Let Freedom Ring! The Top 5 Lists for the 4th of July

4th of July Top 5

The 4th of July is one of our favorite summer holidays—filled with food, family, fireworks, and freedom. So we put together a few patriotic Top 5 lists to help you celebrate the Red, White, and Blue in style!

4th of July Top 5

Top 5 4th of July Foods

Let’s be honest—this holiday is just as much about the food as it is about the fireworks! We were a little surprised to see a few classics missing from the top picks. Where’s the coleslaw love? And how did baked beans NOT make it into the top five? Let’s take a look…

Grilled Burgers – Juicy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the king of the cookout.
Hot Dogs – Nothing says “USA” like a hot dog fresh off the grill—extra points if you add relish and mustard.
Corn on the Cob – A summertime staple. Grilled or boiled, buttered or spiced—it’s all good.
Potato Salad – Creamy, tangy, and often the subject of passionate family recipe debates.
Watermelon – Sweet, refreshing, and the perfect finish to a summer meal.

What do you think? Anything missing from this list? Are you team potato salad or pasta salad?

4th of July Top 5

Top 5 4th of July Desserts

These desserts are as American as… well, you know. Some classics made the list, but we were surprised not to see Banana Pudding or those red, white, and blue Jell-O parfaits!

Apple Pie – The OG of American desserts—flaky, cinnamon-y, and best with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Strawberry Shortcake – Light, fruity, and perfect for a hot summer evening.
Flag Cake – Usually made with whipped cream, blueberries, and strawberries to resemble the U.S. flag. Patriotic and delicious!
Brownies – Easy to make in big batches and always a hit with the kids (and adults).
Homemade Ice Cream – Whether it’s vanilla, strawberry, or peach, there’s nothing better than ice cream straight from the churn.

What’s your go-to dessert for the Fourth? Any family traditions?

4th of July Top 5

Top 5 Patriotic Songs

We know, we know—it’s nearly impossible to narrow this one down. There are anthems, ballads, and country tunes that stir the soul. Here’s our best attempt at a top 5.

"God Bless America" – Irving Berlin – Timeless, powerful, and always gives us chills.
"The Star-Spangled Banner" – Francis Scott Key – Our National Anthem, sung at ballgames and ceremonies across the land.
"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" – Toby Keith – A bold anthem for modern patriotism.
"Born in the U.S.A." – Bruce Springsteen – Misunderstood by many, but undeniably iconic.
"This Land Is Your Land" – Woody Guthrie – A folksy reminder of the beauty and breadth of our country.

What would you add to this list? Any favorites blasting from your speakers on the 4th?

4th of July Top 5

Top 5 4th of July Activities

Of course, it’s not just about what’s on the table—it’s also about what you do together as family and friends. Here are our top picks for Independence Day fun.

Watching Fireworks – The ultimate Fourth of July tradition. Whether you watch from a park, a boat, or your own backyard, fireworks never get old.
Hosting a Backyard BBQ – Fire up the grill and invite the neighbors—it’s time to celebrate!
Attending a Parade – Local parades are filled with community spirit, candy, and patriotic pride.
Playing Lawn Games – Cornhole, ladder toss, water balloon fights—classic summer fun!
Wearing Red, White, and Blue – Stars, stripes, and flag-themed everything? Yes, please.

How does your family celebrate? Are you more of a BBQ bunch or parade-goers?

4th of July Top 5

Top 5 Fireworks (Just for Fun!)

Because let’s face it, not all fireworks are created equal. Some sizzle, some fizzle—and some are just crowd favorites.

Roman Candles – Classic tubes that shoot colorful fireballs—just make sure you’re being safe!
Sparklers – The firework everyone can enjoy (with adult supervision).
Fountains – Stay grounded but dazzle with bright sparks and colorful effects.
Mortar Shells – The big booming ones you see at pro shows—kaboom!
Finale Cakes – Multi-shot fireworks that make you feel like you're at a stadium show from your own backyard.

What’s your favorite firework to watch—or light?

4th of July Top 5

Top 5 4th of July Traditions Across the U.S.

The United States is diverse and creative in how we celebrate! Check out these fun traditions from across the country:

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (Coney Island, NY) – A wacky and wildly popular tradition that draws thousands.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (Boston, MA) – One of the largest and most iconic shows in the country.
Lighting of the Fireworks Over the Mississippi (St. Louis, MO) – A beautiful riverside celebration.
The Bristol Fourth of July Parade (Bristol, RI) – The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the nation.
The Arkansas Riverfront Fireworks Show (Little Rock, AR) – Our local pride, lighting up the night sky in spectacular fashion.

Have you ever traveled for the Fourth? Or do you stick with your hometown traditions?

4th of July Top 5

That about wraps up our Top 5 4th of July Lists!

We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. However you celebrate this Independence Day, we hope it’s filled with family, fun, and freedom!

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Live Love Arkansas Realty Group.


Stay safe, enjoy the fireworks, and God Bless America! 🇺🇸