Celebrating the Fourth of July: Beyond the Boom

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good fireworks show. I’ve even managed to witness multiple shows in one night. For those of you who aren’t quite as ambitious (perhaps you’ll be returning to work on Thursday morning) or for the rare soul who finds fireworks a little ho-hum, there are plenty of Independence Day celebrations that add an extra something to the boom-induced excitement. There are even a few unique events that are fireworks-free.

Spend the day in Michigan City at the EVP Firecracker Pro-Am Volleyball Tournament. Watch the best young stars of beach volleyball compete on the sand all day long.

Catch a baseball game. Choose to spend the 4th with the Indianapolis Indians as they take on the Louisville Bats or watch as the Fort Wayne TinCaps compete against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Fireworks follow both games.

For a quieter celebration in Indianapolis, head to The Rathskeller’s 4th of July Bash in the Biergarten. The festivities will kickoff at 7pm with a silent film viewing and will continue at 8pm with live music.

Enjoy symphony music artfully coordinated to coincide with booming fireworks displays. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will perform at Connor Prairie in Fishers as part of the Symphony on the Prairie Series.

Along the canal in downtown Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Municipal Band will perform patriotic tunes and The Impalas will entertain the crowd with R&B and rock music from 5-8:30pm as part of the Indiana Historical Society’s Concerts on the Canal series.

For a family friendly and educational 4th of July celebration, head to the 37th Annual Old-fashioned Ice Cream Social at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential site where historical re-enactors and Victorian circus performers bring Independence Day to life.

Soak up Indiana heritage at the Limestone Heritage Festival and Parade in Bedford, the culminating event of Limestone Month. Enjoy a classic ice-cream social, community band performance, parade, live music and yes, fireworks.  There are other patriotic festivals on the 4th in Michigan City, LaPorte, Wolcott, Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Lawrence and Linton.