? Western Mass Lights Up: Where to Watch Fireworks in Franklin & Hampshire Counties This Fourth of July

Whether you’re chasing sparklers with the kids, scoping out live music, or just want a good old-fashioned fireworks show under the stars, Franklin and Hampshire Counties have a full lineup of Independence Day celebrations to make your summer pop.

? Greenfield’s Greenmind Fair & Share (Franklin County Fairgrounds – July 4)

The biggest bash in Franklin County kicks off Friday, July 4 with the Greenmind Fair & Share festival at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield.

Running from 2 PM to 10 PM, this all-day event is more than just fireworks — it’s a full-blown music and arts festival. Here’s what’s in store:

  • Live music all afternoon and evening
  • Food trucks, a beer trailer, and artisan vendors
  • Kid-friendly fun: bounce houses, water games, obstacle courses
  • Creative workshops: pottery, jewelry making, pour painting, glitter fairy crafts, face painting, splash-firework art
  • Nature & art demos: mushroom foraging and live glassblowing

The night ends with a fireworks display at 9:30 PM.

?️ Admission: $15 adults, $5 under 18, and free for kids under 5 (until 8 PM). Rain or shine!

? Beacon Field & Poet’s Seat Tower Fireworks (Greenfield – July 5)

Can’t make it Friday? You’ve got a second chance on Saturday, July 5 at Beacon Field with the city’s annual celebration. The party starts at 5 PM with local music, vendors, and food. Entertainment continues through the evening with:

  • Performances by local youth
  • The Fortin Family Award presentation
  • Live music from After Glo, The Uncles, and the Greenfield Community Band

The National Anthem kicks off the show at 9:30 PM, followed by fireworks at 9:35 PM — visible from both Beacon Field and the nearby Poet’s Seat Tower. Rain date is Sunday, July 6.

✨ Hampshire County Fireworks

Just south of Franklin County, Hampshire County is keeping the holiday spirit burning bright with two fireworks displays:

? South Hadley – Michael E. Smith Middle School

Fireworks launch around 9:30 PM on Saturday July 5 behind the middle school. A family-friendly favorite.

? Hadley – McGuirk Alumni Stadium 

UMass’s iconic stadium lights up the sky at 9:15 PM on Thursday, July 3. The rain date is July 6.

? Tips for a Sparkling Night

  • Bring chairs, blankets, and bug spray
  • Arrive early for parking and prime viewing
  • Check rain dates — Mother Nature has her own schedule

From creative fun at Greenmind to stadium-sized sparkle in Hadley, Western Massachusetts is lighting up the sky all weekend long. Pack a cooler, grab your favorite people, and celebrate Independence Day the western Mass way — loud, proud, and under the stars.