Hip hip hooray!
It’s time to celebrate our nation’s 149 years of independence on July 4, 2025. And lucky for us, this year’s Independence Day celebration falls on a Friday, making for a nice, long weekend filled with good food and fireworks.
Now, in our family, the celebration usually involves time spent with family and friends relaxing around a swimming pool or a nearby lake. We are not big on backyard fireworks, but we do love our share of competitive games, both indoors and outdoors. Everything is a competition for us!
But even if that is not the case for your family, and if you crave a little more excitement, then here’s a list of several celebrations and fireworks shows that will be taking place around North Mississippi. And most of them are free to attend, with food and activities being the only added costs.
Tupelo
39th Annual Picnic in the Park, July 4
5-10 p.m., Ballard Park, 2629 W. Main Street
Live music, kids’ games, and glow items
Great food (including adult beverages)
Huge fireworks show
Columbus
Fireworks on the Water, July 4
5-10 p.m., East Bank Columbus Lake, 2436 Lock & Dam Road
Live music, children’s activities, and food trucks
An amazing fireworks show
Pontotoc
Independence Day Celebration, July 4
Main Street Parade, 10 a.m.
Celebration, 5-10 p.m., First Choice Gateway Pavilion, 139 W. Reynolds Street
Food, music, and fireworks
Fulton
Independence Day Celebration, July 3
ICC/Midway Marina
5-9 p.m.
Saltillo
Party in the Park, July 4
5-10 p.m., Saltillo City Park, 210 City Park Road
Live music, food trucks, inflatables, and fireworks
A glow parade begins @ 9 p.m.
Oxford
The Children’s Parade to Honor Veterans, July 4
10 a.m., Oxford Square – All families are welcome!
Oxford’s annual “4th of July Fireworks Show”
9 p.m., mTrade Park, 328 Old Sardis Road
Olive Branch
Light the Way Festival, July 4
3-10 p.m., City Park, 8267 Goodman RoadCity Park 8267 Goodman Road,
Contemporary Christian music, food vendors, and kids’ programs
Spectacular fireworks display
Mantachie
3rd Annual Independence Celebration, June 27th
6-10 p.m., Mantachie Park, 150 Park Road
Live music, food vendors, and inflatables
Great fireworks show
There you have it – fellowship, food, and fireworks – absolute fun for every member of the family. So, pack up your lawn chairs and your blankets, grab some bug spray, and get ready for an Independence Day Celebration.
While you are at it, take the time to explain to your kids exactly what this holiday celebrates. If possible, also introduce them to a real-life hero – an American veteran!
And most of all, have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
