Go big for July 4! Top fireworks and events across the United States

(CNN) — Although many people view Memorial Day as the American holiday that unofficially kicks off summer, it could be argued that the Fourth of July is summer’s biggest, best holiday.

Gatherings often involve hot dogs and hamburgers and ice cream, not to mention those colorful explosions in the sky, otherwise known as fireworks.

Check out these big July 4 events sure to please the fireworks fan, parade seeker and eating-contest enthusiast.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

Jennifer Hudson has recorded a special rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to be played at the event, and musical guests including Luke Bryan, Maren Morris and Brad Paisley will all be performing as well.

Washington, D.C., Fourth of July Celebration

Big and Loud: This is how Washington’s National Mall Fireworks are described on the National Park Service’s website. Snagging a spot on the coveted steps of the Lincoln Memorial won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Still, there are plenty of viewing areas in and around the D.C. area on July 4 — try one of the city’s rooftop bars or catch them from across the river in Arlington — if you’d prefer to avoid the massive crowds sure to be gathered in the National Mall area.

This year, President Donald Trump will be delivering his “Salute to America” speech from the Lincoln Memorial from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET, so expect heightened security in the area.

Granbury’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

Presented by the Granbury Chamber of Commerce in this Texas town, about 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth, the 4th of July celebration is a three and a half-day affair. You can bet this means there’s a lot more than just fireworks on the agenda.

CEO Mike Scott says they’re expecting somewhere around 50,000-100,000 people to attend the events, but he noted that the parade alone draws a crowd upward of 20,000 folks. Those are impressive numbers for a town with a population of less than 10,000.

The celebration takes place in the historic townhouse square. Purchase a beer from one of the bars on the square’s perimeter (open containers are OK here) before grabbing a bite from one of the many popular food vendors. From fruit kabobs drizzled in chocolate to classic Filipino dishes, the food scene is a draw in and of itself.

Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks

Boasting 50 free events in celebration of America’s birthday, Philadelphia’s 4th of July celebration doesn’t mess around.

Museum lovers will appreciate the free admission to some of the city’s most popular museums, and attractions such as the National Museum of American Jewish History, and music lovers won’t want to miss a second of the (free!) outdoor concerts. In 2019, catch performances by Jennifer Hudson and Meghan Trainor.

The main events are, of course, the fireworks displays — and, yes, that is displays, plural. Catch the first show over the Delaware River waterfront and the second above the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where for the first time, you’ll also be able to see a live performance by the US Army Field Band on the museum’s steps.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Each year on July 4, the famed Boston Pops Orchestra puts on a patriotic music and fireworks show that sets the standard for the United States. This beloved event is free, and gates open three hours before the show.

If you’re a fan of Queen Latifah, Arlo Guthrie or America’s Got Talent stars Amanda Mena and The Texas Tenors, then you’re in luck, because they will all be performing at the event.

If you can’t make the July 4 show or just want to attend something less packed, there’s a concert minus the fireworks on July 3.

The Hot Dog Eating Contest

2018’s winners of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, men’s champion Joey Chestnut and women’s champion Miki Sudo, ate 74 and 45 hot dogs, respectively. It was Chesnut’s 11th Mustard Belt; will this year make it 12?

If you can’t physically get yourself to the corner of Surf Avenue and Stillwell in Brooklyn’s Coney Island, you can still watch the eating competition by tuning into ESPN for its live coverage of this determinedly patriotic event.

Legend has it that in 1916 four friends made a friendly wager on which of them was the most patriotic. They decided the winner would be the man who consumed the most hot dogs. Today, it lives on and is an Independence Day highlight for eating contest spectators and wannabe contestants.

AJC Peachtree Road Race

Looking to jump start this most patriotic of holidays with a heart-rate boost? First run in 1970 with a total of 110 finishers, the AJC Road Race — a 10K — has grown exponentially. The finish-line swag may contribute to the race’s popularity; Jay Holder, director of marketing for the Atlanta Track Club, says that the shirt is indeed “noteworthy.”

Every year, hundreds of local artists submit their designs, and the public chooses from the top five contenders.

“The winning design is a closely guarded secret only revealed on race day when the first runners cross.” It’s an exciting event for both runners and spectators and may help justify any lack of restraint demonstrated at any post-race barbecue you’ll be attending. Hey, it takes energy to cheer from the sidelines.

Cleveland Rock N’ Boom

Though celebrating July 4 from a science museum may not seem like a traditional holiday experience, the Great Lakes Science Center is offering one of the most unusual views in town to witness Cleveland’s fireworks display.

Guests will be able to experience the show from the deck of the historic 618-foot Steamship William G. Mather, which first set sail in 1925.

If you’d rather witness the fireworks from the shore, you can opt for the Blossom Music Center’s “Salute to America” celebration in the stunning Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Blossom Festival Band will be playing a mix of patriotic favorites and Broadway hits. Remember to buy your tickets in advance through their website.

Some bonus places

CNN’s Forrest Brown and Isabela Espadas Barros Leal contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared here