Grand Rapids will spare no expense ringing in the Fourth of July later this week by putting on a fireworks display that is expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars more than in previous years.
The “enhanced” and “expanded” show will launch from the Fulton Street bridge around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and is expected to run as long as 28 minutes. Russ Hines, CEO of Riverbank Events and Media, told The Grand Rapids Herald the “firework spectacular” has been retooled to mark the special occasion of America’s 250th anniversary.
The City of Grand Rapids and its Office of Special Events are listed as sponsors of the event, alongside several area businesses. While Hines would not reveal the total cost of the production, he said this year’s fireworks will outdo any other downtown show in recent memory.
“We put tens of thousands of more dollars into this show in celebration of the 250th celebration of our country,” Hines said. “We put a lot of money toward enhancing it and making it as nice of an experience as we can for the community.”
Hines said planning for this year’s fireworks began as soon as last year’s firework show wrapped up. He said he takes pride in being able to take part in this year’s show, especially considering the challenges posed by downtown construction.
“It’s a great honor and a privilege to be the caretaker of this event for the city of Grand Raids as we lean forward into the 250th birthday,” he said. “This year’s show will even be better than any of the others that we’ve produced up to this point in time.”
Despite limitations keeping the size of fireworks to a minimum due to the surrounding infrastructure, Hines said Grand Rapids’ fireworks consistently rank in the top five statewide.
“If you go to Grand Haven and have Lake Michigan as the backdrop, you could shoot five or six inch shells,” he said. “We can’t do that in downtown Grand Rapids so we’re limited on height.”
“It’s going to be a great show,” Hines added.
Spectators can take in the show from the Amway Hotel Corporation parking lot, where there will be live music and food trucks starting at 6:00 p.m.
Under a city ordinance, fireworks may only be ignited between 11:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. from June 29 to July 4. The ordinance prohibits anyone from igniting fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Violators can face a $1,000 civil fine for each infraction. Michigan state law also prohibits igniting fireworks on public property.
According to a city release, the Grand Rapids Fire Department responded to more than 50 fireworks incidents between July 1, 2022 and July 5, 2025.