Most 4th of July fireworks start around 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. , with many big city shows beginning near 9:25 p.m. and lasting about 20–30 minutes.

Typical timing

  • Smaller local shows: often start after sunset, usually around 9:00 p.m.
  • Major city displays: commonly start around 9:15–9:30 p.m.
  • Special events: some begin earlier or later depending on the schedule and location.

Example

For a recent major NYC show, fireworks were scheduled to begin around 9:25 p.m..

What to do

If you’re going to one in your area, check the local event listing, because exact start times vary by city and venue.