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 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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Omaha Fourth of July Events
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 2023, the concert is June 30; the National Anthem kicks things off at 6:30 p.m. The headliner takes the stage at around 8:30 p.m. Fireworks follow at around 10 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park, Omaha
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. In 2023, the headliner is Melissa Etheridge, featuring special guest Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone.
Cost: FREE
Independence Days on the Granary Green
When: July 2-4
Where: Granary Green, 7401 Main St., Ralston
What: Three days of festivities. On July 2, activities include a car and bike show starting at 10 a.m., and music by NWS Swingtones Band at 6 p.m. and Wind Symphony Band at 7 pm. On July 3, Picnic On Green is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with food and beverages available for purchase (proceeds go to Trinity Lutheran Church’s fundraiser for community events). There will also be a pie & ice cream social, an amateur pie contest (pies must be dropped off between 3 to 4 p.m. on July 3rd to the Granary), games and a bounce house. Live music on July 3 include the Air Force Band at 6 p.m. and Lemon Fresh Day at 8 p.m. (21+ show). On July 4, festivities will coincide with Ralston celebrations. Enjoy a Cool Down Party At the Granary Green after the parade, as well as a splash zone and bounce house. A food eating competition hosted by LemonCafe starts at 4:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Freedom Bash
When: July 3, 7 p.m.
Where: Scorz Sports Center, 7602 Main St., Ralston
What: Enjoy a beer garden with live music by Joystick outside, and DJ Red mixing the playlist inside Scorz Sports Center. Event is for 21+.
Cost: FREE
FNBO Independence Fireworks
When: Typically held around the Fourth of July, and in 2023, it will be held on July 3 (game starts at 7:05 p.m.)
Where: Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion Neb.
What: An annual fireworks show held following an Omaha Storm Chasers’ baseball game. In 2023, they’re facing the Iowa Cubs.
Cost: Included with the price of admission to the game.
Fourth of July Pool Party
When: July 4, 2023
Where: Omaha public pools with open hours that day
What: Admission to Omaha public pools is $1 on the Fourth of July. Pools will close at 5 p.m. that day.
Cost: $1
Ralston Independence Day Celebration
When: July 4, 2023
Where: Ralston, Neb.
What: The large Fourth of July parade is held each year on July 4, as well as a fun run, fire department water fight, and fireworks display. Parade begins at 1 p.m.
Cost: Mostly FREE, the fun run may have a fee
Independence Day Celebration With Omaha Symphony *DATE CHANGE
When: July 5, 8:30 p.m. (original performance date of July 4 is postponed due to weather forecast)
Where: Gene Leahy Mall, 1302 Farnam St., Omaha
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.
Cost: FREE
Third Annual Phourth Phest
When: July 7, at 7 p.m.
Where: Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion
What: Live music by Phandemic: A Phish Tribute & Dr. Webb, as well as food and drinks. Fireworks at the end of the night.
Cost: $15
Annual Fourth of July events in Omaha usually include the follow (list will be updated with details as they’re announced):
- Field Club Independence Day – Along 36th Street and Woolworth Avenue, parade will be at 10:30 a.m. date TBD
- J.E. George Boulevard Festivities – Along the 600 and 700 blocks of J.E. George Boulevard, the parade is July 4 at 10 a.m.
- Skylark-Cryer Neighborhood – At 118th and Cedar streets, parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4
- Boys Town Fireworks -TBD
2023 Fourth of July Celebrations Around Nebraska
There are plenty of celebrations planned outside of the state’s largest city. Read on for more Nebraska towns’ and cities’ Independence Day plans.
Seward Fourth of July, “America’s Small Town Fourth of July City”
When: July 4, 2023
Where: City of Seward-Downtown; Plum Creek Park, Fifth and Seward streets Seward, Neb.
What: Seward is considered Nebraska’s official Fourth of July City. Festivities include the Grand Parade, craft show, car show, and fireworks. Live entertainment throughout the day includes dancing and competitions.
Cost: FREE
Recommended hotel: Cobble Stone Hotel & Suites in Seward
Related post: The Seward Fourth of July celebration is on the list for the 10 Unforgettable Things To Do This Summer In Nebraska.
Big Bang Boom 2023
When: June 30 – July 1; fireworks are Saturday at 9:45 p.m.
Where: Norfolk, Neb.
