Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors BureauBN Life
Where to Be for Fourth of July in McLean County
Every family has their favorite way of celebrating Independence Day, whether it’s barbecuing in the backyard or baking a patriotic dessert and spending time with loved ones. Put on your best red, white, and blue outfits and celebrate Fourth of July here in McLean County! Here are some events happening in the area:
Bloomington
The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market on Saturday, July 3rd will be 4th of July themed! Come buy all the fresh food you’ll need for your Independence Day barbecue.
The City of Bloomington’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts department is excited to partner with the Midstate Cruisers by adding a special event to the City of Bloomington’s 4th of July activities with the first ever City of Bloomington Miller Park 4th of July Classic Car Cruise Celebration. This free family friendly all ages Classic Car Cruise Celebration happens from 3PM – 7PM. The community is encouraged to visit Miller Park to view some antique, classic, race and new cars, trucks and motorcycles. There will be a DJ located at the Miller Park Bandstand. Miller Park will be available for picnic’s, BBQ’s and a food vendor will also be on site for food purchases. Holiday fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk.
Normal
The Annual Sky Concert Fireworks and Celebration at Fairview Park will be one that you won’t want to miss. The Bygones will be performing your favorite patriotic songs live prior to fireworks at dusk. Family friendly activities like inflatables, face painting, and balloon artists will be at the park starting at 5:30pm.
Chenoa
The Annual Chenoa Street Dance is back! Come to Chenoa on the 3rd to enjoy pork chops and hot dogs, an ice cream social, a beer truck, and live music from Brushville.
On the 4th, Chenoa will have a Flea Market, Cruise-In, and Food Vendors in the morning and afternoon at the Chenoa City Park. Their Parade will begin at 2:00 pm going down South Veto Street, South Green Street, and Lincoln Street. End the night with fireworks at dusk by the Football Field on South Division Street.
Downs
Downs’ will be filled with plenty of patriotic activities on the 4th! Start your morning with some friendly competition in a Sand Volleyball Tournament at Dooley Park at 9am. You can register a team here. Food vendors and patriotic music will also fill the park as you celebrate the day. The annual Parade will begin at Noon. (Parade Map)
Enjoy your evening listening to live bands in the Dooley Park Pavilion before Fireworks begin around 9pm.
Heyworth
There’s plenty of fun festivities planned in Heyworth for 4th of July! The day kicks off with a Kids Fishing Derby from 7am-9am. Prizes will be awarded for Biggest Fish, Smallest Fish, and Most Fish. After that, the Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament starts at 9am. The Village will also have plenty of food and drink as well as live music and recorded music played by a DJ at various times throughout the day, including music that makes you proud to be an American during the explosive fireworks display! Fireworks will begin in Centennial Park at dusk.
McLean
Catch fireworks even after the holiday is over! The Mt Hope Funks Grove Park District will have fireworks on July 17th (originally scheduled for June 26 – but rescheduled due to the rain).
Towanda
Catch pre-holiday fireworks on July 3rd in Towanda. Food vendors and parking will be available in the school parking lot. The locally-popular Towanda 4th of July Flea Market will be held all day in the North and South Parks. You can find plenty of hidden gems – furniture, bottles, china, jewelry, handmade goods, antiques, and much more. Thanks to the Towanda Scouts, there will be plenty of food available. Find them at the Community Building service pork chops, hot dogs, and all of the sides. The Parade will begin at 10am from the Towanda Elementary School.
