It’s summer and 4th of July is approaching fast. If you’re keen to celebrate Independence Day like a true American patriot, 4th of July in Las Vegas is the way to do it this year. With more fireworks displays than you can count, pool parties, barbecues and shows, your trip will be top notch. So get clued up before you go so you know the best places to be.
Getting there
4th July falls on a Thursday this year so naturally the celebrations will commence on Friday 29th June. It is always best to book things like flights, accommodation and car hire waaaaay in advance but just in case you didn’t there are some tricks you can use to find some amazing deals. Try to book early flights as they tend to be the least expensive ones and if you can make it on a Monday or Tuesday morning even better. Also, it might be worth checking airline websites individually as the low cost ones tend to be missed by sites like Expedia, Skyscanner and Kayak.
Tip: If this is a last minute holiday, plan to book the flights on a Tuesday night. Discounts seem to be higher on Tuesdays.
Accommodation-wise go on each hotel’s website and use their promo codes before booking. They’ll be a lot gentler on your budget. The Las Vegas ‘how to’ website has a regularly updated page with this type of stuff.
After celebrating all day you might want to check out the surrounding areas of Las Vegas for the remainder of your holiday.
Celebration time
Fireworks Displays
The Las Vegas skies will be filled with fireworks shows from Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Fireworks Show and Station Casinos – “Station’s 2013 ‘We Love Locals’ July 4th Fireworks Blast”. There is also a competition of the most impressive display during the celebration. You can’t miss it and you will certainly enjoy every minute of it.
Another big celebration is taking place at Desert Breeze Park (Spring Mountain and Durango). It’s a 16 minutes drive there so your hire car will be put to good use. It usually starts around noon and goes on until 10:00 pm or so.
If you wish to celebrate in a more traditional way hop in your car and drive to Boulder City for the Damboree! Boulder City is a half an hour drive from Las Vegas and once there you can reward yourself with a pancake breakfast, a parade and midway booths with the mandatory fireworks show in the evening.
Tip: The fireworks usually begin shortly after sunset so it’s best to be at the chosen viewing location in due time because of the huge amount of people battling over the same spots. Better safe than sorry.
UFC Fight Week
The UFC is on that week from July 3-6 so you have the awesome chance to meet the fighter and interact with your icons at the UFC Fan Expo at Mandalay Bay. There’s nothing better to complete this day than to get an autograph or be a part of fan-inspired special events and competitions.
Tip: All in all the 4th of July will be packed full of tourists so if you want to eat make sure you m
ake dinner reservations. All restaurants will have huge queues so don’t make your stomach wait too long for a delicious American treat.
Others
Henderson Fourth of July Celebration – Mission Hills Park
Thursday July 4, 2013; 6 PM – 9 PM. Fireworks Show at 9pm
Las Vegas 51s July 4th Extravaganza
Thursday July 4th 2013; Game Starts at 7:05pm
The Summerlin Council Independence Day Patriotic Parade
Thursday July 4, 2013; 9:00am
After 4th July
Considering it will be a four day weekend you will have plenty of days left to explore a bit of the area. And seeing that you have the car you must go to Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park and the Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Make sure your car has air conditioning when you book it as these day trips out of Las Vegas will be hot hot hot!