Fourth of July Celebrations throughout East Central Illinois

June 30: 

Freedom Fest in Mahomet

Join the Champaign County Forest Preserve for the final “Light Up the Lake” Fourth of July celebration with music, vendors, and fireworks at Lake of the Woods. Music begins at 4 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is $2 per person, with children 5 and under free. Military persons with ID get in free.

Due to air quality, dry conditions, and a slight chance of rain, CCFPD has set up a recorded message at 217.586.3360 for visitors to check if the event is canceled. 

Farmer City Raceway

The Farmer City Raceway will host a Fan Appreciation Night with a full race show and fireworks. General admission is $5.

Villa Grove Freedom Celebration

Villa Grove’s Fourth of July Celebration will begin at 6 p.m. at Richman Park. The event includes the Villa Grove Fire Department’s touch-a-truck, kids’ activity table, a patriotic bike parade, and fireworks at dusk.

July 1: 

Arthur’s Freedom Celebration and Fireworks 

Get ready for an action-packed Saturday in Arthur, filled with excitement and entertainment that will captivate both locals and visitors alike. From morning till late into the night, the town will be buzzing with thrilling helicopter rides, delectable food vendors, and a range of activities to keep everyone entertained.

The festivities kick off in the heart of downtown at 1pm with a grand parade that promises to be a sight to behold. Following the parade, downtown will come alive with a plethora of activities, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere before making your way to Jurgens Park, just four blocks south, for an evening filled with even more fun.

As the afternoon progresses, head towards the fairgrounds located on the southern edge of Arthur, where an array of delightful experiences await. Even arriving early is worthwhile, as Arthur offers a host of attractions to keep you engaged. Explore various food stands, witness an exhilarating baseball tournament, marvel at an impressive air show, and be thrilled by the daring skydivers from the Mid-America Sport Parachute Club based in Taylorville, Illinois. In past years, the crowd was treated to a breathtaking flyover by an F-115 stealth fighter, leaving spectators in awe. Another highlight this year is the presence of Central Illinois Air from Mattoon, offering thrilling helicopter rides on-site starting from 4:00pm for $20.00 per person.

However, these amazing experiences merely set the stage for one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in central Illinois. At approximately 9:30pm, the night sky will be transformed into a mesmerizing canvas of light and color as thousands of aerial displays burst forth, perfectly synchronized with a musical accompaniment broadcast on 106.7 FM/The Fox. Prepare to be enchanted as the sky is illuminated by colossal shells, some of the largest available in the entire country. Crowd favorites include the awe-inspiring “Wall of Fire,” stretching an impressive 500 feet, and the breathtaking “Niagara Falls” display of equal length. And when the “Rural Patriot” embarks on a ride across a flowing ground display spanning 500 feet or more, the crowd erupts with cheers and applause.

Arthur’s Saturday extravaganza promises an unforgettable day filled with excitement, culinary delights, and stunning visual displays. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for a day of family fun, this event is not to be missed. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of Arthur like never before.

Danville Boat Club Thunder Over Lake Vermillion

It’s Thunder Over Lake Vermilion at the Danville Boat Club off Denmark Rd on the west side of Lake Vermilion. $5 entry for adults with kids 10 & under in free with paid adult. Plus, listen to D102 beginning at 9:15pm tonight for patriotic music to enjoy during the fireworks. 

Gifford Community Celebration

Put on your running/walking shoes and be ready to hit the streets of Gifford for our annual Gifford Community Celebration 5k and Kids Run! The 5k will start at 7 AM, with day of registration beginning at 6 AM. The Kids 1k will begin after the 5k concludes, typically around 8:30 AM. Race Day Registration for the 1k begins at 8:00 AM. Registration is open online until July 1. 

Golf carts, side by sides, vehicles, tractors, and semis will line up for the parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. Festivities will continue at noon in Werner Roessler Park as the Gifford Fire Protection District hosts its annual Waterball Competition. Then, from 1 to 5 p.m., Main Street will be lined with antique and classic cars, and a cornhole tournament will be held from 3 to 5 p.m.

Fireworks are scheduled for dusk at Werner Roessler Park.

Oakwood Fourth of July Celebration

Oakwood is ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, kicking off the day with the Oakwood Fire Department pancake and sausage breakfast from 6-10AM.

The Fourth of July parade will be at 11am, traveling South on Oakwood from Collett to Park and East on Park to Scott. It will end on Scott next to the Oakwood Grade School. 

Commode races will run from 2-4pm on North Main East of Oakwood Street, while music at the Liquor Box will run from 12pm to 11pm. Vendors, bounce houses, a Jeep show, and a cornhole tournament will be nearby on East S Main and South Scott streets in front of the village hall.

Fireworks will be at dusk. They will be shot off on East North Main.

