FAQs
About the Fireworks
HOW DOES THIS EVENT COMPARE WITH OTHERS IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS?
Over 175,000 people experience this event, making it the largest single day event in central Illinois.
It also ranks in the top 2% of fireworks displays in the country, and is easily the largest in Illinois.
WHERE CAN I HEAR THE SOUNDTRACK TO THE FIREWORKS?
If you are not close to one of the sound systems along either the Peoria or East Peoria riverfronts, you can tune any radio to 93.3 The Drive, 104.9 The Wolf, Mix 106.9, KZ 102.3, or 102.7 Super Hits. For a new twist on the event, 1470-100.3 WMBD and Freedom 95.9-AM 1290 will be talking through the fireworks show with commentary live from the riverfront by Craig Collins and Lee Hall.
WHO ACTUALLY SHOOTS THE FIREWORKS?
Pyrotechnico, one of the most respected companies in the world, will take over the show at 9:30pm and launch the largest fireworks display in the State of Illinois! Over 600 hours of design and preparation have gone into this performance alone. Pyrotechnico has many years of experience including displays for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears, Cleveland Cavaliers, Venetian Night in Chicago, and even a show for the Queen of England. They will do upwards of 800 shows on the 4th of July, with Carle Health Red, White and BOOM being by far the largest.
WHAT IF THERE IS BAD WEATHER?
In the event of rain or high winds, the "rain date" is July 5, at the same times and locations as scheduled for the 4th.
Pricing Questions
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET INTO RED, WHITE AND BOOM?
Absolutely free on the 4th of July - it is our gift to central Illinois! There is admission to the riverfront concerts.
HOW DO I GET TICKETS FOR THE CONCERTS?
Ticket links are available in the event calendar on the home page.
Parking Questions
Will Parking Be An Issue?
There are thousands of parking spaces covering both sides of the river, along with several parking decks in downtown Peoria. There will also be lots of on street parking in downtown Peoria due to the holiday. Handicapped parking will be available at the city lot across from the CAT parking garage at the foot of Hamilton Boulevard at Water Street in Peoria. In East Peoria, handicapped parking spaces are located in the parking lot adjacent to RiverFront Park. Additional designated spaces will be in the area across from the parking lot parallel to the river. All of these spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. Vehicles must display the proper handicapped license plate or mirror tag. No RV or trailer parking will be allowed in the RiverFront Park parking lot. In addition, no parking of any kind will be allowed on Conference Center Drive near the Embassy Suites.
What You Can Bring
CAN WE BRING BLANKETS AND CHAIRS?
Yes, in fact, you’re encouraged to come early and find a spot for the whole family. Several businesses will be open that day.
DO WE NEED TO BRING FOOD AND DRINKS?
There will be plenty of vendors lining the riverfront in Peoria and East Peoria, with lots to eat and drink. There will even be an alcohol-free zone at Liberty Park in Peoria. No alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted on the riverfront unless purchased from a licensed vendor (with proper ID). Coolers, backpacks and other containers are subject to search by police. No alcohol will be allowed in Riverfront Park in East Peoria.
WHAT SHOULD I NOT BRING?
Personal fireworks of any kind, including sparklers, are prohibited on the riverfront grounds. Carle Health Red, White and BOOM, Brought Home by Adam Merrick Real Estate will have all the fireworks you will need. With heavy crowds expected, please do not bring bikes, rollerblades and family pets to the riverfront.
In the interest of flight safety and the safety of the thousands of spectators enjoying the riverfront festivities, law enforcement and the United States Air Force kindly ask that all individuals refrain from the use of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles in the vicinity of and between the Murray Baker Bridge and the Bob Michel Bridge.