Look Into These 7 Places to Buy Fireworks for Labor Day

For many people, celebrating Labor Day with some fireworks is a must. It’s a great way to cap off summer and have a little fun with family and friends. However, figuring out where to buy fireworks can be a little challenging. If you’re looking for places to buy fireworks for Labor Day, here’s what you need to know.

Join Robinhood – Learn to invest. Win $20,000 towards tuition

Learn the Rules About Fireworks on Labor Day

Before you buy any fireworks, it’s important to understand the rules in your area. In Massachusetts, there is a complete ban on all consumer fireworks. In Ohio, Illinois, and Vermont, the laws about fireworks are stringent, limiting the typical shopper to just novelties.

In the remaining 46 states, as well as Washington, DC, consumer fireworks are legal. However, the types of fireworks that are allowed can vary. Many states only permit specific kinds, so you’ll want to research what’s legal in your area.

Additionally, you’ll want to check for burn bans in your city and county. Even if a state typically allows fireworks, a burn ban can make firing any off illegal. The goal of a burn ban is to prevent wildfires and similar blazes during dry conditions. If a burn ban is in place, even shooting legally acquired fireworks can get you into trouble.

Where to Buy Fireworks for Labor Day

1. Roadside Fireworks Stands

One of the best options for buying fireworks for Labor Day is roadside stands. If fireworks are legal in your area and demand is high enough, some stands are open for the September holiday.

The biggest benefit to heading to a roadside fireworks stand is the selection. Many of them stock a range of fireworks, including everything from small novelties to larger aerials. Additionally, you might be able to purchase individual fireworks a la carte instead of relying solely on packages.

However, many fireworks stands also stock packages or use unique bundle pricing. In those cases, it might make it easier to get a variety of fireworks all at once and for a competitive price.

2. Walmart

If you’re looking for novelties or simple fireworks packages, Walmart might have everything you need. The retailer does stock fireworks for some United States holidays. If demand for fireworks on Labor Day is high enough in your area, your nearest Walmart might be your perfect shopping destination.

You can also find some fireworks for sale on the Walmart website. What you’re allowed to purchase online does vary. You can only buy legal fireworks at the delivery address and if they meet shipping safety requirements. As a result, the selection may be minimal.

3. Target

Like Walmart, Target stores may also sell specific kinds of fireworks. In most cases, you’ll find predesigned bundles or novelties, suggesting that demand in your area is high enough to justify the retailer stocking them.

However, you won’t find options on the Target website. There aren’t boxes of sparklers or poppers available like you’ll find at Walmart’s site, so you’ll need to shop elsewhere if you can’t find what you need at your nearest Target store.

4. Costco

Some Costco locations do sell fireworks. Usually, they are limited to classic novelties or curated packages. Exactly what’s in the package may vary, as Costco will only sell fireworks that align with local law.

Additionally, the selection tends to feature fewer options than what you’ll find near the 4^th of July. It is also important to note that, in some cases, Costco warehouses that have fireworks available close to Independence Day don’t sell any near Labor Day. Often, this is because demand is lower for the September holiday, causing some locations to opt-out of stocking fireworks.

5. Fireworks Stores

In some states, you can find retail fireworks stores in strip malls or similar retail centers. Usually, these are operated by major fireworks manufacturers or distributors, and some are only open during typical fireworks seasons, like near Labor Day, Independence Day, and New Year’s Eve.

With this option, you get a classic retail experience. However, the operator determines what’s available. You may be limited to specific kinds of fireworks or particular brands. With fireworks stores, you may find packages and have the option to buy individual fireworks, giving you more flexibility than you might get with other retailers.

6. Drug Stores

In some cases, drug stores like CVS or Walgreens may sell some small novelties or packages. However, that’s far more common near the 4^th of July holiday than for Labor Day. Still, if demand in your area is high enough, it may be worth checking your local drug store to see if anything is available.

7. Fireworks Websites

There are a variety of fireworks websites that will ship specific fireworks to residential addresses. In some cases, the sites are run by distributors, while manufacturers operate the others.

Generally, what’s available for shipping is going to be a bit limited. Certain items aren’t safe to put in the mail, reducing what many stores can send to residential addresses. As a result, you may only see some novelties or specific packages available.

If you go this route, make sure to do your research. Not all firework seller sites are reputable, so it’s wise to do a bit of digging before you hand over any personal information. Try to find legitimate online reviews for the online retailer to see if anyone reports an issue. Make sure the site is secure. If anything feels off, don’t go forward with the purchase.

Similarly, if you see a website that says it’ll ship items that are unlawful to send through the mail or other consumer shipping methods, that’s a red flag. If one advertises the ability to get illegal fireworks, that’s a bad sign.

Do you plan on buying fireworks this Labor Day? If so, will you use one of the options above, or will you head somewhere else? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. Check out these helpful tools to help you save more. For investing advice, visit The Motley Fool.

Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.