July Fourth is around the corner, and celebrations for this year are going to be even bigger than usual. It’s America’s semiquincentennial, a very long word that means the United States is celebrating its 250th birthday.
Indianapolis has been part of that history since it became a city and Indiana’s state capital in 1821. When America turned 100, in 1876, Hoosiers celebrated with a 160-gun salute at dawn, as the country was still recovering from the Civil War. The next day, the Indianapolis News published an ode to America and an ad for Fourth of July flags for six cents apiece.
In 1976, a representative from Indiana went really retro and joined a nationwide covered wagon parade to honor 200 years of American history.
Here’s our guide to this year’s events, plus all the rules for when you can set off fireworks in Marion County — and who to call if your neighbor is still shooting them off at 2 a.m.
America’s 250th events around Indianapolis
Star Spangled Sky Drone Show
🗓️ 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 27
📍White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
🎟️ Free
It’s 2026, and fireworks have leveled up. Drones will light up the sky once it gets dark. Before the sun sets, show up early to grab a seat and some snacks from a food truck.
Beech Grove Fireworks
🗓️ 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 3
📍 Sarah T. Bolton Park, 1300 Churchman Ave.
🎟️ Free
Beech Grove’s calling its Fourth of July festivities an “All-American Day at the Park.” To stick with that theme, there’s a kids zone on a baseball field, wrestling at 7 p.m. and a hot dog stand. Fireworks start at 10.
Independence Day Social
🗓️ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4
📍Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St.
🎟️ Free
Does anyone ever stop you and say, “Wow, you look so much like Benjamin Harrison, the only U.S. president from Indiana?” Sign up for the Benjamin Harrison look-a-like contest that’s open to kids and adults and win a prize.
If you don’t have a beard, you can still tour the historic home, eat festive treats and get some balloon art. You can also check out exhibits about the Harrison family’s history alongside America’s and see a collection of presidential signatures.
Downtown Indy’s Fourth Fest
🗓️ 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4
📍 American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania St.
🎟️ Free
The fourth year of Downtown Indy’s Fourth Fest starts with a street festival at 6 p.m. You’ll see ice cream stands, food trucks and a kids zone. The countdown to a 20-minute fireworks show starts at 10 with performances from Grupo Bembé, a band inspired by salsa, and Living Proof, an R&B, dance and pop band.
Lawrence Fourth Fest
🗓️ 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4
📍 Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Road
🎟️ Free
Celebrate the Fourth of July all day. Start off with a parade and a performance from the Marching Pride of Lawrence Township. Then round out your day with a fish fry, classic car show and kickball games and a bounce house for the kids. It’ll end at 10 with a fireworks show.
Vonnegut Family Reunion and Fireworks Watch Party
🗓️ 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 4
📍 Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, 543 Indiana Ave.
🎟️ Free for exhibit opening and reunion. $40 for the fireworks watch party.
An exhibit featuring artwork from the Dalai Lama, Maya Angelou, Bono, Bob Dylan, Yoko Ono and other activists will be unveiled. “Views of Human Rights” opens at 11 a.m. and features interpretations from Herron School of Art students, too.
Then stick around for a Q&A with Vonnegut family members at noon. Later in the evening, a $40 ticket will get you dinner, drinks and a great view of downtown fireworks.
Freedom’s Framework exhibit
🗓️ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
📍 Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St.
🎟️ Free
“Freedom’s Framework” considers how the Declaration of Independence set up the expectation that everyone is created equally and entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As the United States expanded west, did it stick to those ideals? You’ll learn more about indigenous leaders, settlers and abolitionists at this exhibit, which is open through January 2028.
Race Day at Indianapolis Speedrome
🗓️ 3 p.m. Saturday, July 4
📍 Indianapolis Speedrome, 802 S. Kitley Ave.
🎟️ $15, or $12 for seniors, military members, teachers and first responders.
In classic Indianapolis fashion, you can spend your Fourth of July watching race cars. The Indianapolis Speedrome has a figure-8 track that’s been open since the 1940s, and you can watch cars speed through.
Indy-pendence Day game
🗓️ 4 p.m. Saturday, July 4
📍 Michael A. Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St.
🎟️ $25 for two tickets
The Indy Eleven will face off against the Charleston Battery. For America’s 250th, you can get two tickets for $25 and $2.50 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon.
When you can shoot off fireworks in Marion County
Indiana law allows fireworks year-round between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., but the rules are different in Marion County. If your neighbors aren’t following these rules, don’t call 911. Find your police district’s non-emergency line or dial 311 on your cell phone.
You are allowed to set off fireworks:
- June 28-July 3: Between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset.
- July 4: 10 a.m. to midnight.
- July 5-9: Between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset.
If you set off fireworks outside these hours, the penalty is a $100 fine for the first offense. Fines for second offenses within the same year can cost you up to $500.
Fireworks rules to know
- You have to be at least 18 years old to buy fireworks.
- You can set off fireworks on personal property or the property of someone who has approved the use of fireworks. Public displays require a permit from the state.
- There are two types of fireworks: Consumer and display fireworks. Everyday citizens are allowed to buy consumer fireworks, but buying display fireworks, which are more powerful, requires a permit you can apply for online.
Being considerate to people and pets
Fireworks can be overwhelming for some people and pets. Some things to know:
- Fireworks can trigger symptoms for people with PTSD, including veterans. Be considerate of how the loud sounds and bright flashes can be distressing.
- Leave your pets at home during July 4 celebrations. Make sure they are in a secure place and have updated identification tags. Learn more from the American Veterinary Medical Association about how to take care of your pets during firework displays.
Safety tips for fireworks
- Don’t let children handle fireworks.
- After lighting fireworks, soak them with water before throwing them away.
- Don’t hold lit fireworks in your hands or point them at people.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Sign up for our free newsletters.
Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
