It’s almost Independence Day — here’s what to expect to have a blast this year.
Holiday travel
AAA is estimating 60.6 million people will travel by car through the week of Fourth of July.
Gas prices are expected to be similar to last year, around $3.50 per gallon. Early morning will be the best time to travel to avoid road congestion.
TSA anticipates 32 million people will go through airport screening between Friday and July 8. TSA screened nearly 3 million on June 23, breaking the record for most people screened on a single day. That record is expected to be topped today with an estimated 3 million passengers flying.
Where to see fireworks in Monroe County
Friday, June 28
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the Monroe County Fairgrounds for fireworks and a classic car cruise-in. Gates open at 6, and fireworks will begin at 10. Entry is a $5 donation per car, which will be used to purchase fireworks. There will be food vendors, live music from Bonita beginning at 8 p.m. and a classic car cruise-in.
Sunday, June 30
Grace Baptist Church is hosting fireworks at its Red, White & Boom '24 celebration. There will be food trucks, including Great White Smoke BBQ, Pili's Party Taco and Kona Ice. There will also be live music, and cornhole and Kan Jam tournaments.
Thursday, July 4
Bloomington’s Fourth of July parade will begin at 10 a.m. The route starts at the corner of 10th Street and College Avenue. The Bloomington Community Band will perform at 9 a.m. at the courthouse square.
Fourwinds on Lake Monroe will host fireworks at dusk. Admission is standard DNR entry pricing.
Friday, July 5
Emmanuel Bloom Church is hosting its community celebration beginning at 6 p.m. with free admission. There will be local food trucks, cornhole, bounce houses, yard games, music and fireworks, according to the event page.
Riddle Point Park will set off its fireworks over Lake Lemon. Admission is $25 per vehicle. There will be food trucks on site.
Saturday, July 6
Ellettsville will have fireworks beginning at dusk at 601 Edgewood Drive, near the Edgewood Cross Country and Tennis Courts. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Entry begins at 3 p.m., and food trucks will be available.
Residential firework times
Fireworks can be set off from 9 a.m to 11 p.m. any day, but are extended to midnight for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and New Year’s Eve. This may be restricted by local ordinances. Bloomington does not have a local firework ordinance.
Statewide, all Indiana residents can set off fireworks at these times:
- June 29-July 3: 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset
- July 4: 10 a.m. to midnight
- July 5-9: 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset
- 31: 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Adults 18 and over can purchase fireworks. Children can have and use fireworks with parental supervision.
