<< Back To Main

Frequently Asked Questions

Other than downtown, are there other good vantage points form which to watch the fireworks?
Due to the move of the fireworks launch site, Berliner Park is no longer a good viewing area of the fireworks.

Goodale Park-- north of downtown in Victorian Village
120 West Goodale Avenue
Columbus, OH 43212

When is the earliest time I can go down to claim a spot from which to view the fireworks?
You can go down as early as you want-- some folks go downtown at the crack of dawn.
The Broad Street bridge must remain clear until 6:30 p.m. so the parade may travel through.

Are there hotels from which to watch the fireworks?
The Doubletree Guest Suites has the best vantage point but it is generally booked months in advance. Here are some other downtown hotels to check out:

The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel
50 N. 3rd Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 228-5050

The Westin Columbus
310 S. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 228-3800

Where is the best place to park a bus or an RV?
Veteran's Memorial

What time does the Broad Street bridge close to pedestrian foot traffic?
The bridge will not close this year however it must remain clear until 6:30 p.m. so the parade may travel through.

What is the parade route?
It steps off at Belle and Broad Street (by COSI) and travels east on the Broad Street Bridge to Front Street and turns north on Front Street ending at Front St. and Spring St.

Where is the entertainment located this year?
There will be stages in Genoa Park, Taste of BOOM!, Children's Park, Battelle Park, and on Long Street.

Can I still view the fireworks from Bicentennial Park?
Bicentennial Park will not be available for viewing during the 2009 Red, White & BOOM!

How can I take a COTA bus downtown?
Click Here for information on COTA service to and from Red, White & BOOM!

Are alcoholic beverages, portable grills (gas or charcoal), temporary pools or generators permitted?
NONE of the above are permitted on the event site. Alcohol may be purchased and consumed at Taste of BOOM! in the Arena District and on Washington Blvd.

What is happening on Civic Center Drive?
The Scioto Mile Project will be underway and sections of Civic Center Drive will be under construction. Civic Center will be open to pedestrian traffic.

Why did the firing location change?
With the Scioto Mile Project underway Civic Center will not be suitable to use for the main viewing area of the event. So to ensure the best views for all of our Red, White & BOOM! patrons, we chose to relocate the launch site in 2008 to Veteran's Memorial where the launch site will remain for 2009.

Where are the fireworks being fired?
The fireworks launch site is in the rear of Veteran's Memorial on the northeast side of the building. The fireworks will still be shot over the river.

Can entertainment be added to any of the stages?
Unfortunately, all of the positions on the entertainment stages have been filled. Please send promotional information to the following address to be considered in 2010: 929 Harrison Avenue, Suite 303 Columbus, Ohio 43215

Why is Red, White & BOOM! held on July 3rd?
Red, White & BOOM! is held on July 3rd so it does not interfere with any of the Central Ohio communities' firework displays and events on July 4th.

When are the future dates of Red, White & BOOM!?
Friday, July 2, 2010
Friday, July 1, 2011

Can I hold an event (i.e. reunion, wedding, birthday party) in conjunction with Red, White & BOOM!?
No. Red, White & BOOM! is not able to accommodate special provisions during the fireworks show because of numerous requests.

Is Red, White & BOOM! organized by the city?
No. Red, White & BOOM! is organized through contributions and promotional support of the event sponsors.

Are boats allowed on the river?
Boats are permitted on the river, but not within the fireworks zone. The clear zone is maintained from the 670 overpass bridge to the Main Street bridge. The boat ramps will be closed. All boating questions should be referred to the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department at (614) 645-3300.

How long is the fireworks show?
The show will begin at 10 p.m. and will last for approximately 27 minutes.

Where are the best places to watch Red, White & BOOM!?
The best views will be at Battelle Park, and along Long Street as well as Nationwide Blvd., Washington Blvd., and Genoa Park. Spots will be taken quickly so it will be in your best interest to arrive early.

Is there a rain date for Red, White & BOOM!?
No. If the weather prevents Red, White & BOOM! from shooting the fireworks display at the designated time, every effort will be made to fire the show by midnight. However, if it is not possible, the fireworks exhibit will be canceled.

Will Red, White & BOOM! be re-broadcast on NBC 4 after July 3?
Yes. The rebroadcast time for fireworks is 3 p.m. on July 4.