Communities across Nebraska usually celebrate the Fourth of July with parades, concerts, and, of course, fireworks. Some cities begin patriotic festivities up to a week before July 4. It’s one of my favorite times of year to spend time with friends and family! This list is divided into two sections: One for Omaha Fourth of July events (and Omaha area fireworks) and the rest of Nebraska.
If you have an event you’d like to see added to this list or an update to be made, please email me – Kim (at) ohmyomaha (dot) com.
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Best Fourth of July events in the Omaha Metro
If you spend the Fourth of July in Nebraska’s largest city, you’ll have plenty of options for festivities!
City of Omaha Celebrates America Free Concert & Fireworks Show
When: Typically held before the Fourth of July; in 2024, the concert is June 28; the National Anthem kicks things off at 6:30 p.m. The headliner, Roger Daltrey of The Who, takes the stage at around 8:30 p.m. Fireworks follow at around 10 p.m.
What: An annual favorite for Omahans, the Memorial Park Concert attracts a large crowd that sticks around for the large fireworks display after the show.
Where: Memorial Park, Omaha
Cost: FREE
Lake Manawa Fireworks
When: June 30, 2024 at 10 p.m.
What: Lake Manawa Fireworks is an annual tradition at Lake Manawa State Park. It’s run by a nonprofit volunteer group. It is a weather-dependent event.
Where: Lake Manawa 1100 S Shore Drive, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Cost: FREE
Celebrate America Concert
When: July 2, 2024 at 7 p.m.
What: Celebrate America concert features the USAF Heartland of America Band
Where: SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Ralston’s Annual Independence Day Celebration
When: July 3 from 3 to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
What: Nearly two full days of festivities, including a street dance on July 3 in downtown Ralston from 7 to 11 p.m., a parade on July 4 at 1 p.m. and fireworks that night starting at 9:30 p.m. Full schedule may be viewed here.
Where: Various locations in Ralston, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Celebrate America Concert
What: Raptor USAF Heartland of America Band concert showcases pop and rock tunes, and concludes with with a musical tribute to the USA.
When: July 4, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Heartland of America Park, 333 S. Eighth St.
Cost: FREE
Independence Day Celebration With Omaha Symphony
When: July 4, 2024 at 8:30 p.m.
What: All are welcome to the Omaha Symphony Independence Day Celebration in downtown Omaha. The concert will feature the Omaha Symphony, along with vocal ensemble Résonance, performing favorites like The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, music by John Williams, and much more. The evening will culminate with a spectacular fireworks presentation synchronized with live music. Blankets and portable lawn chairs are welcome.
Where: Gene Leahy Mall, 1302 Farnam St., Omaha
Cost: FREE
Living History Fourth Of July Celebration at Fort Atkinson
When: July 6 and 7, 2024
Where: Fort Atkinson Historical Park, 201 S. Seventh St., Fort Calhoun, Neb.
What: Living history weekend at a fort, complete with cannon firing and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Get ready to celebrate like it’s 1823.
Cost: There are no other fees to tour the fort grounds other than the Nebraska State Park sticker. There is an admission fee to tour the Visitor’s Center/Museum and watch the video ($2 per adult and $1 for children under 13, and FREE for under 3).
Independence Day Community Celebration
When: July 7, 2024 from noon to 3 p.m.
What: Enjoy free tours of the historic home of General Dodge, plus free lunch and live Civil War era music by the Flatware Drifters.
Where: The Historic Gen. Dodge House, 605 S. Third St., Council Bluffs, Iowa
Cost: FREE
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Annual Fourth of July events in Omaha usually include the follow neighborhood parades and fireworks displays (list will be updated with details as they’re announced):
- Field Club Independence Day – Along 36th Street and Woolworth Avenue, parade is usually at 10:30 a.m.
- J.E. George Boulevard Festivities – Along the 600 and 700 blocks of J.E. George Boulevard, the parade is usually at 10 a.m.
- Skylark-Cryer Neighborhood – At 118th and Cedar streets, parade usually begins at 10 a.m.
- Boys Town Fireworks -TBD
2024 Fourth of July Celebrations Around Nebraska
There are plenty of celebrations planned outside of Omaha. Below are the usual celebrations, with more details to be published soon!
- Big Bang Boom in Norfolk is June 28 & 29, 2024
- Treestock Independence Day Celebration in Nebraska City is June 29 & 30, 2024. The Jaycees Fireworks Show on June 29 starting at dusk at Steinhart Park.
- Freedom Fest at Eagle Raceway in Eagle is June 29, 2024.
- Seward Fourth of July, “America’s Small Town Fourth of July City” is July 3-6, 2024. The Grand Parade is on July 4, and the fireworks display starts at 10 p.m. on the Fourth, as well.
- Uncle Sam Jam at Oak Park Lake, located at North First and Charleston streets, in Lincoln is on July 3, 2024. The park opens at 6 p.m., live music starts at 7:15 p.m., the flag lowering ceremony is at 8:30 p.m., and the fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m.
- Red, White, KaBoom! in Columbus is July 3, 2024 at 10 p.m. at Columbus High School.
- Firecracker Frenzy in York is July 3, 2024 at the York County Fairgrounds. Music for the fireworks show will be broadcast on KOOL 103.5 FM.
- 1890s Independence Day Celebration at the Stuhr Museum of the Pioneer Prairie in Grand Island is July 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Blair Independence Celebration will be held at the former Dana Campus’ track area on July 4, 2024. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. Music for the fireworks will be broadcast on Blair Radio 94.7 fm.
- Hebron Fourth of July Celebration & Parade
- Sumner’s Fourth of July
- Quad County Museum Car Show & Firework Display in Humboldt
- Murdock Fourth of July Celebration
- Annual Platte Center Fourth of July celebration
- Fourth of July Party at River View Park Resort and Marina, Blair, Neb.
- Annual Hooper Fourth of July Fun Run
- Madison Fourth Of July Parade
- Stanton Fourth Of July Parade
- Prague Third Annual Firework Show at Czechland Lake Recreation Area in Prague, Neb.
- City of Hickman Fireworks Display
If know of any additional Fourth of July celebrations, please leave a comment!