A Kansas fireworks show ranks among the best in the US. Here’s how to watch it
With the Fourth of July just around the corner, you may be looking ahead to find the best place to watch fireworks.
But Independence Day isn’t the only time to watch grand fireworks displays in the state of Kansas.
In fact, a Kansas firework show not at all tied to the holiday was recently named one of the best displays in all of America.
So if you’re looking for some extra sparkle this year, you might want to head to Atchison for the “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show.
The show, part of the annual Amelia Earhart Festival, was recently named the fifth-best place to see fireworks in 2026.
“Fireworks may not have originated in the United States, but they’re certainly a longstanding American tradition,” USA Today said when releasing the annual 10Best list. “The first 4th of July fireworks display dates back nearly 250 years, and fireworks have long been a mainstay for a wide variety of other holidays and festivities as well.”
To find “the country’s most eye-popping fireworks displays,” USA Today said an expert panel of travel writers nominated shows from across the U.S., then readers voted on their favorites.
Fireworks at the Amelia Earhart Festival
“Amelia Earhart’s hometown of Atchison, Kansas, honors the aviator during their Amelia Earhart Festival in July,” USA Today said in its justification. “One of the most popular attractions at this weekend fest is the Concert in the Sky fireworks show. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the entertainment before the big event, which includes live music and stunt pilots flying above the Missouri River.”
The “Concert in the Sky” has been named among the top 10 places to see fireworks every year since 2024.
When to see the ‘Concert in the Sky’ fireworks
This year’s show will take place at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, over the Missouri River in Atchison.
“After dark on the banks of the Missouri River, enjoy one of the Midwest’s most dazzling fireworks shows, orchestrated to music by Stellar Fireworks Inc.,” the program brochure says. The show will follow the evening aerobatic performances that start at about 7:45 p.m.
Both shows are free to the public, and guests are encouraged to use the free shuttle service by parking at Atchison Elementary School. The shuttle runs from 5 to 11 p.m.
Attendees can bring blankets and lawn chairs, but coolers are not allowed on the shuttles.
For more information on the festival, visit visitatchison.com/aefestival.
Atchison is about 200 miles northeast of Wichita.
10 best fireworks shows in the U.S.
Here are the 10 best summer firework displays, as ranked by USA Today:
- Navy Pier, Chicago
- Ford Fireworks, Detroit
- Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, New York City
- Addison Kaboom Town, Addison, Texas
- Concert in the Sky, Atchison, Kansas
- Big Bay Boom, San Diego
- Wawa Welcome America, Philadelphia
- Celebrate Saint Louis, St. Louis
- Let Freedom Sing, Nashville
- Western & Southern/WEBN Riverfest, Cincinnati