Where to watch 4th of July 2023 fireworks in Memphis and DeSoto County

Sparks will fly, music will play, and spectators will ooh and aah throughout the Mid-South, as Memphis and its neighbors host their annual Independence Day celebrations.

In other words: Happy birthday to U — as in U.S.A.

The options for pyrotechnics and associated activities are many. So here is a guide to the area's Fourth of July (more or less) activities.

Arlington: Star-Spangled Spectacular

The town hosts its 10th annual "Spectacular," with food, live music and fireworks.

When: 5-8:30 p.m. June 30

Where: Arlington Sports Complex, 11307 Memphis Arlington Road

Details: townofarlington.org/special_events/fireworks/index.php

Graceland: All-American Weekend

The mansion will be lit in red, white and blue as the famous home in Memphis hosts fireworks — set to Elvis music, of course — at about 8 p.m. (or shortly after sunset) on July 2. Guests are invited to bring blankets to sit on the lawn near the entrance to Elvis Presley's Memphis. The fireworks show is free, but it caps a weekend of ticketed "All-American" activities that include an Elvis tribute concert, a "Viva Las Vegas" sing-along screening, a Blackwood Brothers gospel brunch, a barbecue dinner and more.

When: June 30 to July 2

Where: Graceland and Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment complex

Details: graceland.com/july-4

Horn Lake: Grand Fireworks Display & Festival

Live music will precede the pyrotechnics. Attendees are invited to bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs to enjoy the spectacle.

When: 4 p.m. until dark, July 1

Where: Latimer Lakes Park, 5633 Tulane Road

Details: visitdesotocounty.com/events/detail/grand-fireworks-display

Memphis Redbirds: Red, White & Boom

The city's Class AAA baseball team is hosting more Fourth of July-connected activities than you can shake a Roman candle or baseball bat at.

Dubbed "Red, White & Boom," the four-day home-stand celebration includes fireworks after the team's July 1 and July 3 games against the Nashville Sounds.

The promotion for the June 30 game is a bobblehead figure depicting St. Louis Cardinals infielder Tommy Edman, to be given free to the first 1,500 fans. In addition, a 2-hour, "all-you-can-eat pig roast" buffet featuring smoked pork, potatoes, corn, rolls, hot dogs and more will be available to fans who purchase a special "pig roast" ticket.

The next day, free Redbirds "Powder Blue Jersey" will be given to the first 1,500 fans at the July 1 game. The July 1 fireworks are sponsored Tennessee Lottery and co-hosted by the Downtown Memphis Commission, because "so many of our out-of-town and in-town visitors look forward to seeing fireworks in the Downtown skies," said DMC President Paul Young. The DMC is giving away free tickets to the game; for more information, visit downtownmemphis.com.

The July 2 game against Nashville will not feature fireworks (unless the Redbird hitters get hot, ha ha), but the give-away will be a free Redbirds "Hawaiian" shirt for the first 1,500 fans. In addition, kids 12 and under will receive a free ice cream treat, provided by Prairie Farms. After the game, kids 12 and under can participate in another treat: They can go down on the field and run the bases.

July 3, another 1,500 Tommy Edman bobbleheads will be given away. The Redbirds will wear special Independence Day-themed jerseys and hats, and the food promotion is all-you-can-eat nachos. Also, local celebrity speed painter Jessica Haas will create a painting during the performance of the national anthem. Sponsored by AutoZone, the postgame fireworks will "set a new record" as "the largest fireworks shows in AutoZone Park history," according to the Redbirds.

When: 6:35 p.m. July 1-3

Where: AutoZone Park

Details: milb.com/memphis/news/redbirds-announce-red-white-and-boom-celebration

Memphis: Liberty for All at Liberty Park

Presented in conjunction with the Downtown Memphis Commission, the City of Memphis holds its official Independence Day event at Liberty Park for the second straight year, while redesign work continues along the river in the traditional home for the city's Fourth of July fireworks, Tom Lee Park. Dubbed "Liberty for All," this evening of "Fireworks, Food & Fun" promises food trucks; face painting and "inflatables" and other kid-friendly activities; and live music by DJ Zoom and Jonte Mayon & Friends. Admission and parking are free; the fireworks are scheduled to go off about 9 p.m.

When: 5-9 p.m. July 3

Where: Liberty Park (the old Fairgrounds)

Details: memphistn.gov/news/liberty-for-all-event/

Collierville: Independence Day Celebration

Music begins at 7 p.m. Alice Hasen & the Blaze (described on the town website as "a fiddle-powered groove band"), followed by the Soul Shockers (who will offer "a mix of classic 60's Motown, 70's funk, and today's top dance hits"). The 18-minute fireworks show that begins at 9:30 p.m. is described as "one of the largest in the Mid-South."

When: 6-10 p.m. July 3

Where: H.W. Cox Park, 440 W. Powell Road

Details: colliervilletn.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/336/17?toggle=allupcoming

Bartlett: Fireworks Extravaganza

Food trucks, a "Classic Car" show and musical performances by the Bartlett Community Concert Band followed by Kevin and Bethany Paige precede the fireworks.

When: 6-9:30 p.m. July 3

Where: Bobby K. Flaherty Municipal Center, 3730 Appling Road

Details: cityofbartlett.org/710/Fireworks-Extravaganza

Hernando: Children's Bike Parade

Kids are invited to decorate their bicycles, tricycles and other velocipedal conveyances to participate in a patriotic parade that begins at Hernando Baptist Church, a few blocks from the courthouse. Members of the Hernando Police Department will be present, to hand out bike helmets and give bike safety instructions to the children.

When: 6:30 p.m. July 3

Where: Hernando Historic Courthouse, 2535 U.S. 51

Details: visitdesotocounty.com/events/detail/bike-parade-around-the-square

Olive Branch: Celebrate Your Independence Fireworks & Festival

A patriotic celebration with food, music and the works (i.e., fireworks).

When: 4 p.m. until dark, July 3

Where: Olive Branch City Park, 8267 Goodman Road

Details: visitdesotocounty.com/events/detail/independence-day-celebration

Southaven: Fireworks Extravaganza

DeSoto County continues to prove itself Independence Day Central with yet another civic celebration.

When: 4 p.m. until after dark, July 4

Where: Snowden Grove Park, 33335 Pine Tar Alley

Details: visitdesotocounty.com/events/detail/fireworks-extravaganza-festival

Hernando: Front Porch Fireworks & Festival

The Mississippi town hosts a day of food trucks and other vendors, DJ-provided music, "Kids Zone" activities, and, of course, climactic pyrotechnics.

When: 4 p.m. until after dark, with fireworks at 9 p.m., July 4

Where: Civic Center Ball Fields, (3800 Robertson Gin Rd.

Details: cityofhernando.org

Cooper-Young: 4th of July Parade

Billed on its Facebook page as a "VERY CHILL" parade, this Midtown Memphis neighborhood tradition, organized by the Cooper-Young Community Association is family-friendly, with face painting, frozen-treat trucks and other kid-oriented activities.

When: 10 a.m. July 4

Where: Begins at Peabody Elementary School, 2086 Young

Details: facebook.com/events/1018353792658045

Germantown: Fireworks Extravaganza

Says the website: "Celebrate the nation’s birthday with live music, moon bounces, games, crafts, refreshments and a spectacular fireworks display."

When: 5-10 p.m. July 4

Where: Municipal Park, 1900 S. Germantown Road 

Details: germantown-tn.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/39391/562?curm=7&cury=2023

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 4th of July fireworks: Guide to watch around Memphis, DeSoto County