Come summer, the night skies in the U.S. begin to fill with explosions of colorful sparks. It’s prime firework season and travelers won’t be able to miss the whizz, pop, and bang of America’s celebrations. Some of these aren’t just any old fireworks displays but mammoth productions of gunpowder and sparks, in classic American fashion. With Fourth of July on the horizon and other major U.S. holidays like Memorial Day heralding in this fleeting era of fireworks, there’s no better time to take part in this classic American celebration. Here are some of the best fireworks displays across the U.S.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular - Boston, Massachusetts

Every year, come the Fourth of July, the city of Boston puts on its most stunning fireworks display, with a twist. Known as the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, this particular celebration had humble beginnings when the Boston orchestra started putting on free concerts in 1929. Today, festivities still kick off with a musical performance by the Boston Pops Orchestra and end with a spectacular finale. A whopping 20,000 pounds of pyrotechnics are set ablaze during the event. Watch from along The Esplanade, one of the best spots to grab a seat, as hundreds of fireworks shoot off from the Charles River.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks - New York, New York

Thought New York City’s biggest celebrations were on Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve? Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks has been an annual show since 1974 and is the largest display in the entire country. For 25 minutes, New York City is aglow with massive explosions of color, all set to historic American music. The Macy’s Fireworks display is particularly impressive thanks to intricate details that create certain stunning effects, like mile-long waving flags and color changing fireworks. The show takes place in Midtown Manhattan on barges in the East River and is completely free to the public. Several popular artists also perform, though this part of the celebration can only be viewed via broadcast. Some of the best places to snag a spot for the show are Transmitter Park in Brooklyn and Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island.

Let Freedom Sing! - Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee’s Let Freedom Sing! event is an Independence Day extravaganza of melodies and fireworks, in classic Music City fashion. The celebrations are headlined by famous country music stars, like Brad Paisley, and end with a performance by the Nashville Symphony. Musical festivities typically start downtown at First and Broadway before moving to the Ascend Amphitheater for the fiery grand finale. Even better, admission is free to the public for everyone to enjoy. If you’d rather get a bird's-eye view of the pyrotechnics, you can join one of many rooftop parties on the Broadway strip of bars and live music venues, though you’ll need to book tickets well in advance.

Big Bay Boom - San Diego, California

San Diego’s Big Bay Boom is one of the largest fireworks displays on the West Coast and the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July in “America’s Finest City.” The displays are set off from four different barges in San Diego’s North Bay and are coordinated with original music created for the event. San Diego’s display is one of the most beautiful in the nation as the fireworks are mirrored in the San Diego Bay, going off for a whole twenty minutes. Some of the best locations to catch the show stretch around the bay between Point Loma and Coronado Ferry Landing. Although, catching the Big Bay Boom from the flight deck of the famous Midway aircraft carrier might be not only the best view, but the most patriotic.

Thunder Over Louisville - Louisville, Kentucky

While Fourth of July certainly takes most of the glory for fireworks displays, the Thunder Over Louisville celebration is unmatched. This annual event is the fiery start to the Kentucky Derby, one of the most important events for the state and U.S. sports, and one of the largest pyrotechnic events in the country. The show is held in April every year, depending on when Easter Sunday falls, and kicks off from barges floating in the middle of the Ohio River. For a truly spectacular seat, book your tickets for the Louisville Bats Slugger Field and kick off the night with a classic American baseball game followed by prime seating for the show itself.