America's annual Independence Day celebration has arrived, and Kent Patch is here to help you find the best fun and fireworks around.
Get out and enjoy the rights and freedom we've been graced with since 1776.
1. Rockin' on the River: Ekoostik Hookah
Where/When: Falls River Square, downtown Cuyahoga Falls.
Tonight, July 1, 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Why Go: This Ohio-based Jam band still holds the all time attendance record for Rockin' on the River, now in its 25th year. They've gone through some band member changes over time, but continue to have a huge following. Opening act is the Uptown Cats.
Pricing: Free and open to the public. Free Parking.
2.
Where/When: Main St. and Water St. and Franklin Ave., downtown Kent.
Saturday, July 2, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Why Go: This is the 16th annual edition of this holiday festival that blocks off streets in the center of downtown Kent. More than 130 vendor booths are scheduled to present you food, arts, crafts, information and more. See and hear more than 30 bands, performers and dancers on three stages. Don't miss the popular train rides throughout the day. Watch the Ducks Over The Falls competition. End the night with the Jeff Graham Memorial Fireworks.
Pricing: Free and open to the public. Train rides are $10 for coach seating and $15 for lounge car and cabose.
3. PHOTOGS Amateur Photograpy Exhibition & People's Choice Award Voting and Presentation
Where/When: , 257 N. Water St., downtown Kent.
Saturday, July 2, 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Opening Reception and People's Choice Award Presentation.
Saturday, July 2, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. - People's Choice Award Voting.
Regular Gallery Hours: Thursday thru Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: See fine local and international photography on display right here in Kent. Take part in the People's Choice Award and vote for your favorite photo. Sponsored by Standing Rock Cultural Arts.
Pricing: Free and open to the public.
4. Crooked River Recyclery Benefit
Where/When: , 110 E. Main St., downtown Kent.
Saturday, July 2, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Why Go: This is a benefit event to raise funds for the creation of a cooperative bicycle shop and education center. Hear great live music from up and coming local bands while you help a local cause. Acts include The Hive Robbers, Fast Molasses and Amy Breedon.
Pricing: $5 donation requested.
5.
Where/When: 3229 S.R. 59, Black Horse area, western Ravenna.
Saturday, July 2, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, July 3, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy two nights of fireworks. Also enjoy multiple food vendors, a variety of booths and rides. Live music including the Southbound Band, Fog Band, Steve Cipriano Band and Maria Jacobs.
Pricing: $5 general admission, free for children 12 and under accompanied by adult.
6. Stars and Stripes and Sousa Forever
Where/When: Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls.
Monday, July 4, 8 p.m.
Why Go: See one of the foremost Sousa March Directors, Loras John Schissel, lead the Blossom Festival Band in a patriotic night of music and fireworks. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket and sit on the vast lawn under the stars for a holiday night to remember.
Pricing: $19 to $32. Go to clevelandorchestra.com to order tickets or get more details.
7. The City of Cleveland's July 4th Fireworks
Where/When: downtown Cleveland and The Flats along the Cuyahoga River.
Monday, July 4, 10 p.m. - Fireworks
Family Fun Fest, 6:30 p.m.
Why Go: Cleveland's annual fireworks display is one of the area's largest. Attend the free Family Fun Fest at Settlers Landing in the Flats that includes giveaways, family activities, a Sousa Band and more. The best fireworks viewing is from the east or west bank of The Flats, Edgewater Park and Kirtland Park.
Pricing: Free and open to the public.
8. Television Simulcast of Fireworks
Where/When: Channel 19
Monday, July 4, 10 p.m.
Why Go: If you're unable to get out of the house, for whatever reason, you can still celebrate your country's breakaway from England and the tyrant King George III. Watch Cleveland's fireworks on television in the comfort and safety of your own home.
What a country!
Pricing: Free on television for everyone
