or create something by yourself. An outfit I wear is a red T-shirt with a white overcoat, and a blue skirt with white stars.
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QuestionWhy is Independence Day important to people?Community AnswerIndependence Day is a holiday representing America's freedom from British rule. Patriotic people like to celebrate the day America effectively became its own nation.
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QuestionIs it appropriate if for a non-white person to celebrate Independence Day? (e.g., Asian-American, African-American, etc.)LYDIA RUSHINGCommunity AnswerOf course! You can celebrate Independence day if you are proud to be in America, regardless of race!
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Tips
- While most regions of the U.S. will be hot and sunny on the Fourth of July, rain is possible! Prepare an indoor backup plan for your Independence Day celebrations if you think it might rain (or at least invest in some red-white-and-blue umbrellas ).Thanks
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References
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