25 Throwback Photos of Fourth of July Celebrations

Written by Rachel Schneider on July 4, 2025 updated July 8, 2025

A lively neighborhood parade with children riding decorated bikes and people dressed in red, white, and blue. Spectators line the street, and festive bunting is strung overhead on a sunny day.

Before the fireworks turned digital and party playlists came from Bluetooth speakers, the Fourth of July had a different kind of charm. Checkered picnic blankets spread across small-town lawns, kids waved tiny flags while parades of tractors and classic cars rolled by, and everyone wore the most festive outfits. These vintage photos of the Fourth of July are a nostalgic, patriotic time capsule.

1. Willie Nelson at His Fourth of July Picnic in 1980

A man with long braids, wearing a sleeveless shirt that says "LET THE RUSSIANS PLAY WITH THEMSELVES," shorts, and a cap, stands on a golf course holding a club. Another man in a striped shirt walks behind him. — NeonPhyzics / Reddit.com

2. Swedish Immigrant Family in 1904

A black-and-white photo of a man standing behind a young girl and boy, all wearing old-fashioned clothes. The children hold American flags in front of them, and a picket fence and trees appear in the background. — The_whimsical1 / Reddit.com

3. Fourth of July Wedding Complete With a Backyard BBQ Reception

A smiling couple poses together in formal attire. The woman wears a white dress and holds a bouquet, while the man wears a white jacket, red bow tie, and red vest. They stand in front of a window with plants. — Space_kittennn / Reddit.com

4. Greasers at a Fourth of July Parade in 1956 in Attleboro, Massachusetts

Six teenage boys in casual 1950s attire lean against two classic cars parked on a street, with trees, old buildings, and a “Fountain” shop visible in the background. The photo is black and white. — UserDeleted / Reddit.com

5. Fourth of July Parade in 1982 in St. Louis

A large crowd of mostly shirtless people gather outdoors on a sunny day in a city, with tall buildings and a domed courthouse visible in the background. Many people wear sunglasses and hats, suggesting a summer event. — padamame / Reddit.com

6. Posing at the Pageant in 1940

Four women in vintage swimwear pose playfully in a line beside a pool. Each wears a different style, from striped suits to ruffled or lace-up designs, with a striped wall in the background. The mood is joyful and retro. — susierabbit / Reddit.com

7. Clown Nurse Encouraging Kids to Get Vaccinated at a Fourth of July Parade in 1959

A person in a nurse costume with oversized props walks in a parade, while children holding balloons and adults sit on the curb watching. Trees and a brick building are in the background. — MrDorkESQ / Reddit.com

8. Patriotic Parade in 1942

A black-and-white photo shows a large parade with uniformed people marching down a city street lined with American flags, tall buildings, and crowds of onlookers watching from sidewalks and windows. — susierabbit / Reddit.com

9. Kids Dressed Up, Ready for the Parade

Four children in festive outfits stand outdoors, three with decorated strollers, one with a bike adorned in red, white, and blue. An American flag hangs from a stroller. Trees and houses are visible in the background. — Elenathorn / Reddit.com

10. Driving in the Parade in the Early ’80s

A classic dark blue vintage car with whitewall tires drives down a street during a parade, with people sitting and watching from the grass in the background. — lo_po / Reddit.com

11. A Fourth of July Logging Competition in Northern California During the ’80s

A crowd watches as a person uses a chainsaw to cut through a large log, with wood chips flying. Spectators stand and sit in the background, some shielding their eyes in the sunlight. — kmmontandon / Reddit.com

12. Champion Watermelon Eater in Brooklyn in 1935

A young boy in dirty overalls stands smiling widely, holding a watermelon rind, surrounded by other children who are laughing and eating watermelon outdoors. — notbob1959 / Reddit.com

13. Hitting the Water on the Fourth of July in 1973

A smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a black halter top and light shorts, sits on the deck of a boat with the ocean in the background under a clear sky. — ecobot / Reddit.com

14. Sitting at the Parade in 1974

A group of adults and children sit on folding chairs outdoors, some chatting and others looking around. Two young girls interact near an older woman in sunglasses. The scene suggests a casual, sunny gathering or event. — sunflower53069 / Reddit.com

15. Kids on Bikes With Little American Flags in 1960

Two young boys riding bicycles, both smiling. The boy in the front holds an American flag. They are wearing striped shirts and shorts, and the scene appears to be in a suburban neighborhood. The photo is black and white. — Hanzoa / Reddit.com

16. Getting Ready for the Parade in 1966

Three people, two children on decorated bikes and one adult standing behind them, pose outdoors near a large American flag. The scene is lush and green with flowers and trees in the background. — LightspeedBalloon / Reddit.com

17. Two Women Dressed as Liberty and Columbia in 1919

Two women in costume stand on grass; one dressed as the Statue of Liberty holds a torch, the other wears a white dress and headband, holding a U.S. flag. Vintage cars and people are visible in the background. — UserDeleted / Reddit.com

18. Subdivision Parade in 1982

A large group of children ride decorated bicycles down a suburban street, many wearing red, white, and blue clothes, likely for a parade or celebration. Adults watch from the sidewalks and houses line the background. — wirecan / Reddit.com

19. Fourth of July Picnic in 1951

A family of four has a picnic on a blanket in a grassy field with food spread out. Behind them is a vintage car with its trunk open, and green hills are visible in the background under a clear sky. — lezztur / Reddit.com

20. 1920s Patriotic Garb

Seven women stand in a row outdoors, wearing dresses with stars and stripes resembling the American flag, and headbands. Houses and trees are visible in the background. The image is black and white. — MyDogGoldi / Reddit.com

21. Parade Outfits in 1922

A group of girls in matching outfits with striped skirts and pointed hats, standing in two rows outdoors on grass in front of a house. The outfits appear to have a patriotic, American flag theme. — michaelconfoy / Reddit.com

22. Hotel Chef Preparing Turtle Soup for a Fourth of July Meal

Five men, including two chefs, stand around a large sea turtle placed on a table. One chef holds small American and British flags. The scene appears to be from an earlier time period, possibly the early 20th century. — HengistPod / Reddit.com

23. Firework Display During America’s Bicentennial Celebration

The Statue of Liberty illuminated at night with colorful fireworks exploding in the sky above and around it, set against the dark New York City skyline. — DiosMioMan63 / Reddit.com

24. Sears Roebuck Float

A parade float decorated in red, white, and blue with “1776-1976” on a large drum, women in colonial costumes waving, and “Sears Roebuck & Co.” written on the side. Spectators watch from the street. — DiosMioMan63 / Reddit.com

25. 200 Years of Independence

A large parade with people in white uniforms marches down a street, carrying American flag banners. Red, white, and blue hot air balloon floats are above them. Crowds line the sidewalks, watching the event. — DiosMioMan63 / Reddit.com

Want to keep reading?

If you’ve got extra Fourth of July decorations lying around, be sure to read The Best Time of Year To Sell Vintage Holiday Decorations. You might also like 10 Pieces of Vintage Boy Scout Memorabilia That Could Put Money in Your Pocket and These 16 Teen Bedrooms Will Transport You to Another Era.