Celebrate Independence Day in South Bend & Mishawaka
One of our great celebrations is right around the corner. This year, we're celebrating America250 along with the rest of the country!
Start planning your trip after checking out some of the events listed below.
Moments that made US exhibit
The History Museum and Studebaker National Museum have collaborated on a special campus-wide exhibit to celebrate America250. This exhibit invites visitors to explore the defining experiences that shaped South Bend and how those moments connect to the broader American story. Check the full schedule of events, exhibition details, and updates throughout the year-long celebration at the museums.
Fireworks in South Bend and Mishawaka
If you're looking for fireworks shows, we have options. Starting as early as June 27, scroll through below to get the best spot for the sparks in the sky!
Independence Day at Central Park
Head over to Central Park in Mishawaka for their annual Independence Day Celebration June 27. Celebrating America 250 with food trucks, market vendors, live music and fireworks will surely get your holiday started!
Celebrate America's 250th with the South Bend Cubs
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a special night at Four Winds Field June 27 featuring fun, food, and fireworks for the whole family. Enjoy America 250 Spin to Win, where nine lucky fans will compete on a special prize wheel for a chance to win prizes including $250 cash. There will be a $2.50 Happy Hour from 5:30-6:30 PM with 16 oz. domestic drafts, and be one of the first 250 fans through the gates to receive a free slice of cake celebrating America's birthday.
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First Fridays: Backyard BBQ
Downtown South Bend's July First Fridays is celebrating the simple joys of summer with a Backyard BBQ theme July 3. Think picnics, great food, yard games, live music, and time with friends and family right in the heart of downtown.
Salute to Freedom with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra
Join fellow music lovers for the Salute to Freedom show at 7:30 p.m. July 3 at the Morris Performing Arts Center. The orchestra is sure to captivate as it plays patriotic tunes and salutes the armed forces. This event is free but registration is required.
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Celebration & Fireworks at Howard Park & Seitz Park
Head over to Howard Park and Seitz Park July 3 for a festive and family-friendly celebration fill with live music, outdoor fun, delicious food and a spectacular fireworks display! Don't forget your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show.
RELATED CONTENT: Your Guide to Exploring Howard Park

St. Joseph County 4-H Fair: Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights
Nothing says summer quite like the fair. Head to the midway for games and rides, walk through the animal barns and make sure to save room for some of your favorite fair food. This year's fair runs from July 3-11 with entertainment planned for every day. This year the fair will be celebrating America250! A spectacular fireworks show is scheduled for July 11.
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Lakeville 4th of July Parade
Head over to Lakeville for their annual 4th of July parade at 10 a.m. to kick off your holiday!

America's 250th Celebration at Newton Park
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at Newton Park with an evening full of family fun, live music, great food, giveaways and an incredible fireworks show at dusk! This is a free event and lawn chairs are welcome.
North Liberty 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
North Liberty is throwing a major America 250 celebration downtown on July 4! The "Small Town America's Birthday Bash" parade begins at 2 p.m. and the celebration continues at North Liberty Elementary with fireworks, games, food and a DJ. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Walkerton's 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Show
Enjoy Walkerton's 4th of July parade at 5pm taking place from John Glenn High School to Urey Middle School. Head over to the American Legion for food, games, a bon fire and family fun then enjoy a fireworks show on the east end of town.
Feel the American Spirit
A lot of us feel the patriotism that comes with celebrating Independence Day. Here are a few places you can go to find some local and national American history around The Bend.
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