Everything to know about celebrating the Fourth of July around Indianapolis

The Fourth of July is a time traditionally spent celebrating America's Independence with cookouts, fireworks, parades and concerts. Here's what we know about celebrations happening across the Indianapolis area.

Where can I see fireworks around Indianapolis?

Roughly a dozen places around Indianapolis will set off fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July. The holiday falls on a Thursday this year, so some events span several days into the weekend and include family friendly festivals, bar crawls for adults, and concerts nearly everyone can enjoy.

Festivities will take place in Avon, Beech Grove, Broad Ripple, Brownsburg, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis, Noblesville, Westfield, and Zionsville. Check out IndyStar.com for more information about where to celebrate.

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What's open and closed on July 4, Independence Day?

Many offices and businesses will be closed Thursday in observance of Independence Day.

All federal offices will be closed, from the legislature to the courthouse. State offices also will be closed, including Marion County courts. Doors will be shut at most county and city offices as well. The United States Postal Service will be closed, and mail will not be delivered on July 4.

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Cookouts in Indiana for Fourth of July will cost less in 2024

While grocery prices to throw a July 4 cookout will be record-high for much of the country, the price for Hoosiers will be easier on the wallet.

The average Independence Day cookout for 10 guests nationally will cost $71.22. according to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation annual market place survey. That’s up 5% from 2023, and almost 30% from five years ago, for a spread of cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream.

Indiana cookouts, however, fare slightly better at about 4%, or 29 cents, less than the U.S. average price per person. The reason why is partially due to where Indiana is located on the map.

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Concert on July 4th weekend: 'Full House' star John Stamos joins The Beach Boys in Indianapolis

Actor and musician John Stamos played with The Beach Boys first on July 4, 1985. He's remained friends with them ever since and will join the band as a special guest when The Beach Boys take the stage at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park on July 6.

You can find tickets for the 2024 show at livenation.com.

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What are the laws for fireworks in Indiana?

• You must be an adult, 18 or older, to buy fireworks in Indiana.

• Adults, 18 or older, must be present when children use or possess fireworks.

• You can use fireworks only on your own property, the property of someone who has granted you permission to use fireworks, or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal for the discharge of consumer fireworks.

• Fireworks are allowed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. any day except on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Year's Eve unless a local ordinance says otherwise.

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How late is too late for fireworks in Indiana?

The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance:

• June 29-July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset

• July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight

• July 5-9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset

• Dec. 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

When you can shoot off fireworks in your Central Indiana town.

Most Central Indiana towns follow the guidelines listed above. Visit IndyStar.com for a closer look on how they differ.

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How many people go to the hospital because of fireworks?

Fireworks are beautiful to watch, but can be deadly if misused.

More than 10,000 people were treated for firework-related injuries in hospital emergency rooms across the country in 2022, in which 11 people died, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Roughly 73% of those injuries occurred during the one month surrounding the Fourth of July Holiday.

Children aged 5-9 were estimated to be the second most likely to go to the emergency room, according to earlier data by the CPSC. Burn wounds to hands and fingers were the most common type of injury treated overall.

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How did Indiana legalize backyard fireworks despite safety concerns?

Indiana changed its loophole-ridden fireworks law to make the Hoosier state one of the most liberal in its approach to fireworks. Today, Hoosiers can shoot off fireworks from their backyard. The law also has an element only one other state, Arizona, has: Local governments are explicitly prohibited from regulating fireworks use for 11 days around the Fourth of July and New Year's. As a result, the industry is booming.

So what changed? How did lawmakers concerned with public safety and a contingent of Indiana's fire chiefs, those who'd seen the permanence of fireworks-related injuries, adopt a more laissez faire attitude and cease their opposition to lobbyists?

"They had more money than us; they pretty much beat us like a drum," said Fred Hines of the fireworks industry, a former Seymour fire chief who was part of the fire chiefs association at the time. "In my personal opinion, the fire service sold out."

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How to stay safe around fireworks

Fireworks are fun. Spending time in the emergency room? Not so much. Thousands are injured by fireworks every year leading up to July 4th. Here's what you should keep in mind when using them in the Hoosier State.

Children and fireworks:

• Don't allow children to light or play with fireworks.

• Parents should always supervise children when handling sparklers, which can burn up to 1,800 degrees or hotter.

Watching fireworks:

• Watch fireworks from a safe distance away from the launch area. Fireworks can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.

Storing fireworks:

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Shooting off fireworks:

• Only use fireworks outside.

• Use fireworks in an open area.

• In case of wind, light fireworks where the wind is blowing away from spectators.

• Only light one firework at a time.

• Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.

• Never place a part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting.

• Don't aim, point or throw fireworks at another person.

• For ground-based devices such as fountains, according to Homeland Security, the perimeter should be 35 feet out.

• For aerial devices, it should be 150 feet. Fireworks that don't go off when you light them can still explode.

• Never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework. Let duds sit for five or 10 minutes before you pick them up to dowse them in water.

Extinguishing fireworks:

• Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.

• After a firework has finished burning, douse it with plenty of water before throwing it away to prevent starting a trash fire.

Special considerations:

• Be considerate of those with PTSD and other medical conditions. Firework noise can cause extreme stress and reaction in neighbors.

• Be considerate of you and your neighbors pets. Animals have sensitive ears. Firework sounds can frighten or stress animals.

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Dogs and fireworks: How to keep your pet calm July 4th

Most dogs do not handle fireworks well, so helping your canine companion get through Independence Day, say animal experts, should start early. It's recommended pet owners talk to a veterinarian and come up with a plan.

In addition to veterinarian-approved medication, experts suggest setting up a quiet space inside your home buffered as much as possible from outside noise. You can make that space feel safe and comfortable by adding the following things:

• Favorite toys.

• Familiar blankets.

• Chew bones.

• Soft music.

• Special treats.

• TV playing comfortable background noise (preferably not showing fireworks)

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IndyStar reporters Kayla Dwyer, Domenica Bongiovanni and Cheryl Jackson assisted with this article. Contributions also were made by Midwest Connect reporter Chris Sims and IndyStar intern Alex Haddon.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: July 4th in Indianapolis: Where to see fireworks, festivals, concerts