The city of Birmingham will host Thunder on the Mountain, billed as Alabama's largest fireworks display, on the Fourth of July at Vulcan Park and Museum.
At about 9 p.m., the first of more than 2,500 shells and effects will brighten Red Mountain and Vulcan, the largest cast iron statue in the world.
Spectators in the Mountain Brook area can watch the fireworks and listen to a soundtrack, featuring artists such as James Brown, Katy Perry and Neil Diamond, exclusively on iHeart media radio stations in the area.
WBRC Fox 6 TV will broadcast Thunder on the Mountain to a live audience.
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In addition to celebrating the nation's independence, this year's event will mark Birmingham's hosting of the 2022 World Games.
The Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive in Birmingham, will close at 6 p.m. on July 4 to prepare for the show. For more information and tips on viewing, go to www.visitvulcan.com.
The Vulcan statue serves as a symbol of Birmingham and the nation’s iron and steel industry. Designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti and cast from local iron in 1904, Vulcan has overlooked Birmingham from atop Red Mountain since the 1930s.
Thunder on the Mountain is organized by the Vulcan Park Foundation with additional support from City of Birmingham, the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau and Pyro Shows of Alabama.
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Get ready to don that red, white and blue—it’s almost time for the 4th of July weekend. From firework shows to baseball games, here are some fun ways to spend Independence Day around Birmingham.
1. I Love America Night
Vestavia Hills is doing the 4th of July big this year with an early celebration on Thursday, June 23. During I Love America Night, expect:
- Free swimming at the new Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex
- Sponsor booths
- Kids’ activities
- Pops in the Park concert
- Fireworks
FREE Shuttle Rides will be available from 5:30-9:30PM at these locations:
- Dunkin
- (former) Sprouts Market
- Vestavia HIlls City Hall
- Vestavia Hills Library
- WalMart Neighborhood Market
When: Thursday, Jun 23 | 6-9PM
Where: Wald Park, 1973 Merryvale Road Vestavia Hills AL 35216
2. Fourth of July Weekend Paint and Sip
Get artsy during the Fourth of July Weekend Paint and Sip. The theme is “Fourth of July”, so be sure to wear red, white and blue to match your paints.
Limited seating—RSVP.
When: Saturday, July 2 | 1PM
Where:
Birmingham District Brewing Co, 2201 2nd Ave S, #102, Birmingham, AL 35233
Cost: $25+ (includes first drink and paint supplies)
Tickets
3. Fireworks Show 2022 hosted by the City of Alabaster
The City of Alabaster hosts a don’t-miss fireworks show on Saturday, July 2 at Thompson High School.
Viewing areas include:
- All parking areas on school property
- Open meadow areas in front of school
When: Saturday, July 2 | 9PM
Where: Thompson High School, 1921 Warrior Pkwy, Alabaster, AL 35007
Cost: Free admission
4. Fire on the Water
Food vendors, swimming, music AND FIREWORKS all on the water at Oak Mountain State Park? Fire on the Water sounds like the perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July.
When: Sunday, July 3 | 5-9PM
Where: Oak Mountain State Park
Cost:
General park admission fees
5. Birmingham Track Club’s Peavine Falls Run
Join Central Alabama’s 4th of July tradition by participating in the 41st annual Peavine Falls Run. Hosted by the Birmingham Track Club (BTC), join 600 of your closest friends for a great race on a run course at Oak Mountain State Park.
When: Monday, July 4 | 7AM
Where: Oak Mountain State
Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
Cost: $30 | $35 after July 2
Register: Deadline – June 17
6. 4th @ Forge
Spend the evening of Monday, July 4 raising awareness for the Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center during the 4th @ Forge event. This laid-back event features food, fun and a front-row seat to Thunder on the Mountain—Vulcan Park and Museum’s annual firework show. *Be sure to bring a lawn chair to sit and enjoy the show.
When: Monday, July 4 | Event – 7PM | Fireworks – 9PM
Where: 1321 19th St S,
Birmingham, AL 35205
Cost: $15-$45
Tickets
7. Independence Day 1776
Go back in time to Independence Day 1776 during this annual event at American Village in Montevallo. Here’s what to expect:
- 40+ patriotic activities like music and dance, games + encounters with patriots of the past
- The Battle at Concord Bridge
- Fireworks show
- Food trucks
When: Monday, July 4 | Gates open – 11AM | Festivities begin – Noon | Fireworks – 9PM
Where: The American Village, 3727 Highway 119 S, Montevallo, AL 35115
Cost: $5 admission | Veterans,
active military + kids ages 4 and under – Free
8. Birmingham Barons vs. Tennessee Smokies
Don’t miss the Birmingham Barons play against the Tennessee Smokies this 4th of July. Along with hot dogs, beer and baseball, there will also be a fireworks show after the game.
When: Monday, July 4 | 5:30-9:30PM
Where: Regions Field,
1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Cost: $10-$20
Tickets
9. Trussville Freedom Celebration
The Trussville Freedom Celebration is a top event each July 4—perfect for families and friends to celebrate the day outdoors together. Here’s a look at the schedule:
- 5:30PM: Food vendors open
- 6PM: DJ Platinum performs
- 7:30PM: Acts of Congress performs
- 9PM: Fireworks
When: Monday, July 4 | 5:30-9:30PM
Where: Trussville Mall, 360 N Chalkville Rd, Trussville, AL 35173
Cost: Free admission
10. Thunder on the Mountain
It wouldn’t be a true 4th of July without Thunder on the Mountain. This annual and beloved firework show above Vulcan features over 2500 shells and effects that will brighten the sky. The show also includes music from an array of artists with songs expertly timed and choreographed to the firework display.
To view the show:
- Find a viewing spot in downtown Birmingham or Homewood
- Tune in to WBRC Fox 6 for the live stream.
When: Monday, July 4 | 9-9:30PM
Where: Vulcan Park & Museum
Cost: Free
How will you be celebrating the 4th of July? Let us know-tag @bhamnow on social.