Lakewood is turning July Fourth into an all-day neighborhood blowout, with a morning parade, a hometown youth orchestra show on the Lakewood Park bandstand, and a lakefront fireworks finale. The parade is set to roll at 10:00 a.m. along Lake Avenue, The Lakewood Project hits the stage at 7:00 p.m., and the city plans to light up the sky around 9:45 p.m.
Schedule and route
The city’s July Fourth parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. from Lake Avenue at Kenneth Drive and heads east to Lakewood Park, wrapping up by midmorning, according to the City of Lakewood, Ohio. Leading the way this year will be the undefeated Lakewood Rangers varsity baseball team and its coaching staff as grand marshals, per City of Lakewood.
Evening entertainment
The Lakewood Project, Lakewood High School’s electric rock orchestra, will put on its annual pre-fireworks concert at the Lakewood Park bandstand starting at 7:00 p.m., according to Lakewood City Schools. The group is scheduled to play straight through to the start of the fireworks show, making the bandstand a prime spot to stake out if you want music right up to the grand finale.
Fireworks, park rules and safety
The city plans to launch the fireworks display at approximately 9:45 p.m. over Lakewood Park, with a slate of special park rules in effect for the night, per the City of Lakewood, Ohio. Pets are not allowed in the park, and personal fireworks, gas grills, tents and umbrellas are all prohibited. Parking in the Lakewood Park lot ends at 5:00 p.m., after which vehicles may be towed. Police may conduct bag searches, and some park facilities are expected to close earlier in the evening.
Plan ahead
The parade typically winds down around 11:30 a.m., so spectators are encouraged to get there early if they want a prime viewing spot. Lake.com recommends arriving before 9:30 a.m. for more comfortable route-side positioning. Expect heavier traffic and tight parking around Lakewood Park, and for last-minute schedule or weather updates, follow City of Lakewood on Facebook.
