The Inland Northwest’s best ways to celebrate Independence Day this year By Taylor Shillam
The biggest summer holiday is on the way, and this year, the Inland Northwest is more than ready to embrace Fourth of July celebrations. As COVID restrictions lift and holiday gatherings begin to make their return, many annual events that were passed by in 2020 are returning, leaving the region ready to truly set off Independence Day with a bang!
Across North Idaho and into Spokane, a selection of celebratory events are in store for Inland Northwest locals and visitors to take their pick of July 4th festivities.
Coeur d’Alene’s Fourth of July Festival & Parade Coeur d’Alene’s annual Independence Day celebration is back with a parade, festival in the park and Independence Point fireworks show.
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce reported the board has decided in favor of scheduling the city’s annual two-day celebration of Independence Day.
Last year’s festivities and parade were canceled due to COVID-19 safety precautions and restrictions. This year, Coeur d’Alene brings back the community event that annually boosts the economy along with the spirits of locals and visitors to the area.
The weekend-long, family friendly event will kick off in City Park on Saturday, July 3. Vendors and carnival rides will be set up in the park from noon until 7pm that day. Following tradition, the parade will kick off at 11am on the 4th, starting on 15th Street and supported by vendor booths, music and another day of family friendly activities in the City Park, with the fireworks display at dusk presenting the holiday’s grand finale over Lake Coeur d’Alene.
No COVID restrictions are placed on the event, although the Coeur d’Alene Chamber encourages attendees to maintain safe practices while enjoying the holiday.
“As always, it is your right to assess the risks involved, take your own precautions, and come to your own conclusion as to whether to participate in social activities at this time,” they announced.
Independence Day at the Coeur d’Alene Resort The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s 4th Fest is back, offering an evening of family friendly activities culminating in Coeur d’Alene’s fireworks show on the lake.
Ring in the holiday with a lakeside picnic, with the resort offering a dinner buffet, live entertainment, and, of course, the celebratory fireworks show. Tickets are available online, with options available for all ages (plus, children aged 2 and younger dine free). Festivities begin at 6pm, with live music beginning at 8pm and the City of Coeur d’Alene fireworks show kicking off at 9:45pm.
Stay tuned online and on social media as the dinner menu and additional details will be released in the coming weeks!
Spirit Lake Parade & Fireworks Those looking for a chance to beat some of the Fourth of July crowds in a small-town setting can opt for a short trip to Spirit Lake. Spirit Lake will host a morning parade on the Fourth, beginning at 11am, along with an old-fashioned, family friendly celebration in City Park, and to top it all off, evening fireworks.
Harrison’s July 4th Celebration On the south end of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Harrison, Idaho, is expected to have its annual Fourth of July fireworks display sponsored by the Harrison Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy the Independence Day fireworks show on the waterfront, with fireworks expected to begin after dark, at approximately 9pm. Take in the festivities while on your boat, or bring a blanket to watch from the shore. With public docks, beach area, lakeside campground, bike trails and more, Harrison offers a scenic, close-to-home getaway for the holiday.
9B Arenacross & Independence Day Celebration in Bonners Ferry Those looking to get active over the holiday weekend and celebrate a day early can gather at the Boundary County Fairgrounds in Bonners Ferry on Saturday, July 3.
Featuring dirt bike racing for all ages and skill levels, food vendors, product vendors and more, the annual celebration promises an evening of fun for the whole family. Racing starts at 5:30pm, offering plenty of action before the fireworks show lights up the night. Onsite camping is available that Friday through Sunday, plus a selection of additional local camping spots, for families looking to make a full weekend out of their visit!
Fourth of July in Spokane This Fourth of July, the Spokane Indians Baseball Club, City of Spokane Parks and Recreation, Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf, and Spokane Public Schools are banding together to bring the community a socially distant Independence Day celebration.
There will be four drive-in fireworks displays offered separately at the following locations: Avista Stadium, Ferris High School, Dwight Merkel Sports Complex and Plante’s Ferry Sports Stadium.
Locals are encouraged to watch from home if they live near one of the display locations, or opt for a drive-in viewing of the fireworks. According to Visit Spokane, guests who choose to watch from their cars will be asked to leave a parking space between them and the car next to them. There will be approximately 1,700 parking spaces available for use between the four locations.
Riverfront Park will not host a fireworks show this year, but those opting to spend the evening downtown will be encouraged to enjoy the Pavilion Lights Show.
Live Music at Big Barn Brewing Join Green Bluff’s Big Barn Brewing Co. to celebrate an all-ages outdoor event complete with craft beer, music and food trucks. Scheduled for Sunday, July 4, at 2pm, the event will feature live music from the Renner Band, a new Northwest band specializing in well-known music, including country, bluegrass, folk, classic rock and more.
Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series Staying on schedule with the winery’s celebrated summer concert series, July 4 will see One Street Over take the stage at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars. The concert series highlights both well-known and up-and-coming entertainment artists throughout the season in a setting complete with beautiful views, excellent food—and wine!
One Street Over is a multi-genre group based in the Pacific Northwest, featuring performers originally from Nashville. They perform as a power duo, trio, or five-piece band, with the trio taking the stage this Independence Day.
Tickets to the Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series are available online, with the option to reserve VIP seating for a more upscale experience featuring table seating and staffed service.
North Idaho and its surrounding communities are ready to celebrate freedom, independence, community and sweet summertime this Fourth of July. Choose your activity, plan your prime viewing location for your local fireworks show, and enjoy the return of holiday celebrations this Independence Day.
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