July fourth has evolved from a one-day holiday to a multi-day family celebration — think Thanksgiving, but with BBQ and fireworks instead of turkey and shopping! This Fourth of July, you can take your pick of Hamilton County festivals and events celebrating our nation’s birthday, many of them FREE!
Ride the Fireworks Train to Lights Over Morse Lake
Lights Over Morse Lake in Cicero has a little bit of everything. The fun begins July 2 and ends with a fabulous fireworks show on July 4. The weekend’s festivities include a corn hole tournament, golf cart poker run, balloon rides (80 to 100 feet in the air!), a kids carnival and a pioneer village. If you don’t want to worry about parking on July 4, take the Fireworks Train in Forest Park to the festivities. The train is a popular option this weekend, so I highly recommend making a reservation.
Listen to some great music at CarmelFest
CarmelFest features plenty of activities for kids and adults. On July 3 and 4, the kids will want to spend the day in Carmel checking out the games, pony rides and petting zoo in the KidsZone. CarmelFest also includes several bands, plus a July 4 concert by three-time CMA award-winner Mac McAnally with a fireworks show starts at 9:45 p.m.
Enjoy a Star Spangled Symphony in Hamilton County
You may also want to spend the weekend celebrating a Glorious Fourth at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, where you can see how the holiday was celebrated in the 1800s. Join in a barn dance, a game of baseball or a scavenger hunt through Prairietown. In the evening, celebrate July 1-4 at Marsh Symphony on the Prairie: Star Spangled Symphony. You’ll need to purchase tickets specifically for Symphony on the Prairie and do it fast. This perennial favorite, including patriotic songs followed by fireworks at 9:45 p.m., always is sold out.
July fourth isn’t complete without a good, old-fashioned parade, so on Monday enjoy the 15th annual Noblesville July 4th Parade and Fireworks Festival. The parade through downtown starts at 5 p.m., followed by a free, fun-filled evening at Noblesville High School featuring a classic car show, music from Dave and Rae, games and food. The fireworks will start at about 10 p.m.
As you can see, our 8 Great Towns know how to celebrate July 4th, so join us in Hamilton County for a memorable holiday weekend.