Columbus Fourth of July fireworks 2027

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. The 2027 details are not out yet, so the times and places below are from the July 4, 2026, celebrations, as published by Uptown Columbus, the City of Phenix City and the Visit Columbus events calendar.

Columbus watches its Fourth of July fireworks over the Chattahoochee River, shared with Phenix City, Alabama, across the water from Uptown. In 2026 the show marked America’s 250th birthday, and Uptown Columbus billed it as the longest fireworks show in Columbus and Phenix City history. The Fourth of July 2027 falls on a Sunday. We will add the 2027 times here as soon as the organizers publish them.

The short version (from 2026)

• Columbus side: Uptown Columbus watch party, Woodruff Park, 5 to 10 p.m., free
• Alabama side: Phenix City Amphitheater, 508 Dillingham St., gates at 4 p.m. Eastern, free
• Bring: chairs and blankets; no coolers, outside food or bookbags in Woodruff Park
• Questions: Uptown Columbus, info@uptowncolumbusga.com; Phenix City Parks and Recreation through phenixcityal.gov
• Emergencies: 911

Woodruff Park watch party

Uptown Columbus ran a free watch party at Woodruff Park on the Columbus riverfront, from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Food and drinks were sold inside the park, and live music carried across the river from the Phenix City bands. The park had controlled entry, and outside food, coolers and bookbags were not allowed in the event area.

Phenix City Amphitheater

The City of Phenix City held its free celebration at the Phenix City Amphitheater, 508 Dillingham St., with gates at 4 p.m. Eastern time, the city said. The evening had live music, a food truck court, a beer garden and the fireworks.

Daytime events in 2026

From the Visit Columbus events calendar:

• FreedomFest 1776-2026, National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, 1775 Legacy Way, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free. Listing.
• Independence Day at Port Columbus, National Civil War Naval Museum, 1002 Victory Drive, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with museum tours, food trucks and live entertainment. Listing.
• Jazz America 250, Columbus Jazz Society, Swift Park, 2301 Front Ave., 6 to 9 p.m. Listing.

Getting there and parking

Uptown Columbus keeps a parking guide for the decks and street parking near the river. Expect riverfront streets to be busy from late afternoon. See our getting around Columbus guide and the road closures page, refreshed weekly.

Safety

• Keep children back from the river’s edge.
• Pets are safer at home; fireworks frighten most dogs.
• If you set off your own fireworks, check Columbus and Georgia rules first and keep a bucket of water handy. Call 911 for any fire.

What this means for you

• The Fourth of July 2027 is a Sunday; watch this page for times.
• Both riverfront parties were free in 2026.
• Leave the cooler at home if you plan to watch from Woodruff Park.

More: things to do in Columbus this month and parks and trails.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Fourth of July fireworks in Columbus, Georgia?

Over the Chattahoochee River between Uptown Columbus and Phenix City. In 2026 Uptown Columbus held a free watch party at Woodruff Park from 5 to 10 p.m., and Phenix City held a free celebration at the Phenix City Amphitheater.

Are the Columbus July 4 fireworks free?

Yes. Both the 2026 Uptown Columbus watch party and the Phenix City Amphitheater celebration were free to attend.

Can I bring a cooler to the Woodruff Park fireworks watch party?

Not in 2026. Uptown Columbus said Woodruff Park had controlled entry and did not allow outside food, coolers or bookbags; food and drinks were sold inside.

What else is there to do in Columbus on the Fourth of July?

In 2026 the National Infantry Museum held a free FreedomFest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Port Columbus held an Independence Day celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the Columbus Jazz Society played Swift Park in the evening.