Party Like it’s 1776: Independence Day Celebrations
Get ready to party like it's 1776! Highland Park's Independence Day celebrations will include a full weekend of family-friendly fun, July 3 - July 5. Highlights include Independence Fest at the Preserve, the return of the City's fireworks display on July 3, an America250-themed parade on July 4, followed by the Park District's Star-Spangled Pool Party, and a special concert by JP & the Midnight Idols featuring Dr. Mark on July 5. Learn more below!
Independence Fest
July 3 | 5:30-9:30 PM | The Preserve of Highland Park
The Park District's Independence Fest is the perfect start to your holiday weekend, with plenty of attractions and games, including axe throwing, face painting, a community mural, and more, a variety of onsite food vendors, and entertainment by Dancing Queen, the ultimate salute to ABBA! Wristbands (required for attractions and games) are $10 in advance/$15 onsite, and available for purchase in advance at the West Ridge Community Center, Park Fitness, and Highland Park Bank and Trust. Wristbands are not required to enjoy the music.
Fireworks Display
July 3 | 9:30 PM | The Preserve of Highland Park
The City's fireworks display returns with a spectacular show set to patriotic music, celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary!
Pre-Parade Stupey Cabin Open House
July 4 | 8 AM - 10:30 AM | Stupey Cabin
The Highland Park Historical Society will host an open house at the Stupey Cabin - complete with a slide!
Independence Day Parade
July 4 | 10:30 AM | Downtown Highland Park
Celebrate your American story and love of history at the City's Independence Day Parade! Wear your Americana best to help bring the America250 theme to life. From patriotic floats to historical characters, incredible music from the Brass Animals to precision marching from the Elite Striders Drill Team & Drum Corps, to interactive bubble foam, can't-miss vintage vehicles, and so much more, this year's Independence Day Parade will bring our community together for a special celebration of our country and our values! Special this year, the City appreciates the participation of the U.S. Army in our Independence Day parade.
The parade will follow the same route as in 2025, stepping off at St. Johns & Laurel, turning onto Green Bay before heading west on Central, ending at Sunset Woods Park.
Star-Spangled Pool Party
July 4 | 11 AM - 4 PM | Hidden Creek AquaPark
Keep the fun going post-parade with the Park District's brand new Star-Spangled Pool Party at Hidden Creek AquaPark! The party will feature a DJ and patriotic poolside games. Food specials will be available for purchase from the concessions stand.
America250 Community Concert
July 5 | 1 PM | Port Clinton Square
JP and the Midnight Idols, featuring Dr. Mark, will play a special free concert honoring the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence!