4th Of July In Memphis: Fireworks, Picnics, and Outdoor Fun (2020)

The 4th of July in Memphis and the Mid-South will be different this year, but you can still enjoy the holiday safely with social distancing, mask-wearing, and fun outdoor activities!

Pack a picnic and face coverings (and sunscreen!) and head to a local park with your household, or join in one of the Memphis area’s adjusted “Independence Day” celebrations.

Here’s a handy guide to Where To Buy A Face Mask In Memphis/Mid-South.

Want to add something to the list? Just submit it to the blog here.

Collierville Patriotic Porches

City of Collierville, July 3 -5, free, all ages/kid-friendly

Collierville residents are encouraged to decorate their front porches, yards, balconies, mailboxes, etc. with “displays of patriotic pride”—and register to be included in the self-guided driving tour via the entry form by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 26th. After that, a Google map of decorated homes will be available (presumably on Facebook) and you can drive around and enjoy them July 3-5.

Please post pictures of your display to social media using the hashtag #Collierville4th!

Cooper Young Virtual July 4th Celebration

Online, July 4, all day, free all ages/kid-friendly

This is an online photo submission event, so dress up yourself, your kids, and your pets, decorate your houses, and submit photos via Instagram with the hashtag #CYJULY4 or email them to info@cooperyoung.org. Submit my midnight on July 4th for prizes.

Flag City Freedom Celebration

USA Stadium in Millington, July 2, Gates open at 6 p.m., free (parking $5), all ages/kid-friendly

Millington knows how to throw down for Independence Day, and they aren’t stopping this year. There is very limited parking ($5) and the gates open at 6 p.m. for a sundown fireworks show. They are asking attendees to “social distance from other families” and “we also recommend wearing a face mask”.

You can bring picnics, coolers, blankets, and lawn chairs, and they’ll have concessions. No pets, lasers, personal fireworks, grills, fires, or political campaigning allowed. A note from I Love Memphis: Please be careful and prepare if you plan to attend. This is one of the only fireworks shows this year and is sure to be even more packed than usual. Plan to stay away from others, and wear a mask.

Movies & Music at The Grove

Germantown Performing Arts Center, July 1-5, all ages/most are kid-friendly

GPAC’s new outdoor seating area is open! They’ll screen movies on the Video Wall and have some music and a food truck. Attendance is limited and must be reserved in advance; in fact, one of the screenings is already sold out. Go to GPAC’s website to purchase your tickets ASAP.

You can bring chairs and kids, and purchase drinks from the full bar and food from the food truck. “Doors” open at 5:30 p.m. and the movies start at 6:30 p.m. I’d suggest parents research the movies ahead of time to determine if it’s appropriate for their family.

Here’s the GPAC Movies schedule for this week:

Searching For Sugar Man: Wednesday, July 1 at 5:30 p.m. (with Jim Spake Duo and El Mero Taco)

Loving Vincent: Thursday, July 2 at 5:30 p.m. (with Amy LaVere + Will Sexton and Cousins Maine Lobster)

July 3 showing is sold out.

Captain America: The First Avenger + Digital Fireworks: Saturday, July 4 (video DJ Mark Anderson and Memphis Mojo Cafe)

Captain America: The First Avenger + Digital Fireworks: Sunday, July 5 (video DJ Mark Anderson and Stick ‘Em Food Truck)

Quintessential Summer Celebration #FiveDaysInMemphis

Parks along downtown’s riverfront, July 1-5, all ages/kid-friendly

Instead of everyone swarming to Mud Island for fireworks this year, the MRPP is encouraging five days of riverfront fun. No fireworks this year. Every day’s offerings will be the same, so consider going on a day besides the 4th to beat the crowds.

Here’s what the weeklong choose-your-own adventure will include:

lunch and dinner deals from Downtown restaurants, including picnic packages

designated picnic areas in Tom Lee Park, marked for social distancing

Mighty Lights nightly shows on Hernando de Soto and Harahan Bridges

Kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and sunset paddle rentals. More details here.

Bike rentals from Explore Bike Share.

Discounts on attractions and museums (check the FB event or search #fivedaysinmemphis)

Parks will have a kids’ adventure to complete and receive a “badge” from 4 th Cup at the completion

Search #fivedaysinmemphis to find other activities, partners, and deals.

Southaven July 4th Fireworks Celebration

Snowden Grove Amphitheater, July 4, 9 p.m., free

Southaven is going ahead with their annual 4th of July fireworks, with some major changes for this year. It will be fireworks only, no music or food vendors. Chair backs in the amphitheater will be closed, so bring your blankets and stay distant from other families. They’re suggesting alternate places to watch: Snowden House lawn, the parking lots at the BankPlus Sports Center, Snowden Grove, Snowden Grove tennis, and the Spingfest BBQ area. The playground will be closed.