From watching fireworks and cooking out to connecting with friends and family remotely, this year’s Independence Day celebrations look different across the U.S. Here’s what we’re seeing:
1. The majority of Americans plan to celebrate in person, but few are willing to travel the distance.
Fifty-three percent of respondents say they will connect with loved ones in person on Independence Day (roughly the same as 2021 and up 15 ppt from 2020). And, 11% say they’ll connect with loved ones but will hold a remote celebration.
However, fewer Americans are planning to travel for a Fourth of July celebration this year compared to 2021, whether by highway or air (-17% change). This is likely attributed to the overall concern regarding gas prices.
Interestingly, 49% of respondents who say they will be traveling more than 25 miles expect gas prices to be much higher six months from now, compared to roughly a quarter of non-travelers. This could also show that those who drive and travel long distances are likely to be more concerned about gas prices.
2. Plans to watch fireworks vary by U.S. region.
How are U.S. adults planning to watch fireworks this year? They are almost twice as likely to attend a professional show over buying fireworks for personal use, but 44% say they don’t plan on watching them this year.
With varying state fireworks laws, we’re seeing fireworks plans differ by region. Northeastern states take first place (34%) in attending a professional fireworks show, and midwestern and southern states are tied for first when it comes to buying fireworks for personal use (18%).
3. People living in the Northeast are most likely to fire up their grill and celebrate with a drink in hand.
About one-in-three Americans plan to cook out this year, with more planning to attend than host. And, the popularity of Fourth of July cookouts is highest in northeastern states (36%), followed closely by midwestern states.
Likewise, more than one-third of celebrating respondents plan to drink an alcoholic beverage this year, and alcoholic beverages are most popular in the Northeast (40%).
4. Spending on Fourth of July celebrations is up.
Looking at U.S. adults who plan to celebrate this year, 17% expect to spend more on this year’s celebration than last year, but the majority of celebrators expect to spend about the same.
Roughly one-third of respondents taking Covid precautions at their in-person celebrations say they’re spending more than last year, compared to less than a quarter of U.S. adults celebrating as normal.
The majority of Americans still plan to celebrate Independence Day, but plans are looking quite different this year as a result of gas prices, inflation, and fireworks laws.