THINGS TO DO

Your guide to celebrating Fourth of July in Indy

IndyStar staff
The fireworks display from the top of the Regions Bank Tower during the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast in 2014.

The Fourth of July is all about family, fun, fireworks and food. And there are plenty of places and ways to celebrate America's birthday in Central Indiana throughout the holiday week. Here's our guide:

15 hot spots to see fireworks in Indy area

It's about time for the biggest blast of summer. Where will you watch fireworks this year? Maybe you'll sit in the backyard while the kids write in the air with sparklers. But if you want to see a really big show, consider these displays around town.

What kind of fireworks are you looking at, exactly?

Fireworks. Everyone loves them. But do you know there are many different types? Can you name them? Check out the video and gallery to learn about some of the most popular pyrotechnic effects that will be displayed all over the country this Fourth of July.

7 Downtown patios with view of July 4 fireworks

Everyone is crossing their fingers for good weather on Independence Day. The Freedom Blast fireworks is Central Indiana's largest fireworks display. But just in case, get Downtown early to snag a spot on the patio at one of these seven restaurants.

Indy barbeques offer holiday heat

Want a break from the grill? This Independence Day weekend, let Indy-area barbecue restaurants heat up your holiday. Get started with one (or several) of these tasty options.

BBQ Combo-Hot Link Sausage on Texas toast, brisket, green beans, corn-on-the-cob, mashed potatoes and corn bread muffin taken at Famous Dave's (3645 Vincennes Road).

Cheer America with this red, white and blue cocktail

A refreshing sipper is perfect for your poolside celebration or cookout — and you'll look like you spent hours on Pinterest.

5 things to know to make the most of CarmelFest

The annual two-day family festival celebrates Independence Day and community spirit during the July holiday weekend. For this year's festival, July 3-4, organizers changed a few policies and added more entertainment options.

Fishers Freedom Festival welcomes kids with autism

For the first time, a quiet place in the park could be the main attraction at the Fishers Freedom Festival. A tent for children with autism will offer a different kind of festival experience to families.

To Do List: 5 events to celebrate Fourth of July

From ALT 103's Street Fest to hot air balloon rides to "Independence Day" itself, you have celebration options.

Minneapolis way better than Indy for July 4? Come on!

According to WalletHub's "2015's Best & Worst 4th of July Celebrations" list based off 14 factors, Indianapolis is the ninth worst city (or 91st best city, for you optimists) of the 100 largest U.S. cities in which to spend one's holiday weekend.

Solid Gold Eats: Celebrate 4th with blueberry dessert

Sara Croft is not a fan of artificial food coloring, so when she wanted to make a patriotic dish for the holiday, she turned to the naturally-bright blueberry for color. The fruit serves as the highlight of her Blueberry Coconut Crumble with Cinnamon Ice Cream.

Blueberry Coconut Crumble with Cinnamon Ice Cream