How are you celebrating the 4th this year? There are many celebrations taking place during the week to celebrate our nation's independence! If you're looking for something to do, try one of these ideas!
Fireworks on the Lakefront
Join the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, July 3, 6 pm, at the Indiana Dunes State Park. Enjoy live music and freshly prepared dishes from the best of Duneland's musicians and chefs beginning at 6pm, with shuttle service from Chesterton Middle School from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. Fireworks will begin at 9:15pm!
American Veterans Traveling Tribute
Beginning Tuesday, July 3, The Wall, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, will come to the campus of PNC. This Traveling Tribute will provide visitors an opportunity to experience an 80 percent scale version of the Vietnam Wall as its cornerstone. This project pays respect to the men and women who served their country and pays specific tribute to those who gave all in that service.
Firework 5K Run/Walk
Start your holiday morning with a race in Hebron! This race begins at 8 am on Wednesday, July 4, at Hebron Middle School. This course is a flat 5k that lends itself to personal best times. Race begins and ends at Hebron Middle School, runs down Main Street, crosses Main St. right in front of Subway, turns right onto Front Drive, left on Boardwalk, then a right on Poplar, another right on Aspen, then up to the top of the hill where you then turn around and head back to the finish basically the same way. A parade will be held at 10 am, beginning at Hebron High School to County Square Plaza on Main Street. A Turtle Derby at 1st Source Bank will follow.
Family 4th Fest at Hawthorne Park
The Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce presents an all day event of family fun! The fest kicks off with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Lions from 7 am to 12:30 pm. A parade will run through Porter from 9 am to 10 am. The Turtle Derby will take place at 11 am. A beer garden by Leroy's Hot Stuff and food vendors will run from 11 am to 8 pm. Bingo will be played from 1 pm to 8:30 pm. Individual and Family Themed Games and Activities will take place from 1 pm to 3 pm. The evening finishes out with live entertainment hosted by Leroy's Hot Stuff from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Independence Day Parade
The city of Gary will host a parade on July 4th, at 9 am. The parade route will begin at 21st and Broadway and run to 5th and Broadway.
Griffith July 4 Parade
At 10 am, the city of Griffith will host a July 4th parade, beginning at Pine and Broad, proceeding south on Broad St to Main St. Organizations wishing to participate should call 922.8612.
Hammond Celebration
On July 4th, the city of Hammond will host an event at Wolf Lake Park, beginning at 6 pm. There will be food and a naturalization party. At 7:30 pm there will be entertainment and more, with fireworks concluding the evening at 9:30 pm.
Highland 4th of July Fest
From June 29 to July 4, join the city of Highland at 3001 Ridge Rd for fun for the whole family! There will be food, entertainment, arts and crafts and rides. A kiddie parade will take place July 4 at 11:45 am. A Twilight Parade will be held July 3 at 6:30 pm, from Kennedy to Main Square Park. Fireworks will take place July 4 at Homestead Park on 5th Ave, 9:15 pm.
Hobart July 4 Parade
A parade will take place starting at 10 am at Mundell Field. A concert will kick off evening events at 6:30, with fireworks following the parade.
Fourth of July Blast
The City of Valparaiso presents its annual 4th celebration! At 6:30 pm, activities and family fun begin at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Music will be presented at 8:30 pm, followed by fireworks at dusk.
Fireworks at Immanuel
Enjoy the City of Valparaiso's fireworks from Immanuel Lutheran Church. From 7 pm to 9:30 pm, there will be food, music, inflatables and lots of family fun!
Lakes of the Four Seasons
July 4 will feature a parade at noon, at south Lakeshore Dr. Fireworks will begin at dusk, near the clubhouse. There will be a beer tent, food, and kids games.
LaPorte Fourth of July Celebration
A parade will travel down Lincolnway downtown on July 4, lasting 2-3 hours, at 10 am. Fireworks will be held at the Fairgrounds at 9:15 pm. Gates open at 6 pm and featured will be beer barns, VIP tent, and arts and crafts show. $5 per car.
Lake Station Celebration
On July 3, a parade will run from Columbus Park to Pike Street at 5 pm. Fireworks will take place July 4 at dusk, Riverview Park, 2701 Ripley St.
Hidden Lake Park Independence Day Celebration
The city of Merrillville will host a fireworks event on July 3, 9 pm, over Hidden Lake. Admission is $5. There will also be a parade on July 4, beginning at 53rd St, running to 64 and Broadway at 11 am.
Munster July 4 Event
The city of Munster will host a firework show at 9 pm. Live music will kick off the event at 7 pm, at Centennial Park, 9701 Calumet Ave.
Portage Independence Day Parade
11 am kicks off the parade that will run from the Willowcreek Middle School parking lot to the intersection of Willowcreek Rd and Lute Rd. The evening's festivities will begin at 4 pm, 5962 Central Ave, with kid's games, family activities, largest cupcake eating contest at 5 pm, ending with fireworks.
St. John Independence Day Kid's Parade
Decorate yourself, your bike, float, tricycle, wagon, buggy, wheelchair, scooter, walker, etc. There is no entry fee. There will be free freeze-pops and refreshments are available. The parade will begin at Prairie West Park, 93rd and West Oakridge.
Whiting Celebration and Parade
July 4, 10 am, a parade will run along Indianapolis Blvd from 116th St down 119th St to Lakefront Park. Fireworks will take place July 3, 9 pm, at Whiting Park.
Crown Point 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
Crown Point presents a holiday parade and fireworks celebration! The parade begins at 2 pm on July 4, beginning at Taft Jr. High School, traveling north on Main St to the army tank. Staging begins at 12:15 pm. In the evening, fireworks will begin around 9:30 pm at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
Cedar Lake Summerfest
The Cedar Lake Summerfest is a 4th of July festival that has been held for the last 31 years. This year, the festival will take place July 4th through the 8th. Enjoy activities for all ages on the shore of Cedar Lake when the town complex transforms into 18 acres of fun, with fireworks, live entertainment, amusement rides, a beer garden, and more!
Gary Air Show
The annual show will take place July 6-8th at Marquette Park Beach. $20 parking, no coolers, free admission, food vendors, beer garden, military displays. Fireworks will take placae Friday at 3:30 and Saturday and Sunday at 11:30.