Marquette County, MI, is the place to be this Fourth of July! With savory food, sweet treats, live music, parades, fireworks, and a unique Sensory-friendly Laser Light Show, there's truly something for everyone. Here’s your guide to all the festivities happening on July 3rd and 4th.
Kick Off the Festivities at Freedom Fest
The celebration starts on Wednesday, July 3rd with Freedom Fest (previously known as International Food Fest) at Mattson Lower Harbor Park, hosted by the Marquette County Exchange Club. From 12 PM to 10 PM on both days, indulge in delicious food, beat the heat with a cold adult beverage, and enjoy the activities & entertainment available for the whole family! Live musicians and performers will keep the energy high throughout the event. We also understand that events and crowds can be overwhelming at times—feel free to take a moment to relax under the shade at the accessible tent.
Afternoon Music Lineup
12:00 PM: Chris Valenti
2:00 PM: Flat Broke Blues Band
4:00 PM: Michael Waite
An Evening of Music, Boats, & Lights
On Wednesday evening, July 3rd, pack your lawn chairs and blankets and head to the park for an evening full of entertainment:
6:30 PM: Enjoy a performance by the Marquette City Band.
8:00 PM: The live music continues with Chicken Stanley
9:30 PM: Watch the Boat Parade featuring holiday-themed decorated boats.
10:30 PM/Dusk: The fireworks will be accompanied by a spectacular laser show, making it a multi-dimensional visual treat. For the best viewing experience of both the fireworks and lasers, head to Mattson Lower Harbor Park early. Parking can be limited so be sure to arrive early.
Parades, Festivities, and Lasers
Fill your Independence Day itinerary on Thursday, July 4, with a second full day of fun!
Freedom Fest
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Enjoy Freedom Festival at Mattson Lower Harbor with more food, fun, and live music.
12:00 PM: Freedom Festival starts the afternoon with live music from Dave Berry.
12:15 PM: Look up at the skies to see an Air Force F-16 fly overhead to start off the parade!
Parade
2:00 PM: Find your spot along Washington Street between McClellan and Front Street for the Independence Day Parade. Watch the colorful floats, listen to marching bands, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. An accessible seating area will be provided for those in need at Nicolet National Bank at 857 West Washington Street, where Lincoln Avenue ends.
2:00 PM: Live Music with Paul & Tom.
4:00 PM: Live Music with Adam Carpenter & Friends.
8:00 PM: Live Music with Reverend.
Sensory-friendly Laser Light Show
10:15 PM - 11:15 PM: This year, a Sensory Friendly Laser Light Show will be held along the North side of the iconic Lower Harbor Ore Dock. Presented by The Fresh Coast Light Lab & Travel Marquette, the event is designed for everyone, including veterans with PTSD and individuals with sensory sensitivity. QR code signs in the park will allow you to listen to a curated patriotic playlist, bring your earbuds for our tunes or your own, or simply enjoy the peaceful sound of Lake Superior's waves as the lasers light up the ore dock. Head down to Mattson Lower Harbor Park to witness this spectacular show.
Inclement Weather Plans
If the fireworks on July 3rd are postponed due to weather, they will be rescheduled for the evening of July 4th during dusk (around 10:30 PM-10:45 PM). Head down to Mattson Lower Harbor Park to catch the rescheduled display. The laser portion of the evening will go on as planned.
In the event that the fireworks are rescheduled for the Fourth, The Sensory Friendly Laser Show will take place July 5th from 10:15 PM - 11:15 PM.
Parking and Safety
Refer to the provided viewing and parking maps for the best spots to enjoy the shows. Parking downtown will be free on July 4th!
Spot C will be closed on July 3rd and 4th at 6 PM due to the Laser Light Show.
The 100 block of Washington Street will be closed to traffic and parking between 3 PM & 9 PM for the Wednesday Night Market.
If you wish to view the fireworks and laser light display by boat, the safety zone is located outside of the red circle. Please avoid being within the red circle to avoid serious injury. The south side of the Ore Dock by the Founders Landing Pier will be closed by 6PM.
(See safety zone map below)
Join us for a memorable Fourth of July celebration in Marquette, filled with community spirit, entertainment, and inclusive fun. For more details and updates, visit the Marquette Fourth of July Facebook Page, Marquette Fourth website. Let's “Light U.P. the Sky” and make this Independence Day unforgettable! See you there!
