We shared these can’t-miss July 4th celebrations with our friends at COSY FM this morning, and now we’re bringing all the details straight to you. Whether you love high-flying thrills, finger-licking barbecue, or a stroll through Michigan history, West Michigan has the perfect holiday itinerary.
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
Dates: July 2 – 6, 2025
Location: Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field
Kick off your West Michigan Fourth with the state’s most spectacular mash-up of sights and sounds. More than 50 hot-air balloons color the dawn and dusk skies, while daytime crowds roar for the U.S. Navy Super Hornet Rhinos, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-35 Lightning II, Golden Knights parachute team, and the Jack Ace’s Mustang squadron. Add drone demos, live rock, country, soul, and blues, a full midway of carnival rides, endless food-truck fare, shopping, and nightly fireworks, and you’ve got the hottest ticket of the summer—starting at just $5. Check the full schedule online and arrive early for prime turf along the flight line.
FireRock Grille Firecracker BBQ Buffet & Fireworks
Date & Time: July 3, 5:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: FireRock Grille, Caledonia
If your perfect West Michigan July 4th revolves around great food and an easygoing vibe, reserve a table at FireRock Grille’s annual Firecracker BBQ Buffet. Ribs, brisket, BBQ chicken, summer pies, and all the fixings fuel your evening while lawn games keep the kids busy. Local favorites The Sonic Pirates provide live tunes, and the night wraps with a booming fireworks display you can enjoy right from the lawn. Prices are budget-friendly—$29 for adults, $15 for kids 5–12, and littles under 4 eat free—so bring the whole crew and start the holiday a day early.
Historic Charlton Park Old-Fashioned Fourth of July
Date & Time: July 4, noon – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Historic Charlton Park, Hastings
Step back to a simpler time for a classic small-town Independence Day. Wander Charlton Park’s authentic turn-of-the-century village, stretch out along beautiful Thornapple Lake, or explore more than three miles of wooded trails. A patriotic flag-raising kicks off the afternoon, followed by a Veterans’ BBQ buffet fundraiser, old-fashioned lawn games, and a spirited silent pie auction. Admission to the park and village is free; buffet tickets support local veterans. Note that festivities wind down at 3 p.m.—perfect timing to head out for evening fireworks elsewhere in West Michigan.
Plan Your West Michigan Independence Day
From jaw-dropping jet teams in Battle Creek to finger-lickin’ ribs in Caledonia and nostalgic fun in Hastings, West Michigan delivers every flavor of Fourth of July adventure. Book your tickets, make those dinner reservations, and keep tuning in to COSY FM and our blog for real-time updates on the best West Michigan summer events, festivals, and family getaways. We’ll see you under the fireworks!
