Celebrations in honor of the United States 250th birthday will be plentiful this year. Spend time with your family and friends at one of these many Independence Day celebrations. Attend a concert, meet our second President John Adams, eat hot dogs, attend a pickle festival and of course end your day with fireworks! Here’s an early list of holiday events in the region include:
INDIANA
• Bristol — Celebrate the 4th of July at Bonneyville Mill with hot dogs and apple pie. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. get a hot dog and a slice of apple pie with crust made from Bonneyville Mill flour for $5 per person. The mill will be grinding flour and mill entry and demonstrations are free. No registration required. Bonneyville Mill County Park is at 53373 County Road 131.
• Elkhart — The Elkhart Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Independence Day Celebration, by celebrating 250 years of freedom, beginning at 6 p.m. July 4. Spend the evening enjoying festive activities, live entertainment, food vendors and ending the night with fireworks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and find your spot at the Central Green, 300 S. Main St.
• Elkhart — The Upper St. Joe River Rats will hold its annual Independence Day Flotilla on July 4. This year’s theme is “America’s Birthday.” The Flotilla will gather at Six Span Bridge at 11:30 a.m. and set off downstream at 12 p.m., ending at the dam. If you are not a river resident, launch your boat at the public landing east of Six Span Bridge and join in the fun from there. Spectators are invited to enjoy the event from Martin’s Landing along E. Jackson Boulevard.
• Elkhart — Ruthmere is part of the Blue Star Museum program which offers free admission to all active-duty service men and women including their families, including National Guard and Reserve. Ruthmere, 302 E. Beardsley Ave. and Havilah Beardsley House, 102 W. Beardsley Ave., will be closed on July 4 but can be enjoyed during the holiday week Tuesday-Friday with tours on the hours of 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets must be purchased at Beardsley Discovery Center, 819 N. Main St. Tickets are $20-$5 with ages 4 and younger, free with paid adult; ruthmere.org.
• Goshen — Fairview Grange annual 4th of July Street Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 3, 22482 County Road 45. Come and enjoy food vendors, crafts, activities for kids, and more.
• Knox — The Family Fun Day and Fireworks Show will be held June 27. The parade will begin at 1 p.m., and the gates at Wythogan Park, 101 W. Washington St., will open at 2 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. (all times are Central). Fun activities for the whole family with games, food, tournaments, live music, and lots more.
• Lakeville — The Lakeville 4th of July parade will be July 4 stepping off at 10 a.m. from Newton Park and heading south to downtown. At 5 p.m. head to the Newton Park Fourth of July Celebration, 801 N. Michigan St. Activities include games, giveaways, kids’ zone, live concert at 8 p.m. featuring Cook & Belle, food trucks, fireworks and more. No smoking, alcohol, coolers, or pets allowed; newtonpark.org.
• LaPorte — Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum on July 3 to learn about American history through a LaPorte County lens. Throughout the day participants can take part in craft stations, guided tours, talks about veterans from historian Bruce Johnson, historian Patty Redlin and author Barry Veden, and more. Various Patriotic children’s craft stations will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Veteran talks begin at 2 p.m. This free event will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT. The Museum is at 2405 Indiana Ave.
• LaPorte — 80th Annual LaPorte Fourth of July Parade, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of LaPorte, will begin at 10 a.m. CDT July 4. This year’s theme, “Generations of Freedom,” honors the legacy of liberty shaped by every generation. The route runs approximately two miles from east to west along Lincolnway. Bring your lawn chairs, wear red, white, and blue and enjoy!
• Michigan City — Harbor Country Adventures, 200 Heisman Harbor Drive, is offering two boat tours for the holiday weekend. Purchase tickets at harborcountryadventures.com.
— July 3, take a 3-hour cruise to New Buffalo for a fireworks show. Tickets include the cruise, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, full-service bar on board for purchase of cocktails, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks. Leave the dock at 7:30 p.m. Central. Tickets are $99 per person.
— July 4, take a 2-hour cruise along Michigan City and enjoy a fireworks show. Space is limited to 75 guests. Tickets include lake views, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Leave the dock at 7:30 p.m. Central. Tickets are $99 per person.
• Mishawaka — Mishawaka Parks presents its annual Independence Day Celebration at 5 p.m. June 27 at Central Park, 235 E. Mishawaka Ave. Live music features Tege Holt from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Small Town from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., food trucks, vendors, Chicory in the Biergarten, and fireworks at dusk.
