Sparkling Celebrations: Fourth of July Fireworks in New Canaan & Nearby Towns (2025)

Nothing says “summer in Fairfield County” like a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show lighting up the night sky. Families across our area eagerly await these festive displays – and this year’s lineup in New Canaan and surrounding towns promises plenty of boom for your buck. From community cookouts and concerts to seaside pyrotechnics, here are the best family-friendly fireworks events for July 4th, 2025 and beyond. We’ve gathered the key details – where to go, when to arrive, how to get passes, and fun extras – so you can plan an unforgettable Independence Day outing. Grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and get ready to celebrate America’s birthday in style!

New Canaan – Waveny Park Family Fourth Fireworks (July 4, 2025)

New Canaan’s own celebration takes place at Waveny Park on Friday, July 4. This beloved “Family Fourth” event is residents-only and tickets are required, but it delivers an idyllic hometown experience. Gates open at 5:00 PM, giving New Canaan families time to spread out blankets and enjoy pre-show fun. Kids will love the bouncy houses, and everyone can grab dinner or treats from an array of food trucks while a live band sets a festive mood. When darkness falls (around 9:00–9:15 PM), an impressive fireworks show will burst over the park’s great lawn, dazzling the crowd.

• Location: Waveny Park, 677 South Ave, New Canaan. (Entrance for the event is via the South Avenue gate; Lapham Road is exit-only for traffic flow).
• Tickets/Passes: All attendees must purchase a pass – every car or walking group needs one. Passes cost $35 per vehicle/group in advance (available May 1–July 2) and $40 on July 4th. They are available only to New Canaan residents (proof of residency required). Passes bought by June 20 were mailed; after that, they must be picked up at the Rec Dept. No passes are sold at Waveny gate except day-of (11 AM–3 PM at the pool), so plan ahead!
• Parking & Entry: Only cars with a valid Family Fourth pass can enter Waveny. Have your pass displayed on your dashboard upon arrival. All vehicles must enter via South Avenue; police will direct all cars to exit via Lapham Road after the show. Walk-ins (for those who live nearby or park at New Canaan High School) are allowed but must also carry a paid pass for your group. No pass, no entry – even pedestrians will be checked, since the event is 100% funded by pass sales.
• Family Fun: The atmosphere is community picnic style. Bring your cooler and chairs to enjoy the afternoon. The park will have food trucks, live music, and even bouncy castles for kids – plenty to keep the family entertained before the fireworks. Closer to dusk, the New Canaan Town Band and other entertainment typically play patriotic tunes.
• Rules to Note: No dogs are allowed at Waveny that day. Personal fireworks, sparklers, drones, grills, and open flames are also prohibited on site.
• Rain Dates: New Canaan has two backup dates in case of bad weather – Saturday, July 5, or Saturday, July 12. Hold onto your pass; it will be honored on the rescheduled date.

Darien – Parks & Rec “Fireworks Spectacular” at DHS (July 11, 2025)

Darien wraps up the holiday week with its annual Fireworks Spectacular show hosted by Parks & Recreation at Darien High School. Mark your calendar for Friday, July 11 (with a rain date of July 12) and get ready for an evening filled with fun for all ages. This town party feels like a summer carnival meets patriotic concert. Gates open at 6:30 PM (entry via Noroton Avenue only), and the DHS campus green quickly comes alive with music, food and laughter. The Darien Community Band will perform live, setting a cheerful tone. Kids can get their faces painted and grab glow-in-the-dark wands and necklaces to light up the night. An assortment of food trucks will be on site – from pizza and barbecue to ice cream – so families can picnic on the field. Fireworks are scheduled for about 9:15 PM, once the sky is fully dark, and they’ll be choreographed to music for a dazzling “synchronized sound and light” experience.

• Location: Darien High School (80 High School Ln, Darien). All vehicle traffic must enter from Noroton Ave.
• Parking Passes: If you plan to drive, you’ll need a resident parking pass from Darien Parks & Rec. Passes cost $30 per vehicle and went on sale June 23 through July 9. They can be bought online via the Darien Recreation website or in person at Town Hall (Room 110). Passes must be picked up by July 9 and displayed on your dashboard. No passes will be sold at the gate. Walk-ins are free and welcome.
• Family Activities: Come early to enjoy the live music by Darien’s own community band and face-painting stations for kids. Food trucks will line up at the high school offering local favorites. Glow sticks and light-up toys will be sold.
• Show & Fireworks: The fireworks blast off around 9:15 PM. Expect a thrilling display choreographed to patriotic tunes.
• Rules & Tips: No on-site sales of passes. Note that all bags and coolers may be subject to inspection. No alcohol is allowed on school property. Arrive early – parking opens at 6:30 PM. Once the Noroton Ave lot fills, gates will close by 9 PM.
• Rain Date: Saturday, July 12.

Westport – Compo Beach Independence Day Fireworks (July 2, 2025)

Westport’s famous fireworks at Compo Beach are held on Wednesday, July 2 (rain date July 3). This early celebration is a ticketed benefit event that supports local youth programs. Crowds of families arrive with beach chairs, coolers, and even tents, turning the shoreline into one big patriotic party. Fireworks launch at approximately 9:00 PM once night has fallen.

• Location: Compo Beach, 60 Compo Beach Rd, Westport.
• Tickets & Entry: $75 per car. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Westport Parks and Recreation office or Westport Police Department. Cash or check only. No online sales. Once parking capacity is reached, no further vehicles admitted.
• Atmosphere: Compo Beach offers a festive seaside setting. Bring blankets, chairs, and flashlights.
• Rain Date: Thursday, July 3.

Norwalk – Independence Day Concert & Fireworks at Calf Pasture Beach (July 3, 2025)

Norwalk’s celebration kicks off on Thursday, July 3 at Calf Pasture Beach with live music and fireworks over the Long Island Sound.

• Location: Calf Pasture Beach Park, Norwalk.
• Entertainment: Concert begins at 7:00 PM with live music by Soul Amazing and DJ Jimmy Nuzzo.
• Admission: Free for all. Resident parking is free with Norwalk pass; non-residents pay $30 after 5:00 PM or $72 before 5 PM.
• Fireworks: Launch around 9:00 PM.
• Rain Date: Saturday, July 5.

Greenwich – Fireworks at Binney Park & Greenwich Point (July 5, 2025)

Greenwich hosts two synchronized displays on Saturday, July 5 – one at Binney Park and another at Greenwich Point Park (Tod’s Point).

• Binney Park:
• Time: 9:10 PM
• Admission: Free to all.
• Live Music: Begins at 8:00 PM with the Sound Beach Community Band.
• Parking: Available at nearby schools and the Old Greenwich train station.
• Greenwich Point Park:
• Time: 9:35 PM
• Admission: Greenwich residents only by car; non-residents must have pre-purchased single-entry pass.
• Entertainment: DJ begins at 7:00 PM.
• Tips: Bring a flashlight and picnic; no glass or pets allowed.

Happy Fourth of July! No matter which Fairfield County fireworks fest you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable night of family fun. From New Canaan’s small-town charm and Darien’s community fun to Westport’s beach bash, Norwalk’s musical celebration, and Greenwich’s scenic displays, there’s something for everyone. Plan ahead, bring your loved ones, and enjoy the show!

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