Five places to see fireworks around Bloomington this 4th of July holiday

Maya Gray, The Herald-Times
·2 min read

As June wraps up and July approaches, it's almost time for Independence Day. That means days spent splashing in Lake Monroe, munching hot dogs at the county fair and ending the night with a bang (or several). Looking for fireworks shows to celebrate the Fourth? Here are five shows, beginning June 30 and ending July 8, in and around the Bloomington area.

Spectators watch the fireworks show at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in 2016. On June 30, the fairgrounds will host another show to kick off the 2023 fair.
Spectators watch the fireworks show at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in 2016. On June 30, the fairgrounds will host another show to kick off the 2023 fair.

June 30: Monroe County Fairgrounds fireworks

The fireworks display will be Friday, June 30, at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, kicking off the 2023 Monroe County Fair. You can enter through Gate 3 at 6 p.m. with your blankets and lawn chairs. There will be food vendors and live music begins at 8 that night. Admission is donation only. All donations are used to purchase fireworks. The fairgrounds are at 5700 W. Airport Road in Bloomington.

July 2: Owen County fireworks show

Head to Owen County for a free fireworks show at dusk Sunday, July 2, in Spencer. Designated parking areas are IHC Owen County, Owen County Family YMCA, Owen Valley Health Campus, Owen Valley Sports Complex, Spencer-Owen middle and high schools, and Spencer Save-A-Lot. Make a donation to the fireworks fund by visiting the Owen County Community Foundation.

July 2: Fireworks over Lake Monroe

If you’d rather be near Bloomington on Sunday, you can plan to watch fireworks over Lake Monroe. The Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina fireworks show starts at dark, but you’ll want to be there early to get the best spot. To watch from the Fairfax State Recreation Area, you’ll have to pay $7 per vehicle.

July 3: Lake Lemon fireworks display

There will be an Independence Day fireworks celebration on Monday, July 3, at Riddle Point Park at Lake Lemon. They’ll light up the sky around 9:30 p.m. Get there early to get parking. It’ll cost $25 per vehicle, and all proceeds benefit the Lake Lemon Conservancy Fund. Bring your blankets and chairs, and look forward to dining from local food trucks including Pili’s Party Taco and Kona Ice. The park is at 7599 N. Tunnel Road, Unionville.

Bloomington, Ellettsville and Spencer will host fireworks shows in the next couple of weeks.
Bloomington, Ellettsville and Spencer will host fireworks shows in the next couple of weeks.

July 8: Ellettsville fireworks celebration

If the Fourth has passed and you still haven’t seen a show, there's one more chance. The annual Ellettsville fireworks celebration will run from 9-11 p.m. Saturday, July 8. The fireworks will be launched from the cross-country area behind Edgewood High School, at 601 Edgewood Drive, by the Ellettsville Volunteer Fire Department.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Where to see fireworks near Bloomington for the 4th of July