The City of Highland Park (City) and the Park District of Highland Park (Park District) announce plans for community events on Independence Day. Independence Day festivities begin on July 3 with the Park District’s Independence Fest, followed by the return of the City’s fireworks display that evening. The City’s America 250-themed parade will bring a celebration of our nation’s history to Downtown Highland Park when it steps off at 10:30 AM on July 4.

“We are so excited to join communities across the country in celebrating the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting our community’s deeply-held welcoming and affirming values as a key part of our nation’s story,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “We’re also looking forward to the return of our spectacular fireworks display, and are grateful to everyone who shared their feedback last year as we considered the best approach for an evening display.”

The two-day celebration is the product of close collaboration between the City and the Park District and reflects each organization’s commitment to working together to develop new traditions for the Independence Day holiday that will be sustainable for years to come.

“Last July 3rd, the Park District launched Independence Fest as a new holiday kick-off celebration, which was a fabulous success. Hundreds of families and neighbors came together at The Preserve of Highland Park to enjoy entertainment, food, activities, and a strong sense of community,” said Park District of Highland Park Board President Terry Grossberg. “We are thrilled to bring Independence Fest back this year with the addition of the City’s fireworks display, making the festivities even more memorable as we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday.”

The slate of Independence Day events includes:  

Independence Fest (July 3, 5:30 – 9:30 PM, The Preserve of Highland Park)

The Park District of Highland Park’s Independence Fest will kick off festivities on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 5:30–9:30 PM, at The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave. W).

This year’s celebration proudly aligns with America250 to commemorate 250 years of American independence. Independence Fest launches a weekend of inclusive, patriotic-themed activities across Highland Park that reflect both national history and local community pride.

Independence Fest offers a relaxed and festive evening for the community to gather with family and friends to enjoy dinner, music, games, and a variety of attractions. Dancing Queen, an ABBA tribute band, will perform live, followed by a DJ performance timed to the City of Highland Park’s fireworks display. Food will be available for purchase at the event from a selection of food trucks.

Additional event details will be shared closer to the event date at pdhp.org.

Fireworks Display (July 3, 9:30 PM), The Preserve of Highland Park)

Community members will enjoy a spectacular fireworks display set to a patriotic soundtrack in celebration of America250.

Independence Day Parade (July 4, 10:30 AM, Downtown Highland Park)

Highland Parkers will spotlight their American stories in this year’s Independence Day parade with floats that celebrate our history and illustrates what America means to them! Whether through characters like Uncle Sam or Rosie the Riveter, floats that showcase the history of HP businesses or organizations, or entries that celebrate a special decade or time in our history, the sky’s the limit! Participants are encouraged to create visually exciting entries with patriotic or historical decor that brings the America250 theme to life. Applications for the Independence Day parade are available now at cityhpil.com/independenceday.

Star-Spangled Pool Party (July 4, post-parade, Hidden Creek AquaPark)

Community members will keep the fun going with a special pool party at Hidden Creek AquaPark. The party will feature a DJ and patriotic poolside games.  Food specials will be available for purchase from the concessions stand. Parade participants (individuals and groups appearing in the parade) will enjoy free admission to the water park.

Information regarding the 2026 Independence Celebration weekend activities will be shared by both the City and Park District as planning continues. Updates from the City are available at www.cityhpil.com, and updates from the Park District are available at www.pdhp.org.

In consideration of feedback from victims and best practice recommendations from the Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime, a public remembrance is not planned this year. The City’s temporary memorial, located at the Rose Garden adjacent to City Hall (1707 St. Johns Ave.), is accessible at any time for personal reflection and remembrance. The City continues to provide support to community members impacted by the Highland Park shooting in 2022 through the Resiliency Division. For information about Resiliency Division services, visit resilienthpil.org.