Fourth of July is coming up! There are so many ways to celebrate our country’s independence in and around Omaha this year. It’s time to dig into quintessential summer BBQ food, listen to exciting live music, and take in the awe-inspiring sights of a spectacular fireworks show. Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a fun Fourth of July at any of these local events!
Bank of the West Celebrates America Concert — Omaha
Friday, June 30, 2017 | 6 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Bank of the West Celebrates America
For 27 years, Bank of the West Celebrates America has kicked off the holiday weekend with incredible music, a lively atmosphere, and a mind-blowing fireworks show. Head to Memorial Park for a free performance from bands like Kool & the Gang, the Emmett Bower Band, and The Confidentials. Top off the night with a stunning fireworks show at 10 p.m.!
College Home Run Derby — Omaha
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 8 p.m.
Witness the excitement at TD Ameritrade Park as the top power hitters in college baseball face off at the eighth annual College Home Run Derby! This family-friendly event offers an entertaining and exciting evening for the whole family, topped with the 33rd Annual Omaha World-Herald fireworks display. Purchase your tickets, costing $8 for kids ages 8–12, $12 for adults, and $36 for a four pack.
Red, White and Zoo! at the Omaha Zoo — Omaha
Saturday, July 1–Tuesday, July 4, 2017 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Few know how to celebrate holidays like the Omaha Zoo! Throughout the weekend leading up to the Fourth, visitors can spend Independence Day with the red, white and blue creatures at the zoo between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Plus, there will be wild entertainment, including bounce houses, music and special animal encounters for all ages. You may want to arrive early, because the first 800 people to walk through the gates will receive a free patriotic gift provided by the Oriental Trading Company! Event activities are completely free to zoo members or with regular paid admission.
Red, White & Blue Days at the Omaha Children’s Museum — Omaha
Saturday, July 1–Monday, July 3, 2017 | Varying
Keep the kids entertained throughout the holiday weekend with a fun and interactive day spent at the Omaha Children’s Museum. This weekend-long celebration will feature patriotic activities throughout the museum, including the Red, White & Blue Science Show, milk fireworks, painting activities, and more. Red, White and Blue Days will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Keep in mind that the museum will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.
Lake Manawa Fireworks — Council Bluffs
Saturday, July 1, 2017 | At Sundown
The Lake Manawa Fireworks show is an annual tradition for the Council Bluffs community. This free event is the perfect way to kick off the weekend with a bang. As soon as the sun goes down, the sky lights up with a stunning display reflecting over the lake!
Summer Concert Series Featuring Chad Elliott — Council Bluffs
Sunday, July 2, 2017 | 4 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Chad Elliott
Enjoy a free outdoor concert set against the beautiful Missouri River at Narrows River Park in Council Bluffs. Iowa native Chad Elliott will showcase his folk, roots and singer-songwriter music, sharing his latest album, “Wreck and Ruin,” which delves into his love of roots-rock, soul and blues music. The first 75 guests to arrive will receive complimentary food provided by HyVee. No tickets or advance reservations are needed for the concert, However, free will donations and tips are accepted.
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration — Ralston
Tuesday, July 4, 2017 | 1 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce
The community of Ralston is known to throw quite the party for the Fourth of July. In fact, their parade is the largest in the entire state of Nebraska! Go back in time with the town’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. Attracting people from all over the region, the parade starts at 1 p.m. on 80th and Highland Streets and ends at 73rd and Main Streets. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic in the park and a family street dance!
Ring Bells for Freedom — Council Bluffs
Tuesday, July 4, 2017 | 1 p.m.
Photo on Left Courtesy of the Dodge House
President Kennedy started a tradition of homes and businesses ringing bells at 1 p.m. on Independence Day to celebrate our nation’s independence. This tradition continues at the Dodge House in Council Bluffs. Grab a bell and head to this historic site to be a part of this meaningful moment.
Star Spangled Day at Omaha Pools — Omaha
Tuesday, July 4, 2017 | 1–5 p.m.
Cool off during the heat of the summer with a dip at one Omaha’s amazing pools. The city is celebrating the Fourth with Star Spangled Day, in which visitors enjoy $1 admission per person to all Omaha pools from 1–5 p.m. on July 4. This makes for an affordable visit to the pool with the family!
Nebraska Wind Symphony Annual Free July 4th Concert — Omaha
Tuesday, July 4, 2017 | 6 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of the Nebraska Wind Symphony
Every year on the Fourth of July, the Nebraska Wind Symphony Swingtones Big Band puts on a free July 4th concert. This is the perfect way to hear the work of talented musicians for free or with a recommended donation. The concert will start at 6 p.m. at the Chalco Hills Recreation Area.
Fireworks Display — Blair
Tuesday, July 4, 2017 | 9–11 p.m.
Travel north to the charming town of Blair for their annual 4th of July Fireworks Display from 9–11 p.m. on July 4. People from all over gather at the South Creek Conference Center each year for a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky.
Happy Fourth of July, Omaha!
How are you celebrating our nation’s independence? We’d love to know!