July 3:

Rantoul Freedom Celebration

Fireworks at dusk at the Rantoul Aviation Center 

Monticello Freedom Fest

The Monticello Freedom Fest will be held at Lodge Park in Monticello on July 3rd. The festivities will start at 4 p.m. with kid’s games, food vendors, music, balloons, novelties, airbrush, stuffed animals and a raffle. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. There will be parking at Washington School which is located on Rt. 105 South of Monticello, and buses will be available to transport to and from Lodge Park. The Trailblazers located North of Lodge Park also provides parking . No shuttle from Trailblazers. Monticello Railway offers a Fireworks Train which departs from Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello at 8 p.m. Please make reservations for the train. Eli Field also has a place to watch fireworks with activities.

Fisher Fireworks and Food Trucks

The Village of Fisher will have fireworks on July 3rd at dusk by the fairgrounds. There will be food trucks from 5-8pm. Food vendors will be available. 

July 4:

Champaign County Freedom Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day with us as we host a series of safe and enjoyable community events on July 4th. The Champaign County Freedom Celebration, proudly sponsored by the City of Champaign, invites you to join in the festivities under the theme of “America Celebrates.” From morning till night, there will be an array of family-friendly activities suitable for all ages. Don’t miss out on the Youth Run, 5K Run/Walk, Parade, Live Entertainment, and Fireworks. Here’s the schedule for the day:

• Youth Run: Lace up your sneakers and join us at 8:30 AM for an energetic Youth Run.
• 5K Run/Walk: Get your heart pumping and participate in the 5K Run/Walk starting at 9:05 AM.
• Parade: Experience the vibrant Parade at 11:05 AM, showcasing the spirit of patriotism and community.
• Evening Entertainment: As the sun sets, the evening entertainment kicks off at 7:00 PM, promising a memorable experience for everyone.
• Fireworks: Finally, at dusk (around 9:15 PM), be enchanted by a dazzling display of fireworks that will light up the night sky.

Bellflower

Danville

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and celebration at the Carrington Pavilion, where admission is free for all! Here’s what you can expect:

At 6:00 PM, the gates of the Carrington Pavilion swing open, welcoming everyone to join in the festivities. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!

At 7:25 PM, the City of Danville Mayor will take the stage to address the crowd, sharing inspiring words and setting the tone for the evening.

At 7:30 PM, get ready to be serenaded by the captivating melodies of the Danville Symphony Orchestra. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the enchanting musical performance.

As dusk settles in, prepare to be dazzled by a grand firework display, weather permitting. The sky will light up with brilliant colors, creating a breathtaking spectacle for all to enjoy.

But that’s not all! Throughout the event, there will be a plethora of activities to keep everyone entertained. From inflatables that will bring joy to the hearts of children, to a mesmerizing magician who will leave you in awe, there’s something for everyone.

Hungry? Don’t worry! A wide array of food vendors will be on-site, offering delectable treats to satisfy your cravings. And if you’re looking for unique arts, crafts, or commercial items, be sure to explore the various vendors who will have their wares available for purchase.

Make sure to mark this event on your calendar and gather your family and friends for an evening filled with music, entertainment, delicious food, and a fantastic fireworks display. Admission is free, so come on down to the Carrington Pavilion and join in the fun!

Homer Freedom and Music Festival

Get ready for an explosive celebration on Monday, July 3rd, and Tuesday, July 4th. Here’s a rundown of the exciting events taking place:

Monday, July 3rd:

• From 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, indulge in delicious food and explore unique crafts at the Food & Craft Vendors.
• The Beer Tent opens its doors at 5:00 PM, offering a refreshing selection of beverages.
• Enjoy a rocking performance by ROCK POSSE from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Prepare to be blown away by X-Krush as they take the stage from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Tuesday, July 4th:

• Kick off the day at 10:00 AM with an exciting Parade that will captivate spectators.
• Starting at 11:00 AM, vendors and food trucks will be ready to serve delicious treats.
• Don’t miss the impressive Car & Motorcycle Show, also starting at 11:00 AM.
• Get ready for endless bubbly fun with Joyfulbubbles, happening from 11:00 AM until dusk.
• Let the kids unleash their energy on the inflatables available from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Enjoy a lively performance by The Logan Kirby Band from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
• Test your luck and play Bingo for a chance to win cash prizes from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
• Prepare to be amazed by the tricks of a local magician from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
• Experience the musical talent of Logan Allen Music from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
• Get ready to rock with Poisoned Rationality from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
• Kids will be thrilled with the entertainment provided by Patches The Clown from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
• Immerse yourself in the captivating performance of In Bloom from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
• Play another round of Bingo for more chances to win cash prizes from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
• Celebrate the best cars and motorcycles with the Car & Motorcycle Awards at 4:00 PM.
• Experience the enchanting sounds of Ancient Ways from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
• Prepare to be mystified by Andrew’s Family Magic from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
• Engage in a watermelon eating contest for all ages starting at 5:30 PM.
• Enjoy the melodic tunes of Turning Stones from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Kolten Taylor & The Truck Toppers will take the stage from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, providing a memorable performance.
• As night falls, brace yourself for a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating the sky with vibrant colors and excitement.

Seymour

Seymour hosts an annual Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m., followed by a car show in the afternoon and fireworks at the Seymour Fire Department at dusk.