There's nothing better than spending the Fourth of July weekend surrounded by loved ones.
Independence Day has plenty of events and activities to enjoy, including parades, concerts, and, of course, fireworks displays.
If you love to be the host with the most, the Fourth of July is the perfect occasion to gather your friends and family and throw a patriotic party.
Soak up the early July sunshine with a backyard bash replete with 4th of July party ideas like red, white and blue decorations. You'll get the chance to show off your crackerjack culinary skills with an array of cocktails, burgers, desserts, and other festive fixings.
To keep your holiday spirits high, cue up the ultimate Fourth of July playlist as you man the grill, complete with classics like “Free Bird” and “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Special touches like a photo booth or sparklers will bring some extra pizzazz to your patriotic party.
As the evening begins to wind down, put on a classic Fourth of July film like “The Sandlot” for an extra dose of nostalgia.
No matter what your party holds, your friends and family will cherish the opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July together.
Read on for all of the festive 4th of July party ideas you need to plan an unforgettable holiday.
Set up a hot dog bar
Fire up your grills: it's time for your annual Fourth of July backyard barbecue. Create a festive, decorated table with all the hot dog fixings hungry guests could ever need (or want).
Watch a Fourth of July movie
There are plenty of movies for all ages that will get you into the patriotic spirit, from action films like “Independence Day” to heartwarming classics like “The Sandlot.”
If you're hosting a backyard party, consider investing in a projector and an inflatable movie screen to maximize the experience.
Shake up themed cocktails
Your guests will be delighted by these fun, festive drinks. For more inspiration, check out our list of Fourth of July cocktail ideas.
Stream a Fourth of July party playlist
Get the party started with some of your favorite patriotic songs, from “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd to “God Bless the U.S.A” by Lee Greenwood. Your guests won't be able to resist singing along with these Fourth of July jams.
Make kid-friendly Fourth of July crafts
Kids will love helping you prepare for the party with some homemade Fourth of July crafts. They'll be so proud to decorate your house with their festive flag decor.
Plan a scavenger hunt
Putting together a backyard scavenger hunt is a great activity to keep kids busy and entertained during a party. You can even hide a few patriotic prizes along the way.
Set up classic summer backyard games
There's nothing wrong with a little friendly competition. Get the whole gang involved in a round of cornhole, badminton, or frisbee.
Challenge friends and family with Fourth of July trivia
The Fourth of July is the perfect time to learn more about the history of our country, from 1776 to today.
Bake some festive desserts
Guests will drool over your festive Fourth of July desserts, whether you go with a classic American apple pie or a layered red, white and blue cake.
Set up a photo booth
You'll treasure these funny photos long after the party is over. Add some fun Fourth of July props to make your pics even more Instagram-worthy.
Build a red, white, and blue balloon arch
Balloon sculptures take a little extra time, but the overall effect is more than worth it. Station your balloon arch at the entrance to your party to wow your guests from the beginning.
Set up a water slide
After a few hours outside, you'll need a break from the sweltering July heat. Adding a water element to your party will keep kids (and adults) cool.
Light sparklers
You can't have a Fourth of July celebration without a few fireworks. Just be sure to light your sparklers in a safe area and supervise children closely.
Make driveway chalk art
Kids of all ages will love decorating the driveway with some red, white and blue chalk art. Your sidewalks will soon be just as festive as the rest of your front yard.
Create a themed Fourth of July tablescape
Add some festive flair to your meal with themed decorations and table settings. A star-spangled centerpiece will impress all the guests, and your famous barbecue will taste even better on some red, white, and blue plates.
