Celebrate Independence Day: The Road to America 250 Begins in Boone county

June 25, 2026 | by Leigh Ann Akard

As Boone County prepares to celebrate Independence Day, communities across the county are coming together for parades, concerts, festivals, fireworks, and family fun. This year’s celebrations are especially meaningful as we begin the countdown to America250—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

The Boone County 4th of July is one of Boone County’s longest-running traditions, offering a full week of community celebrations leading up to Independence Day. From live entertainment and carnival rides to patriotic events and spectacular fireworks, there’s something happening every day.

The festivities begin in Lebanon on Saturday, June 27, with the beloved Symphony at Sunset at 7:00 p.m. in Abner Longley Park, setting the stage for a week of celebration.

Beginning Tuesday, June 30, the carnival opens nightly in Memorial Park, Lebanon, operating from 5:00–11:00 p.m. through Sunday, July 5. Families can enjoy rides, games, classic fair food, and a festive atmosphere all week long.


July 1 – Parking Lot Party at Tipsy Mermaid
Start your Independence Day festivities early at Tipsy Mermaid Conch House & Cocktails in Zionsville. This family- and dog-friendly party features Tege Holt, a rising country artist from Indiana
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Tipsy Mermaid Conch House & Cocktails, Zionsville

July 3 – Whitestown Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate at Eagle Church with an evening of carnival-style food, ice cream, live music by Soul Street, inflatables (additional cost), and a spectacular fireworks display.
6:00–10:30 p.m.
Location: Eagle Church, Whitestown

July 3 – Free Fireworks on the Farm
Heavenly Acres Farm invites the community to enjoy its annual free fireworks display. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a summer evening under the stars.
Fireworks begin at 9:40 p.m.
Location: Heavenly Acres Farm

July 4 – Thorntown July 4th Celebration

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a classic small-town gathering in Thorntown! Hosted by Thorntown Parks and Recreation, the Thorntown Heritage Museum, and the Knights of Pythias, this free community celebration offers an evening of live music, yard games, crafts, face painting, hot dogs, refreshments, and family fun.
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Lions Shelter, 125 E. Main Street (behind the Marathon Station), Thorntown

July 4 – Zionsville Celebrations

Start your Independence Day by exploring the Zionsville Farmers Market, located along the town’s iconic brick Main Street. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, artisan products, locally prepared foods, and enjoy live music while experiencing one of Boone County’s favorite Saturday traditions.
8 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Location: Zionsville Main Street

Later that evening, head to Zionsville Lions Park for the annual Fourth of July Celebration. The celebration features food, live music, family activities, and a special 250th Anniversary Fireworks Show with an expanded grand finale.
5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Location: Zionsville Lions Park

July 4thBoone County 4th of July

The highlight of the week in Lebanon is its annual Fourth of July celebration. At 1:00 p.m., the patriotic parade steps off through downtown Lebanon. This year, parade goers are encouraged to look to the skies as the Civil Air Patrol’s Indianapolis Senior Squadron opens the parade with a special flyover before the first float makes its way down the route.

After the parade, the carnival reopens for an evening of family fun before the celebration concludes with a spectacular 250th Birthday Drone Show & Fireworks at 10:00 p.m. over Lebanon Middle School. The brand-new drone show, followed by one of central Indiana’s premier fireworks displays, celebrates both Independence Day and the beginning of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. In the event of rain, the show will take place on Sunday, July 5, at 10:00 p.m.
1 p.m. Parade
10 p.m. Drone Show & Fireworks
Location: Lebanon

Celebrate Local. Celebrate America.

As fireworks light up the skies across Boone County, they also mark the beginning of a historic year leading up to America250. Throughout the coming year, Discover Boone County will continue sharing the stories, people, and places that connect our community to America’s founding while inviting visitors to experience Boone County’s rich history and hometown traditions.

Whether you’re enjoying the Civil Air Patrol flyover in Lebanon, watching fireworks in Whitestown, spending the evening in Zionsville, or gathering with friends and family throughout Boone County, you’re taking part in traditions that celebrate both our nation’s past and its future.

Happy Fourth of July from Discover Boone County!

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