• Nappanee — The City of Nappanee’s Independence Day Parade will be held at 11 a.m. July 4. The route begins at Nappanee Elementary School, heads west on Centennial Street to Indiana 19, south to Lincoln Street, and west to finish at City Hall. There will be a special Kiddie Parade section where local youth can participate in the parade by decorating and riding their bicycles, tricycles, and scooters. After dark, Nappanee will host a fireworks display launched from the sledding hill near McCormick Creek Golf Course. No one will be allowed on golf course property during the firework show.
• New Paris — Head out to the New Paris Speedway, 16806 County Road 46, for a “Celebration of Independence Night of Destruction and Fireworks” on July 3. Pits and gates open at 2 p.m. and racing starts at 5 p.m. Tickets: adults, $20; children (ages 6-12), $5; children (5 and under), free. Pit passes: $35; newparisspeedway.com.
• North Liberty — “Small Town America’s Birthday Bash” is the theme of this year’s North Liberty parade which will begin at 2 p.m. July 4 in downtown. At 5 p.m. the celebration continues at North Liberty Elementary School with children’s games, food, and a DJ. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and watch the fireworks at dusk.
• Plymouth — Swan Lake Resort will host a fireworks show on July 3 at dusk. Food trucks will be onsite. Spectators should park in designated areas. Swan Lake is at 5203 Plymouth LaPorte Trail; swanlakeresort.com.
• South Bend — Begin your July 4 celebration early by checking out classic cars while drinking coffee at The Studebaker National Museum’s July Cars & Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. Featured club is the St. Joe Valley Street Rods and Sports Car Club of America. This free event is open to all makes, models and years of vehicles. During the event, admission to the Studebaker National Museum is free. The museum is at 897 W. Thomas St.; studebakermuseum.org/about/cars-coffee.
• South Bend — Take the family to the celebration and fireworks at Howard Park, 219 S. St. Louis Blvd. from 4 to 9:45 p.m. on July 3. From 4 to 5 p.m. there will be free family activities including a tie dye station (bring your own item to tie dye). From 6 to 8 p.m. the concert series presents Day Train. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. enjoy the movie “The Incredibles,” and the post-movie fireworks display. There will be food vendors all evening. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
• South Bend — At 7 p.m. July 3 sing and dance along with DJ Gino J at Seitz Park, 316 E. Colfax Ave. Watch the fireworks at Howard Park from your lawn chair or blanket.
• South Bend — The South Bend Symphony Orchestra celebrates our country’s independence with the Shein Trust Community Series “Salute to Freedom” concert at 7:30 p.m. July 3 at the Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St. The concert will open with the National Anthem and will showcase a mix of Americana and classical masterworks including “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” “Hymn to the Fallen,” and “Fanfare for the Common Man.” After the concert head outside to watch the fireworks launched from the piers below Plaza Park. Please note that the fireworks will not be visible directly outside of the Morris. Best viewing spots include Colfax Bridge sidewalk, MLK Drive below Jon Hunt Plaza, Howard Park, or Seitz Park. The Jefferson Street bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 9 to 10:30 p.m. This family-friendly concert is free, and tickets are available at southbendsymphony.org or at the Morris Box Office.
• South Bend — The South Bend Cubs will host the “Four Winds Field Rock Party” with a one-of-a-kind rock and roll performance by Hairball. The band will perform from the diamond with the concert followed by a fireworks show. Tickets are $64-$20 at FourWindsFieldRockParty.com.
• Syracuse — “John Adams Living History,” part of Chautauqua’s Patriotic Speaker Series, will feature professional actor Peyton Dixon portraying the second President of the United States, John Adams. Adams will reflect on his extraordinary life, from his role in the Continental Congress to his years serving as America’s first Vice President and second President. As a bonus, the presentation will open with Ken Oswald reading select portions of the Declaration of Independence. The performance is at 4:30 p.m. July 5 at the Oakwood Resort Event Center, 849 E. Lake View Road. The program is free to attend.
• Syracuse — Patriotic Pops at Oakwood Resort featuring the Fort Wayne Philharmonic performing patriotic music and American classics, will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 3, on the Oakwood Resort lawn, 702 E. Lake View Road. This concert is free. Bring a chair, blanket, or anchor your boat near the beach. Rain site is the Oakwood Event Center; fwphil.org.
