Fireworks to light up the skies in Portsmouth and Hampton Beach

June 29, 9:34 AMNew Hampshire Coastal Travel ExaminerAmy Kane

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There are two great opportunities to celebrate the Fourth of July in the rockets' red glare of big professional fireworks displays on the New Hampshire Seacoast.

Fireworks will illuminate the sky over South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on Friday, July 3 at 9:15 p.m. Click to view LOCATION. Rain date is July 5.

Parking is closed on streets near South Mill Pond except for residents of those streets. High Hanover parking garage will charge a flat $3 fee from 5 p.m. (Parking map.)

Also in Portsmouth... in nearby Prescott Park, the musical Grease will be performed Friday, July 3 at 8 p.m. and on the afternoon of the Fourth the Showcase Festival brings free music to the outdoor venue on the river. An American Celebration at Strawbery Banke celebrates an old-fashioned Fourth with a children's bike and wagon parade, living history and tours, crafts, activities, food and fun, on Saturday, July 4 from noon to 5 p.m.

Hampton Beach shoots off fireworks every Wednesday night in summertime, but the annual blast on the Fourth is even bigger. The Fireworks Over the Atlantic display will be held on the beach across from C Street on Saturday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. Maps and directions: GETTING HERE. Parking is on-street and beachfront, with meters, or for a fee in many small lots throughout downtown.

Warning: traffic can be crazy and lots of extra time is needed to get out of Hampton Beach after the fireworks.

The Seashell Stage at Hampton Beach hosts several entertainment acts over the weekend of the Fourth. On Friday, July 3, the Afterburner Air Force rock band will perform at 7 p.m. On Saturday, DJ Nick Diamond spins from noon to 3 pm. and the Continentals, a favorite local show band, will be on stage from 7 to 9:30 p.m. On Sunday, July 5, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., The Spectras perform "rock you remember from days you'll never forget."

Fireworks were used in China since the 12th century to frighten away evil spirits and bring happiness and prosperity. Fireworks have been a part of Fourth of July in America since the first celebration of Independence Day in 1777.