Independence Day Celebrations

Community Fireworks

A family dressed in patriotic colors smiling while waiting for fireworks.

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Colorful fireworks bursting and spreading across the night sky.

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A group of young girls smiling while lying on a picnic blanket on the lawn.

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A girl getting her face painted with a fireworks design.

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A girl stands at a shaved ice food truck, smiling and holding her dessert.

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A young girl in red, white, and blue smiling for a photo in front of a lake.

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Community fireworks will take place on Sunday, June 28, at Oakton College in Des Plaines. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to watch the fireworks extravaganza among your neighbors to celebrate the holiday! Dance to the DJ and play yard games with family and friends before the fireworks show illuminates the sky.

Admission is free.

This event is weather dependent and updates will be communicated through our Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofdesplaines.

No alcohol is permitted on Oakton property and novelty fireworks including sparklers are prohibited. Bringing pets to this event is strongly discouraged.

Gates open at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show begins at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.). This year's show will feature an extended finale to celebrate 250 years. Entry to Oakton College will be off Golf Rd. only. There is no parking allowed in the lanes of, grassy areas, or unpaved areas on College or Circle Drives. Accessible parking is available in Lot A. Please have your parking placard available to show the parking attendants upon arrival.

Please note that the riding of bicycles, e-bikes, or other electric devices (such as scooters), is not permitted within the event space. Bike racks are located in Lot D. 

Eight local food trucks will be offering food, beverage, and dessert options. Participating food trucks for 2026 include: 

  • Cousins Maine Lobster
  • Culinary Gangster
  • El Zorro Tacos
  • Hello Boba
  • Kona Ice
  • My Funnel Truck
  • Rita's Ice
  • Tievoli Pizza.

Independence Day Parade

Performers dressed as Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross sitting on a float and waving to the crowd.

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Man viewed from behind waving a small American flag as a Des Plaines fire truck passes during the parade.

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City of Des Plaines Independence Day Parade banner framed between two American flags, viewed from below.

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Smiling young boy wearing a small patriotic hat at the Des Plaines Independence Day Parade.

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Patriotic street performers in the parade, including a stilt walker, unicyclist, and jugglers.

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Smiling young girl marching in the parade, holding up blue pom poms during the Independence Day celebration.

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Every Fourth of July, the City of Des Plaines proudly celebrates Independence Day with its annual Independence Day Parade. This long-standing community tradition brings together residents, local organizations, businesses, and performers for a festive morning filled with colorful floats, marching groups, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you're a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, the parade is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday with friends, neighbors, and the community.

The time and route are subject to change, but typically the parade steps off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Center Street and Wicke Avenue. Participants then proceed north on Center Street to Prairie Avenue, head east on Prairie Avenue, and then disband at Prairie Avenue and Pearson Street. 

Two parade volunteers do a live announcement of each entry. The first announcing station is located at the corner of Center Street and Algonquin Road, and the second is located at the corner of Thacker Street and Center Street.

Temporary road closures are necessary to accommodate the parade route. Specific closure times and traffic information will be posted closer to the event each year.

Interested in participating? Local businesses, community organizations, schools, marching bands, and performance groups are encouraged to join the parade. Registration information is typically available in the spring.

Parade reminders:

  • Stay behind the curb at all times.

  • Children should remain with an adult.

  • Do not enter the parade route to retrieve candy or other giveaways.

  • Follow directions from police officers, parade marshals, and event staff.

  • Be mindful of emergency vehicles and parade equipment.

 

 

 

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