Where to see fireworks and celebrate Fourth of July in, near Jackson

Celebrate the Fourth of July at these free events with fireworks displays in the Jackson area.

Independence Day is always an exciting holiday in Mississippi with burgers and hot dogs sizzling on the grill and the dazzling displays of fireworks.

This year is even more special as America celebrates its 250th birthday. It is a celebration of a milestone not to be missed and the fireworks displays will be spectacular.

If you live in the Jackson area there are plenty of events to choose from and not all of them are on Saturday, July 4, so you can go and enjoy more than one. To make them even better, the events are free.

So, here are some of the area events that include fireworks where you can celebrate America 250.

Jackson Fireworks Extravaganza

• When: 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 1
• Where: Smith Wills Stadium, 1200 Lakeland Drive, Jackson
• Admission: Free

The City of Jackson is hosting its Fireworks Extravaganza starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Smith Wills Stadium.

Before the fireworks, guests can enjoy local food vendors and live entertainment. The event also will include a kid zone with water slides, bounce houses, face painting and games.

Independence Celebration at The Rez

• When: Saturday, June 27, 5-9 p.m.
• Where: Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore and Old Trace Park
• Admission: Free

Celebrate Independence Day Rez-style at the Ross Barnett Reservoir. The event takes place the Saturday before the Fourth of July at Bobby Cleveland Park at Lakeshore and Old Trace Park.

Live music, kid zones, food vendors and beer will be on hand. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. No outside coolers are allowed.

Freedom Fest

• When: 6 to 10 p.m., Friday, July 3
• Where: Brandon Amphitheater, 8190 Rock Way, Brandon
• Admission: Free

Brandon’s complimentary Freedom Fest will be a kick-off to the holiday weekend celebrations. The event will include inflatables for the kids, a Cornhole tournament, face painting, food trucks and will close with a patriotic concert and fireworks display.

Red, White and Blue Fest

• When: 4 p.m., Saturday, July 4
• Where: Soccer Row, Traceway Park, Clinton
• Admission: Free

The 36th annual Red, White and Blue Fest in Clinton starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Local live music, food and games lead up to the fireworks finale at 9 p.m. Live music performances include blues prodigy John Clayton White at 5:30 p.m. and The Fountain City Players at 7:15 p.m.

Brian Broom has been reporting on and photographing Mississippi for more than 35 years. He can be reached at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.