Firework Displays, Parades and More in the Champaign-Urbana Area
Our region comes alive around the 4th of July with parades, family-friendly festivities, and spectacular fireworks displays. Whether you’re looking for small-town charm or big community events, here’s where to catch the best celebrations in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Arthur – Freedom Celebration & Fireworks (June 28)
When: June 28, 2–10 pm
Where: Jurgens Park (Rt. 133 and S. Vine, Arthur)
Arthur’s celebration is one of the area’s earliest and most spectacular. Starting with a daytime parade, this event includes skydivers, carnival rides, bounce houses, a zip-line, rock wall, food vendors and more. The fireworks display at Jurgens Park features massive shells, “walls of fire,” and synchronized music—making it a must-see show that rivals even the biggest cities. Fireworks this year start at 9:30 pm!
Arcola – Fourth of July Fireworks Display | Drive-in Style (June 29)
When: June 29, 5–9 pm
Where: Green Mill Village (917 Green Mill Ave., Arcola)
Get ready for a spectacular night of fireworks, food, and fun! This drive-in-style event lets you park, relax, and enjoy a stunning fireworks display over Arcola at Green Mill Village. Enjoy food truck vendors, bounce houses, and family fun with a brilliant fireworks display at dusk.
Monticello – Freedom Fest at Lodge Park (July 3)
When: July 3, 5–10 pm
Where: Lodge Park (1 ½ miles north of Exit 166 I-72, Monticello)
Celebrate early at Freedom Fest in Monticello’s Lodge Park, complete with live music, food vendors, and one of the area’s most underrated fireworks shows! A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes this a favorite for locals. Activities will begin at 5 pm with fireworks starting at 9 pm.
Rantoul – Fireworks at the Airport + Parade (July 3–4)
Fireworks Display
When: July 3, 9 pm
Where: Rantoul Airport (6 Aviation Center Drive)
Head to the Rantoul Airport for a fireworks show visible from miles away. With ample space for parking and gathering, it’s a great place to bring a picnic and enjoy a laid-back evening under the stars.
Rantoul Parade
When: July 4, 10 am
Where: Maplewood Dr.—Wabash Park, Rantoul
Rantoul will kick things off with a patriotic morning parade that winds through town.
Homer – Freedom and Music Festival (July 3–4)
When: July 3, 4 pm | July 4, 11 am–10 pm
Where: Homer Village Hall (500 E. 2nd St., Homer)
This two-day music festival is back, with over seven musical acts and packed with tons of entertainment such as adult bingo, a watermelon eating contest, kids dance party, food, and more! The Freedom Parade will kick off at 11 am to open July 4th’s schedule of events. Keep up to date for the list of live bands, activities and more here.
Champaign – County Freedom Celebration Parade & Fireworks (July 4)
When: July 4, 4:30 pm (Parade)
Route: Starting at Kirby and Fourth Street, heads north to Gregory, goes west to First Street, south to Kirby, and back to Fourth Street between the State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium (this is part of a new route, emulating the U of I Homecoming Parade Route).
The beloved Champaign County Freedom Celebration Parade marches through the heart of Champaign with local floats, music, dancers, and community groups. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Pride of America’s Heartland”, giving a nod to our agriculture industry.
Evening Entertainment & Fireworks
When: July 4, 6 pm
Where: State Farm Center (1800 S. 1st St., Champaign)
Head to the State Farm Center for food vendors, face painting, family fun, live music, and the star of the night—a dazzling fireworks display—around 9:15 pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for a memorable show.
Champaign – Stars and Stripes Celebration at the Farmhouse Restaurant (July 4)
When: July 4, 5–9 pm
Where: Harvest Market (2029 S. Neil St., Champaign)
Join the Farmhouse Restaurant at Harvest Market for the Stars and Stripes Celebration! Indulge in classic carnival food and refreshing drinks while enjoying free activities such as face-painting and balloon twisting from 5–7 pm, live music by Andy Duncanson & Friends from 5–8 pm, and a professional photographer and photo booth from 5–8pm. Bring your own lawn chair to watch the Champaign County fireworks from the parking lot and mezzanine around 9 pm!
Paxton – Independence Day at Pells Park (July 4)
When: July 4, 10 am
Where: Pells Park (700 E. Pells St., Paxton)
Paxton’s annual 4th of July celebration at Pells Park features small-town charm with daytime festivities and fireworks at dusk. The celebration is perfect for families looking for a quieter, community-based event. At 10 am, food and vendor booths open, with a car show, antique tractor show, old-fashioned kids’ games, live music, and more as the day goes on. Fireworks will begin at Bixby Park on Strong St. around 9 pm.
Savoy – Local Firework Viewing Spots (July 4)
Savoy doesn’t host its own fireworks but offers prime viewing spots for the Champaign County fireworks. Residents often gather at Colbert Park, Savoy Recreation Center, or nearby open fields to enjoy the show from a quieter setting.
Tuscola – Sparks in the Park at Ervin Park and Parade (July 4–5)
Tuscola Sparks in the Park Parade
When: July 4, 10:30 am lineup, 11 am start
Where: Ervin Park (N. Main St., Tuscola)
Tuscola Sparks in the Park
When: July 5 (rain date July 6)
Where: Ervin Park (N. Main St., Tuscola)
Sparks in the Park is Tuscola’s premier summer event. Ervin Park will host car shows, 5K runs, kids’ games, food trucks, live music, and more. The event caps off with a stunning fireworks show at 9 pm that draws crowds from across the region.