The biggest fireworks show in the Midwest is finally here!
Red, White & Boom! 2018 is expected to draw 500,000 spectators to downtown Columbus. With that many people headed here, you may be wondering where the best spots to watch the spectacular show are? Luckily, we’ve got you covered from traditional viewing areas to spots that may have never crossed your mind.
Obviously, the best RWB viewing will be downtown, and there are plenty of festivities leading up to the fireworks. Bicentennial Park has some of the best viewing and is adjacent to some of the best activities, including Food Truck Alley, alcohol stands, live music and more. Plan to arrive early to snag a prime spot.
Civic Center Drive
Another prime viewing location, Civic Center Drive is right next to NBC4’s Boom! Central set. It’s also along the parade route and close to an alcohol vendor and public restrooms. You’ll definitely want to get there early to stake out a spot.
West Long Street
West Long Street is also one of the best areas downtown to watch the show. It’s adjacent to alcohol stands, public restrooms and a first aid stand and isn’t too far away from Party on the Park or Children’s Park. This is another spot where the early bird gets the worm.
Head over to Huntington Park for Ballpark Boom 2018. Cover bands British Invasion and Hard Day’s Night will perform, and there are “extreme” activities on the field for children 12 years and older and inflatable activities for children ages 12 and under. Click or tap here to order tickets.
If you still want a great view but want a slightly smaller crowd, head over to Dodge Park. You’ll still want to arrive early to claim your spot, but you’ll have more breathing room.
Another popular spot known for good views and fewer spectators, Scioto Audubon is a perennial favorite for those avoiding all the action downtown. Again, be sure to stake out your spot early because even though the crowd is smaller than downtown, it’s still a bit crowded.
If you prefer drinks with your fireworks, check out BrewDog’s Franklinton location. The rooftop patio is the perfect viewing spot for the show with a laid-back atmosphere.
Want to avoid the crowds and the traffic? Head over to Goodale Park! Granted, it’s not the most spectacular view of the show, but it is much less crowded and depending on where you live in the city, you likely won’t have to fight bumper-to-bumper traffic going home.
Although it’s a bit out of the way, Berliner Park still offers a great view of the fireworks with plenty of space for spectators to spread out.
At home!
Don’t want to even think about being around crowds or dealing with traffic? No worries! You can watch Red, White and Boom! right here on NBC4. Our coverage begins at 8pm with all the pre-fireworks festivities and the fireworks start at 10pm.
