2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and Springfield is celebrating in a big way! Check out the events below that help celebrate the 4th of July/Independence Day holiday.
And for more local Springfield Illinois America 250 information, click here.
July 1-5: Enjoy a performance of the musical 1776 which tells the story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
July 1: The Lincoln Library - The Public Library of Springfield hosts a free lecture on the The Founding Mothers of America in the Carnegie North room.
July 2-4: Join Lincoln's New Salem for their Independence Day Celebration. The celebration will feature period demonstrations and a reading the Declaration of Independence.
July 2: It's Red, White, & BLUES as the blues band Shawn Holt & The Teardrops play a free concert on the Levitt AMP stage at the Y-Block near the Illinois Governor's Mansion in Downtown Springfield
July 3: Register in advance to create your own Patriotic Charm Bracelet at The Lincoln Library - The Public Library of Springfield.
July 3: KJR Studio Productions presents Sea to Shining Sea at the The Lincoln Library - The Public Library of Springfield. The program features a selection of iconic pieces ranging from Aaron Copland to Irving Berlin.
July 3: Central Illinois' largest on the water fireworks takes place at Lake Springfield Marina for Rock the Dock. Also enjoy live music and food/drink vendors at this celebration.
July 3-July 4: Celebrate America's pastime and come cheer the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes at Robin Roberts Stadium with a fireworks show after the game on July 3rd. On July 4th the Shoes will help celebrate America's 250th birthday with a day game with $2.50 tickets and patriotic jerseys.
July 4: For the runners out there, start your 4th of July off with an early morning run at Freedom Run 2026 at Centennial Park.
July 4: Kids ages 5-15 (accompanied by a parent/guardian) can make patriotic tie-dye shirts at the Old State Capitol. This event is free but pre-registration is recommended. This event is part of the Old State Capitol's July 4th Family Day which includes a presentation on the Donner-Reed Party, Living History Nights lectures & other History Comes Alive events.
July 4: Head to the historic Elijah Iles House for the annual Clara Irwin's Strawberry Party. The party includes live music, light refreshments, a visit from Lady Liberty, & strawberry shortcake of course.
July 4: Grab your lawn chairs and head to the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon for special thematic concert. The concerts are held on Saturdays June 20th through August 1st with the July 4th concert's theme as patriotic music.
July 4: In celebration of America's independence, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will be offering free admission to the public. Also be sure to check out the exhibits 250 Years of American Stories & The Second American Revolution at the ALPLM.
July 4: Join the fun at America's Block Party at Union Square Park just across the street from the ALPLM. The block party is part of the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in American history complete with food trucks, live music, & family fun.
July 4: Head to the Y-Block near the Illinois Governor's Mansion for a special concert and fireworks show celebrating America 250. The Springfield Municipal Band will be playing a special concert that evening followed by a fireworks show over downtown Springfield.
July 4: Knights Action Park hosts their 4th of July Extravaganza complete with music, food and a fireworks show. Make it a full and fun 4th by hitting the Splash Kingdom water park during the day and sticking around for the extravaganza at night.
July 5: See the American muscle cars on display at the Route 66 Cruise-In at the Brinkerhoff Mansion. Also enjoy live music & food/drink vendors.
Check out our Upcoming & Ongoing for other fun things to do over the holiday week.
The History Comes Alive program also offers fun history events around the 4th of July and throughout the summer.
Here are just some of the History Comes Alive events
Living History Nights at the Old State CapitolHistory Cooks at the Lincoln Home
Date Night at the Dana-Thomas House
Flag Lowering Ceremony at Lincoln's Tomb
Ice Cream Social with Abe & Mary at Edward's Place
2026 also marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66!. Check out these special events happening in 2026. And look through our Route 66 Itinerary page to help plan your legendary trip.