Where to Watch Fireworks This 4th of July

Your ultimate local guide to catching Idaho’s most dazzling displays—starting with the biggest and best in Boise.

The Main Event at Ann Morrison Park

If you're celebrating the Fourth of July in Boise, there's one place that truly steals the show: Ann Morrison Park. Nestled on the edge of downtown Boise, this riverside gem transforms into the city's patriotic heartbeat every July 4th. The festivities start at 6:00 p.m., with a curated selection of food trucks, cold drinks, and live music setting the mood for an unforgettable summer evening.

Around 10:15 p.m., the real magic begins—a massive fireworks display synchronized to music broadcast on local radio station, 107.1 FM. This show is free to attend and considered the best in the Treasure Valley. Expect red, white, and blue lights dancing through the sky, perfectly timed to an all-American soundtrack.

If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds or want a more unique viewing experience, the good news is that you don’t need to be on the grass to enjoy the show. Some of our favorite ideas for alternate viewing spots around Boise include:

1. Floating the Boise River

Floating the Boise River is a quintessential Boise summer experience, and on the 4th of July, it can be the perfect way to celebrate the holiday while avoiding traffic and packed parking lots near downtown. Start your float at Barber Park and cruise your way down the river, finishing at Ann Morrison Park. Love floating, but not sure about the logistics on the 4th? Grab a paddleboard and post up near Quinn’s Pond, bring a cooler, tie up with some friends, and you’ve got your own floating fireworks lounge. 

2. Crescent Rim Neighborhood

With panoramic views of downtown, Crescent Rim is a classic spot for watching fireworks. After 6:30 p.m., the area is restricted to residents with parking passes, so plan to arrive early and find a public spot nearby (like Vista Village). The view is hard to beat, and you’re perched directly across from the action.

3. Boise Depot on the Bench

A Boise classic, the historic Boise Depot offers a picture-perfect view of the downtown skyline and of course, the fireworks bursting above Ann Morrison Park. With grassy areas to sit and lots of open space, it’s a great family-friendly option if you want to avoid the crowds below while still feeling close to the show.

4. Foothills Trails & Simplot Hill

If you’re craving a scenic hike before the show, trails like Governor’s Gulch, Hulls Gulch, Camel’s Back Park, or even Simplot Hill offer excellent views with fewer people. Want an adventure? Drive up to Bogus Basin Ski Area for a bird’s eye view of fireworks shows across the entire Treasure Valley.

5. Downtown Rooftops

For those looking for something more social and stylish, downtown Boise’s rooftop bars offer a perfect blend of ambiance and altitude. Reserve a spot at a rooftop bar like The Highlander at The Renegade in downtown for a laid-back, elevated view… literally. Bonus: craft cocktails and no need for a lawn chair.

6. Friends with a View

One of the things that makes Boise uniquely special is our many foothills communities that are so close to downtown. From the East End to Highlands to the Bench, there are some fabulous homes perched just right for a perfect view. If you’re lucky enough to know someone with a deck facing downtown (or maybe you are that friend?!?), consider hosting or attending a party. You skip the crowds and experience beloved Boise in a new way: big sky, big views, big booms, and just a little backyard magic.

More Fireworks Around the Treasure Valley

1. Meridian Speedway & Storey Park

Meridian pulls double duty. Enjoy the Meridian Speedway for a trackside experience, or picnic at Storey Park, where fireworks begin at dusk (~10:20 p.m.). Live music by Smooth Ave. will keep things grooving from 7:00–10:30 p.m.

2. Indian Creek Plaza – Caldwell

From foam fights to splash pads, Indian Creek Fun on the 4th is packed with family fun. The fireworks might not be the biggest, but the energy and small-town charm make it well worth the trip.

3. Kuna Greenbelt

From mini food truck rallies to live local music, Kuna’s celebration runs from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., finishing with a colorful fireworks display.

4. Marsing (July 3rd)

Get a head start on the celebration in Marsing’s Island Park with a July 3rd BBQ and fireworks over the Snake River. A beautiful setting and a laid-back crowd make this a hidden gem.

5. McCall’s Lakeside Liberty Fest

Up for a lake escape? McCall goes big with four days of activities and fireworks over Payette Lake on the 4th. It’s mountain-meets-waterfront magic. Bonus: You can watch the fireworks from a boat!

Road Trip-Worthy: #2 Fireworks Show in the USA 

If you're willing to make a road trip, head four hours east to Idaho Falls for the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, ranked the #2 small-town fireworks show in the country and the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi. With a jaw-dropping 18,505 shells lighting up the night sky over the Snake River Landing, this show is a true spectacle. Add in live music, vendors, and a deep sense of patriotic pride, and you’ve got a destination-worthy Fourth.

No matter where you celebrate, the Fourth of July in Boise and beyond offers something for everyone, from the classic riverside park show to the breathtaking mountain town fireworks over a lake. Whether you're floating the river by day or soaking in fireworks from the hills by night, we are wishing you a safe, happy, and celebratory Fourth!