.jpg)
Start with a splash in Sheridan
For those wanting to party early, Splashway Waterpark and Campground in Sheridan will sweep families off their feet with four days of patriotic activities, games and more from July 1–4. Every winner takes home a prize.
The hot summer holiday ends with sparks. The fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m. in the campground.
Patriotic extravaganza in Eagle Lake
The city of Eagle Lake is leveling up their Independence Day celebrations this year with a new Freedom Festival all day, Friday, July 3.
Enjoy a tasty barbecue cook-off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eagle Lake Community Center at 100 North Walnut Avenue. Awards will be held at 5 p.m.
Families and children will be entertained with a pet parade in front of City Hall at 9 a.m. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Judges will award best owner and pet coordinated costume.
Johnny’s Sport Shop will host a gun expo at 101 Boothe Drive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A golf scramble will take over Eagle Lake Golf Course from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
A car show will flood Main Street at the Chamber of Commerce from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Registration starts at 3 p.m. Awards will be handed out at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage.
Try your hand solo or with a partner in a cornhole tournament from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the downtown square. Registration starts at 4:30 p.m. The public can play for free all day as well.
Businesses, vendors and food trucks will congregate for Market on the Square from 5 p.m. until midnight. Live music will set the scene from 6:30 to midnight, pausing for the fireworks show.
The famous Eagle Lake fireworks show will start at 9:15 p.m. on Calhoun Road. According to officials, organizers of the show have ordered double the fireworks this year.
Fayetteville festivities July 3
Celebrate freedom, heritage and family with Fayetteville’s America’s 250th Birthday Celebration on Friday, July 3. The Fayetteville Community Center and Performance Theater at 101 W Fayette Street will host family- fun activities all day.
Later, head out to the Fayetteville Courthouse lawn at 5:30 p.m. for an evening of live fiddle music, free hot dogs and beverages and more.
National fun in New Ulm
The New Ulm community will celebrate Independence Day with its annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration on Saturday, July 4.
The parade will follow a new route for 2026, beginning and ending at St. John Lutheran Church while traveling through downtown New Ulm and past many local businesses. Participants are invited to begin lining up at 10 a.m., with the parade stepping off at 10:30 a.m.
Bring your lawn chair and grab a spot outside to watch the parade roll by at The Vault’s watch party. Hang out from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 544 Front Street.
Following the parade, the celebration will continue on the church grounds at 211 Hickory Road with free hot dogs, cold drinks and the community’s traditional water pistol competition.
Cheer with Nada community
Nada residents will celebrate the nation’s birthday starting at 2 p.m. with a free celebration at Nada Community Center at 1245 Old Nada Road, Nada.
All afternoon, families and community members an enjoy free hot dogs, food and ice cream trucks, water slides, kids games and more. Engage in friendly competition with the zero turn lawnmower obstacle course and pig catching contest.
Set your sights to the sky with a fly over and salute to veterans at 4 p.m. Dance to the Risky Liver Band from 8 p.m. to midnight. Finally, watch the bright fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Close with classic Columbus fireworks
Close the July 4 holiday night with the annual Columbus’ 4th of July Fireworks Show hosted by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce at 9:15 p.m. The fireworks show will be launched from the Columbus Golf Course at 139 Veterans Drive.
As a reminder, Memorial Stadium will not be open for viewing. Restrooms at the golf course will be closed.