What: Norfolk’s Fourth of July celebration will include a wings contest, fireworks, inflatable midway and more activities. The weekend will kick off Friday night with a Wing Fest competition coordinated by the Stanton Ribfest organizers. There will also be a Car Show N Shine and live music that night. On Saturday, festivities will include the inflatable midway, military static displays, food vendors, music and the “largest, most spectacular fireworks display in Northeast Nebraska.”
Cost: FREE
Recommended hotel: Norfolk Lodge and Suites, an Ascend Hotel Collection
Red, White, KaBoom!
When: July 3, 2023
Where: Columbus, Neb.
What: Festivities are held throughout the day on Saturday. Fireworks may be seen from Columbus High School, 3434 Discoverer Drive, Columbus, Neb.
Recommended hotel: Hampton Inn Columbus
Sumner’s Fourth of July
When: TBD for 2023
Where: Sumner, Neb.
What: Festivities typically include a rodeo and street dance, plus a parade at 10:30 a.m. and fireworks at dusk.
Hotel recommendation: You’ll have better luck looking for hotels and rentals in nearby towns. Booking.com has some suggestions for places in Lexington, Cozad and Gothenburg.
Living History Fourth Of July Celebration at Fort Atkinson
When: July 1 and 2, 2023
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).
Hotel recommendation: You’ll have better luck finding accommodations in nearby towns like Blair and Omaha.
Treestock Independence Day Celebration in Nebraska City
When: July 1-2, 2023
Where: Festival at Central Avenue side of Steinhart Park in Nebraska City and fireworks from Steinhart Park. Treestock includes live music, food trucks, cornhole, and an hour-long fireworks extravaganza.
What: Live music, car show, and family games in the park. Fireworks are on July 2 at dusk. Treestock includes live music, food trucks, cornhole, and an hour-long fireworks extravaganza. You’ll want to check the festival website for all of the events — there’s a lot!
Cost: FREE
Recommended hotel: Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm is spectacular!
Freedom Fest at Eagle Raceway
When: July 1, 2023; gates open at 5:15 p.m., racing starts at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks are after the races
Where: Eagle Raceway, 617 S. 238th St., Eagle, Neb.
What: Car racing, a clown for kids, and an evening ending with a huge fireworks display.
Cost: $15, adults (13+); $5, kids (5-12); and FREE for kids under 5; pit pass is $30
Recommended hotel: You’ll have better luck looking for accommodations nearby including Lincoln and Walton.
1890s Independence Day Celebration
When: TBD for 2023
Where: Stuhr Museum of the Pioneer Prairie, 3133 West Highway 34, in Grand Island, Neb.
What: The Independence Day celebration is all day on the museum’s grounds. Activities include a parade down Main Street in Railroad Town, an 1890s patriotic ceremony, the firing of the anvil, a German Language Church Service put on by the Hall County Historical Society at 10 a.m.
Cost: Included with museum admission
Recommended hotel: Best Western Plus Grand Island Inn & Suites
Hebron Fourth of July Celebration & Parade
When: July 4, 2023
Where: Hebron, Neb.
What: Not much is known yet, but you may want to check the southeastern Nebraska Tourism page for possible updates.
Recommended hotel: You may have better luck finding accommodations in nearby towns like Fairbury, which as The Edgewood Hotel and Suites.
Quad County Museum Car Show & Firework Display
When: July 4, 2023
Where: Humboldt, Neb.
What: Not much is known yet, but you may want to check the southeastern Nebraska Tourism page for possible updates.
Murdock Fourth of July Celebration
When: July 4, 10 a.m. to dusk
Where: Various locations
What: A full day of festivities in Murdock, including 11 a.m. parade along Main Street; pie and ice cream social from noon to 3 p.m. in the basement of United Methodist Church, and fireworks at dusk from the Murdock Ball Field. See full schedule here.
Cost: Most activities FREE
Firecracker Frenzy
When: TBD for 2023
Where: York County Fairgrounds, 2345 N. Nebraska Ave., York, Neb.
Cost: FREE
Recommended hotel: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites York
More annual Nebraska events awaiting 2023 updates
This section will be updated as more Fourth of July events are announced in Nebraska towns. Annual festivities usually include:
- Blair Independence Celebration – Fireworks at dusk from Transformation Hill, North 28th Avenue and College Drive
- Uncle Sam Jam at Oak Park Lake in Lincoln
- 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
- July Fourth Flea Party
- Prague Third Annual Firework Show at Czechland Lake Recreation Area in Prague, Neb.
- City of Hickman Fireworks Display
