We’ll say this for the USA: here, we know how to celebrate! Independence Day is one of the best examples, with millions of parties happening across the country, everyone donning our patriotic colors, and even explosions taking off into the night sky. Suffice it to say, we take the celebration of our country’s independence seriously.
If you’re looking for some fun 4th of July party ideas to make sure your celebration is a cut above the rest, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our favorite 4th of July party ideas to get you in the party-planning spirit.
Embrace the Red, White, and Blue
While there’s no shortage of 4th of July decorations during this time of year, we’ve got some ideas to help you really transform your party into a patriotic plaza.
Start with a Centerpiece
At Fun Services, we believe the most show-stopping parties start with a really outstanding centerpiece (and no, we don’t mean cute little table decorations). Inflatables not only make for great decorations, but the kids will be over the moon when they see a moonwalk, and smiling as they see a waterslide towering over the 4th of July party!
Here are a few of our favorites that match the 4th of July color palette:
- Dual Wave Waterslide
- Red Dog Bounce
- Wipeout Inflatable Game
- The Gladiator Joust (this one is great for older kids or teens!)
Have a Patriotic Spirit Contest
Invite your guests to come decked out in their most patriotic outfits, then throw a contest with prizes for the best dressed. Bonus points for temporary hair dye and face paint!
Speaking of face paint, we have some amazing face painting artists available in Kansas City who can help everyone embrace their patriotic side with unique red, white, and blue designs.
Cater to Independence
Get creative with your catering to offer a colorful spread of fruits, veggies, snacks, and desserts. Some of our favorite 4th of July party ideas really turn the food into part of the theming, like American Flag charcuterie boards or fruit trays, fireworks cupcakes, or for an unforgettable treat, go for red, white, and blue sno-cones!
Showcase American History (But Make It Fun!)
The reason we celebrate this momentous occasion each year is that it’s the day our country became free and independent. Since it’s all about celebrating our history, why not get really revolutionary for this year’s 4th of July party?
You can take this concept so many different directions, but here are a few ideas to add a touch of history to your 4th of July party:
- Throw it back to the wild, wild west with inflatable pony rides
- Use decor to represent each state’s unique culture (for example, the Lil Kahuna Waterslide for Hawaii)
- Embrace nostalgia with vintage American favorites, like a fun day at the fair
- Honor the continuing fight for freedom and equality by creating table themes for heroes of American history such as Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, and our Founding Fathers
Don’t Forget the Fireworks!
It wouldn’t be a 4th of July party without fireworks! Every state, county, and city will have different limitations on the personal use of fireworks, so keep those in mind while making your plans. In both Kansas City and St. Louis, there are strict laws about fireworks purchase and use, so we recommend checking out some of the favorite local fireworks displays to wrap up your celebration in style. Not sure where to go? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered:
4th of July Fireworks in Kansas City
The Star Spangled Spectacular
Where: Corporate Woods Office Park in Overland Park
When: Tuesday, July 4 from 6:00pm-10:30pm
Stars and Stripes Picnic
Where: The National WWI Museum and Memorial, south grounds
When: TBD
Fireworks in the Park
Where: Pierson Park
When: TBD
4th of July Fireworks in St. Louis
Webster Groves Fireworks
Where: Memorial Field in Webster Groves, MO
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 9:30pm
Fair St. Louis
Where: Kiener Plaza & Ballpark Village
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 9:30pm (unconfirmed)
St. Charles Riverfest
Where: Riverside Drive, St. Charles, MO
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 9:20pm
Make This 4th of July a Star-Spangled Success
When you decide to host a 4th of July party, it can feel like a huge undertaking. There are so many things to think about, from the food to the entertainment to the guest list, and it can get overwhelming fast! That’s why we love creating guides like this to ease the brainstorming sessions and add a little fun to the preparation. We also fill our rentals with practical essentials like tables, tents, and other event extras so you can grab everything you need in one place.
O say, can you see it now? The best 4th of July party ever? We sure can—and we’d love to be a part of it! Contact us to learn more about how we can make this Independence Day the most fun one yet for your friends and family.