• Syracuse — Lake Wawasee will celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with a one-time doubling of its show by launching fireworks from seven positions instead of three and featuring a special soundtrack for 2026. Fireworks begin at 10:15 p.m. July 4. View from the shoreline or from a boat. Tune to Willie 103.5 FM for synchronized music.
• Topeka — Topeka’s 4th of July Celebration will be held on July 3 and 4 with a 5K run, tractor pulls, watermelon contest, parade, sand volleyball tournament, pickleball, and so much more. The celebration will end on Saturday evening with fireworks. Events will take place at East Park in Topeka.
• Winona Lake — The village will host a free, family friendly Independence Day celebration on July 3. Festivities start at 8 p.m. with Symphony of the Lakes concert “Salute to America” at the Miller Sunset Pavilion, 705 Park Ave. and concludes at 10 p.m. with fireworks over Winona Lake. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Check out local shops and eateries while you wait.
MICHIGAN
• Baroda — The Round Barn Winery and Estate will hold it annual Reds, Whites & Brew event from July 3-5; roundbarn.com.
• Benton Harbor — Eden Springs Park, 789 M-139, will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with weekend miniature train rides from 1 to 5 p.m. July 4 and 5. Tickets are $3 per person with children 3 and under, free. The park is cash only; www.edenspringspark.org.
• Berrien Springs — The Berrien Springs Pickle Festival will be July 4 on the grounds of the History Center at Courthouse Square, 313 N. Cass St. Enjoy a pickle tasting room, games, a pickle fling, pickle decorating contest, dunk tank, vendors and more! The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cassopolis — Diamond Lake Fireworks from 10:15 to 11:15 p.m. July 4. Rain date is July 5.
• Dowagiac — Dowagiac Connected will launch its annual fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. June 26 at Dowagiac Municipal Airport, with public viewing from Russom Park and surrounding areas. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy this free family fun event.
• New Buffalo — On July 3 enjoy the Red, White & BBQ County Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with live country music, good food, good beverages and a festive atmosphere. The festival will be held in Lions Park, 612 Marquette Drive. Admission is free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $10 after 1 p.m.; kids 12 and under are admitted free all day; exitoneevents.org/red-white-bbq/.
• New Buffalo — “Oh Yeah! Music Festival” will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 in Lions Park, 612 Marquette Drive. This high-energy celebration of sound will feature Indie, Hip Hop, R&B, and Alternative acts. The bands begin at 1 p.m. and include Hendrix Effect, Skirt, B-Side, Bastian Steven, Heavy Latin & Soul Band, and DJ Ryan Kenny vs DJ Blur. There will also be a lineup of food trucks. Admission is free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $10 at the gate after 1 p.m.; kids ages 12 and under are admitted free all day; exitoneevents.org.
• New Buffalo — Petite Acres will host A Great American Hoopla celebrating 250 years of Independence on July 4 with a dinner meets musical theater experience. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with an elevated long table BBQ, live music, lawn games, and family-friendly fun before transitioning into a musical revue inspired by the 1940-60s and icons like Tony Bennett and Judy Garland. Tickets are $210 at petiteacres.com. Petite Acres, 1109 E. Buffalo St.
• St. Joseph — The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra presents “A Salute to America” at 8:30 p.m. July 3 featuring patriotic favorites, film scores, and iconic American works. It will finish with the orchestra playing the 1812 Overture synchronized to a fireworks display. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. which allows time to go to the Instrument petting zoo for kids, visit the food trucks or get a drink at the bar tent. This annual event takes place at Silver Beach Shadowland Pavilion, 101 Broad St., St. Joseph. Tickets are $42-$10.50 and can be purchased at smso.org/event. In case of rain the concert will move inside to Lake Michigan College Jenkins Theatre, 1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor.
• Watervliet — Watervliet will celebrate the holiday with a festival from July 3 to July 5. There will be a carnival, parades, time capsule celebration, garden tractor pulls, pancake breakfasts, car show, Kid Zone Splash Zone, steak fry, music, and so much more. For more information go to Facebook.com and search Watervliet Business Association.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Plan your holiday now with these South Bend-area Fourth of July events
Reporting by Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune | USA TODAY Network
