Celebrating the Fourth of July in Marquette is a memorable experience filled with live music, savory food & sweet treats at Freedom Fest, parades, dazzling fireworks, and a Sensory Friendly Laser Light Show, there's plenty to see and do on the 3rd & 4th of July in Marquette County, MI! Here’s your guide to all the festivities.
Kick Off the Festivities at Freedom Fest
The Fourth of July festivities in Marquette kick off with Freedom Fest in Mattson Lower Harbor Park. The Marquette County Exchange Club is hosting Freedom Fest from 12 PM - 10 PM on July 3rd, and 4th! Come down for some good eats, a cold beer & other adult beverages, games and activities for kids, and catch live musicians and performers. Plus, the National Guard will be offering free boat rides.
Musicians are scheduled to hit the stage all day on the 3rd & 4th from 12 PM -10 PM. Check the Marquette County Exchange Club Facebook Page, MQT Fourth Website, or the Travel Marquette Event Calendar for the full lineup of music & food throughout the weekend.
July 3, 2025
Monday evening is packed full of music and activities. Bring a lawn chair, blankets, and some cash for a snack at the ice cream stand, grab dinner at one of the delicious food vendors lined up, or enjoy an ice cold beverage. The Marquette City Band will be performing at 6 PM, and Derrell Syria Project starts at 8 PM. Next, the Boat Parade of holiday themed decorated boats will line the harbor at 9:30 PM with a Laser Show countdown & Fireworks show to follow. The countdown starts at 10:20 PM with the colorful explosions to follow at dusk, so you’ll want to make sure you have your spot in the park by at least 10:15 PM.
July 4, 2025
Celebrate Independence day all day long in Marquette. Enjoy delicious food, kids activities, and live music at Freedom Fest at Mattson Lower Harbor. Find a spot along Washington St between McClellan and Front St for the Independence Day Parade, “United We Stand” hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Marquette. Those needing accessible seating should enter from Lincoln Ave, and communicate with the crossing guard at the intersection. The parade starts marching at 2 PM and will be making their way down Washington Street. You’ll hear the marching band's cadence, see the colorful floats and majestic horses, and taste a piece of candy that brings back nostalgia of summer time Fourth of July Festivities. Following the parade, head down to Freedom Festival to see the Marquette Fire Department compete in some silly and friendly games & races that you don’t want to miss.
The evening of July 4th, The Fresh Coast Light Lab, Travel Marquette, and the Marquette Area Celebration Committee teamed up to present a laser light show on the Ore Dock at Mattson Lower Harbor! This new event will allow additional groups of residents and visitors, like veterans with PTSD, a sensory-friendly opportunity to participate in Marquette's Fourth of July Celebration.
July 5, 2025
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM Enjoy the laser light show for a second night at Mattson Lower Harbor Park, courtesy of Travel Marquette & the Fresh Coast Light Lab! Stay the whole time or just for a moment to catch the laser show without the crowds.
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.
Rules & Helpful Information
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)
Parade Route & Road Closures for 7/3/2025 & 7/4/2025 - Click the Link to View the Full Map
Join us for a memorable Fourth of July celebration in Marquette, filled with community spirit, entertainment, and inclusive fun. For more details and updates, visit the Marquette Fourth of July Facebook Page or Marquette Fourth website.
