Celebrate the Fourth of July and America 250 along the shores of Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan. From community festivals and parades to live music, fireworks and the return of the nationally recognized Ore Dock laser show, enjoy Independence Day festivities throughout the weekend in Marquette County.
JULY 2, 2026
Freedom Fest
Hosted by the Marquette County Exchange Club, the Freedom Festival returns to Mattson Lower Harbor Park for three days of food, entertainment and family activities. Happening July 2nd-4th from 12:00 - 10:00 p.m., the event features local and ethnic food vendors, a tent serving adult beverages, activities for children and free live entertainment.
JULY 3, 2026
Negunaee Pioneer Days
Negaunee Pioneer Days returns with a full day of community festivities in downtown Negaunee. Activities include food vendors, alumni softball, family-friendly programming and an evening fireworks display over Teal Lake.
Marquette City Band Freedom 250 Concert
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Mattson Lower Harbor Park, the Marquette City Band will perform its Freedom 250 Concert in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
America’s 250th Birthday Block Party
A community event with live music, local businesses, and a ball drop the night of the 3rd leading up to America’s 250th birthday, turning the 100 block of W. Washington into a pedestrian area to relax in Downtown Marquette during the festive weekend.
Marquette Independence Day Boat Parade
The Marquette Independence Day Boat Parade begins at 9:30 p.m. ahead of the annual fireworks display. Decorated boats will travel through the Lower Harbor while competing for awards including Most Dramatic Light Display, Most Spirited and Most Original Fourth of July Theme.
Marquette Fireworks Show
Marquette's annual fireworks display will take place over Lake Superior on July 3. A 20-minute prelude and countdown begins at 10:25 p.m. at Mattson Lower Harbor Park, followed by an 18-minute fireworks show launched from the Lower Harbor Ore Dock.
JULY 4, 2026
Marquette Fourth of July Parade
The annual Fourth of July Parade returns to Washington Street on July 4. More than 80 floats and parade participants will travel from Washington Street and McClellan Avenue through the city before concluding near South Third Street in downtown Marquette. A designated accessible viewing and parking area will be available at Nicolet National Bank.
Marquette Fourth of July Sensory-Friendly Laser Show
The Marquette Fourth of July Sensory-Friendly Laser Show returns July 4 with a special America 250-themed production created by Fresh Coast Light Lab. Running from 10:15 p.m. - 12:15 a.m., the show uses the Lower Harbor Ore Dock as its canvas and provides an alternative way to participate in Independence Day celebrations for residents and visitors, including those with sensory sensitivities.
Inclement Weather Plans
In case of inclement weather on July 3, 2025, the fireworks display will be rescheduled for the evening of July 4, 2025 at dusk. Dusk occurs between 10:30 and 10:45 PM, so head down to the Lakefront or Mattson Lower Harbor Park to catch a glimpse of the 2025 Marquette Fireworks Show.
Know Before You Go
- The bike-path around Mattson Lower Harbor Park will be closed from 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM
- In the State of Michigan, Launching of Fireworks is not allowed on public property. Fireworks are not permitted at locations such as Parks, Beaches, Roads, and other publicly shared spaces. Launching fireworks is allowed on private property only.
- Please leave pets and other animals at home for the 3rd & 4th of July events. Service Animals are allowed.
- Carry-ins are not allowed at Mattson Lower Harbor Park on July 3 & 4, 2025. There are plenty of food & beverage options for all at the festival.
- Those wishing to view the fireworks by boat should note the safety zones below. Also remember to follow the Michigan State rules and regulations for boating on Lake Superior.
Parking Map
Boat Safety Map
If you wish to view the fireworks and laser light display by boat, the safety zone is located outside of the red circle. Please avoid being within the red circle to avoid serious injury. The South Side of the Ore Dock by the Founders Landing Pier will be closed by 6PM. (See safety zone map below)
Accessibility
Parking
Accessible parking for this event is located in the large parking lot next to Mattson Lower Harbor Park (200 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855). Twelve accessible parking spaces are provided in this lot. Four of these accessible spaces are van accessible. Accessible parking in this lot is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Route to Viewing Area
The route from the parking area to the accessible viewing area is a mix of paved, dirt, and grass surfaces and is firm and stable.
Seating in Viewing Area
An accessible seating and viewing area for this event will be provided on the grass near the Lake Superior Theater Building. The accessible seating area will be marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) logo and the Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) banner. Please bring your own chair. If you need assistance carrying your chair, contact Jamie Glenn at SAIL (906) 936-0915.
Restrooms
One accessible single-user Family restroom is available inside of Kids Cove Playground and is wide enough to accommodate an independent transfer. Accessible portable restrooms will also be provided at Mattson Lower Harbor Park. These restrooms are wide enough to accommodate an independent transfer.
For more details and updates, visit the Marquette Fourth of July Facebook Page or Marquette Fourth website.
