articles

Where to Celebrate July 4th In and Around Bloomington-Normal!

June 25, 2019

Are you looking for ways to celebrate July 4th in Bloomington, Normal, Towanda, Downs, and Chenoa, IL? 

We have all your Independence Day fun in Bloomington-Normal, Towanda, Downs, and Chenoa — fireworks, parades, community picnics, and more — rounded up right here for you!


NORMAL

ART FOR ALL AGES: 4TH OF JULY ZENTANGLE
July 2, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
July 3, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

If you like to draw patterns or doodle, then you can learn to Zentangle. This fun and relaxing activity is great for all skill levels and ages. This event is for all ages. Come as a family, or just yourself. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required (call 309-452-1757 for more information).
Location: Normal Public Library, 206 W College Ave Normal IL
Free!

4TH OF JULY EARLY BIRD SWIM
July 4, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Celebrate the 4th at a special early bird swim at Fairview Family Aquatic Center! In true birthday style, there will be birthday cake and ice cream served at the end of the party (while it lasts!). Special giveaways are available to children who attend the birthday celebration. Don't miss the fun! The pool will be cleared at 10:15 am and will re-open at 11:00 am (regular admission prices will apply at this time). Adults ages 16 & over cost $1 and children ages 15& under as well as season pass holders are free.
Location: Fairview Aquatic Center, 801 N. Main Street Normal IL
$1/adults 16 and up, FREE/15 and under & Season Pass Holders

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
July 4, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
July 4th is always a celebration at the Farivew and Anderson Aquatic Centers. This year, we will celebrate in a way that shows our pride for our American heritage. Come to the pool for the afternoon and enjoy activities, trivia, and prizes! Activities will include slide contests and patriotic coloring contests.
Location: Fairview and Anderson Aquatic Centers, 801 N. Main St. Normal IL
$5-$7/person

SKY CONCERT
July 4, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Family-friendly activities including inflatables, face painting, and balloon artists will begin at 5:30pm! Bring your blanket, radio and your family for a concert starting at 6:00 p.m. Beginning at dusk, a fireworks display (approximately 9:15pm) will be set to music from WJBC AM 1230 and various FM stations.
Location: Fairview Park, 801 N Main St Normal IL
Free!


BLOOMINGTON

THE PANTAGRAPH'S CELEBRATE AMERICA
July 3 and July 4 starting at 7:00 PM
The fine folks that bring you the Pantagraph’s Holiday Spectacular delight audiences in this FREE annual song-and-dance revue in Miller Park. The festivities start at 7:00 PM and be prepared to be dazzled in red, white and blue patriotic fashion. Immediately following the concert on July 4, the fireworks display will be launched at Miller Lake. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 PM and will be set to music on WJBC AM 1230. Join us before the fireworks for the The Pantagraph's Celebrate America production at 7:00 PM The Sky Concert is sponsored by Bloomington Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, State Farm Insurance and WJBC. Miller Park Paddle Boats open from 9:00 AM - Noon (1/2 off 4th Sale). Mini Golf and the Sprayground open at 10:00 AM.
Location: Miller Park Bandstand - FREE


TOWANDA
For more details on Towanda events click HERE.
July 2 at dusk: Fireworks!
The Fireworks show will start at dusk and be set off from the Towanda Township Building about. 8 miles east of Towanda on 1900 North Road. The display will be clearly visible from town, however, most enjoy sitting at the school to watch the show.

July 4 at 10am: Annual Fourth of July Parade
Head to Towanda to start your 4th of July out with a parade! Parade Route: Adams and East St. go West; Jefferson turn North; Washington go East; Madison turn South; Monroe go East; and Taylor go South and exit at Hely and the school playground.


DOWNS
For more details on Downs events click HERE.

July 4, all day events: Downs 4th of July Celebration
The Downs 4th of July Parade begins at noon and ends on East Washington St. in Downs near Tri Valley High School. After the parade enjoy vendors and family-friendly fun. The Fireworks show begins at 9:10pm. Click HERE for the schedule of events and parade route.


CHENOA
For more details on Chenoa events click HERE.

July 4, 2pm - Fireworks at dusk: Chenoa 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
Don't miss the largest fireworks display in Central Illinois! There will be a parade beginning at 2pm with a spectacular firework show beginning at dusk. The parade will start at the corner of Division and Mill, west to downtown, south to Lincoln Street, then east to 7th Street. The fireworks will take place at the Football Field on South Division Street. Bring your family as Chenoa celebrates another year to the birth of our nation. 


And a little further away....

For Peoria events visit our sister site, www.peoria.macaronikid.com.

Hope you all have a happy -- and safe! -- Independence Day!