Edwardsville IL Independence Day Celebrations
- When: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 7:30 pmThis repeat is an exception to the normal repeat pattern
- Location: Various locations, see above
- Cost: Free
The City of Edwardsville will take a weeklong trek through history this summer to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Thanks to the collaboration of community groups, Edwardsville’s America 250 celebration will feature a fun and patriotic series of musical performances; a movie; historical reenactors; an all-ages parade in City Park; creative, thought-provoking activities; a gigantic community-decorated cake and, of course, a fantastic Fourth of July festival and phenomenal fireworks finale. Edwardsville’s America 250 celebration will include events from Sunday, June 28, through Saturday, July 4, at various locations. The activities are part of a nationwide series of festivities in honor of America’s semiquincentennial, or the day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted.
Edwardsville’s America 250 activities include:
“Celebrating the Spirit of 1776” on Sunday, June 28, in City Park, 101 S. Buchanan Street: It will include musical performances, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, historical reenactors, a chance to sign a Declaration of Independence, and opportunities to help decorate a gigantic, crafted cake that will be on display in City Park until it’s moved to the Fourth of July events at Edwardsville American Legion Post 199, 58 S. State Route 157.
“1776” movie showing: On Tuesday, June 30, the Wildey Theatre, 252 N. Main Street, will host this musical historical drama, which tells the story behind the Declaration of Independence.
Musical Ode to America: The Edwardsville Municipal Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, in City Park.
Stars, Stripes & Spokes Contest and Parade: The Land of Goshen Community Market will feature a family-friendly parade of decorated bikes, strollers, wagons and more around City Park beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4.
Fourth of July festival and fireworks: Edwardsville American Legion Post 199 will host a community holiday gathering from the afternoon through evening of Saturday, July 4, with music, food, vendors, an appearance by a Clydesdale horse, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Website: www.cityofedwardsville.com
- Category: Family Fun
All repeats 
