How Americans are celebrating July 4th this year and what will be on the grill

As July 4th approaches, almost half of Americans (49%) are ready to celebrate, according to new data from YouGov. While 32% plan to sit this one out and 19% are still on the fence, those who are planning to celebrate are enthusiastic – with 81% saying they’re excited for the holiday.

Independence Day is truly a celebration for all, with similar participation across generations and geographic regions. Parents with kids under 18 are particularly enthusiastic, with 62% planning to join the fun compared to 44% of non-parents. Where you live also makes a difference: fewer people in urban areas (41%) say they’ll celebrate compared to those in the suburbs (52%) or rural areas (50%).

Why we celebrate: it’s all about people (and a little bit of patriotism and potato salad)

Among those who are celebrating, the top priority is spending time with others (44%). About a quarter (23%) say they’re focused on honoring the meaning of Independence Day, and 15% are mostly in it for the food.

Independence Day activities: Fireworks and cookouts are the stars of the show

Watching fireworks is the most popular activity by far, with nearly two-thirds (65%) planning to catch a show. Hosting or attending a barbecue comes next (48%), and many will take the chance to just kick back and relax at home (45%).

Barbecues are especially big in the Northeast (60%) and Midwest (58%), but they’re a bit less common in the South (40%) and West (41%). And while cookouts are a July 4th staple, they’re not quite as hot among younger adults with only 36% of 18-34-year-olds planning to join one.

Other popular holiday plans include attending public events or parades (22%), watching patriotic movies (17%), and hitting the beach or park (14%).

Hamburgers rule the grill, but hot dogs are close behind

No July 4th celebration is complete without food, and the grill will be busy. Hamburgers are the top menu item with nearly two-thirds (64%) planning on eating them, edging out hot dogs in second place (54%). Watermelon (48%) and corn on the cob (47%) are also high on the list, along with potato salad (41%) and baked beans (36%).

A smaller slice of revellers plan to enjoy pasta salad (25%), coleslaw (21%), or classic desserts like apple pie (14%) and strawberry shortcake (7%). Vegetarian or plant-based options do not appear to be the patriotic choice this year, with only 5% planning to eat them.

What’s on tap? Water, soda, and plenty of iced tea

Staying hydrated (or just refreshed) is a priority. Water tops the drink list at 63%, followed by carbonated soft drinks (51%), iced tea (37%), and lemonade (30%). When it comes to adult beverages, beer leads the pack (30%), with wine or cocktails (18%) and other alcoholic drinks (13%) trailing behind.

There are some clear gender splits: men are more likely to reach for a beer (41%) than women (34%), and they’re also more into soda (57% vs. 44%). Meanwhile, 5% of folks say they’ll sip on non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails.

Fireworks, food, and Fourth of July shopping sprees

Americans are opening their wallets ahead of the holiday. Given their plans for the holiday, it makes sense that food and groceries are the most common purchase (68%). Alcoholic drinks (29%) and fireworks (26%) are also on many shopping lists, along with party supplies (21%), decorations (12%), and patriotic outfits (11%).

Most shoppers (49%) will head to the grocery store, while 30% plan to shop at big-box retailers. Just 4% are turning to online marketplaces for their July 4th needs.

When it comes to spending, most people are keeping things reasonable. Over a third (36%) expect to spend between $50 and $99, while 28% are budgeting under $50. About one in five (18%) will spend between $100 and $199, and just a small group (2%) say they’ll drop $500 or more.

Methodology

This article is based on data collected via YouGov Surveys: Serviced. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 1014 U.S. adults. Results are weighted to be representative of the U.S. population. Total sample size is 1,014. For those celebrating July 4th, sample is 496.