Fourth of July Weekend Events in Southwest Michigan (2026)

Looking for something fun to do this Independence Day weekend? Whether you're searching for fireworks, parades, live theater, family activities, or America's favorite pastime, there's something happening all around the Greater Kalamazoo area.

Here are some of the best local events to celebrate the Fourth of July!

🏁 Kalamazoo Speedway – 6th Annual "Merica Night at the Zoo"

Start your holiday weekend with an evening of racing and fireworks!

Schedule:

• Friday July 3rd

• Pits Open: 3:00 PM

• Gates Open: 3:00 PM

• Hot Laps: 4:45 PM

• Racing Begins: 7:30 PM

• Fireworks immediately following the races

🎭 Hayloft Theatre at Celery Flats – 1776

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with the inspiring Tony Award-winning musical 1776.

Performance Times:

• Friday, July 3 – 6:00 PM

• Saturday, July 4 – 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM

🎭 Barn Theatre – 1776

The historic Barn Theatre also presents the Tony Award-winning musical 1776.

• Running: June 25 – July 5

🎨 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

For the People, By the People: America at 250

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary through this special exhibition featuring artwork inspired by our nation's history.

• Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• The exhibit runs through October 4, 2026.

✈️ Air Zoo – America 250 Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day with aviation history, interactive exhibits, family activities, and patriotic fun.

• Saturday, July 4th

• Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🚜 Richland Independence Day Parade

A favorite local tradition!

• Saturday, July 4th

• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

⚾ Kalamazoo Growlers – The Great American Bash

Celebrate the Fourth at Homer Stryker Field!

• Saturday, July 4th

• First Pitch: 6:35 PM

• Fireworks immediately following the game.

🌅 South Haven – A Classic Lake Michigan Fourth of July

Spend the holiday weekend along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline!

🎆 Light Up the Lake Fireworks (Friday, July 3rd)

South Haven's famous fireworks display launches from the North Pier at dusk, lighting up Lake Michigan. Popular viewing locations include North Beach, South Beach, and Riverfront Park.

🇺🇸Fourth of July Parade (Saturday, July 4th)

• Starts at 11:00 AM

• Downtown South Haven

Enjoy festive floats, marching bands, local organizations, and plenty of patriotic spirit.

🎨 South Haven Art Fair (Saturday, July 4th & Sunday July 5th)

Browse beautiful artwork from talented artists while enjoying the charm of downtown South Haven and its waterfront.

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

•  Stanley Johnston Park.

❤️ Celebrate All Day in Schoolcraft!

If you're looking for a full day of hometown Fourth of July fun, Schoolcraft has something happening from sunrise until the fireworks at dusk.

Morning Events (Saturday, July 4th)

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

• 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM

• Schoolcraft High School

Schoolcraft Firecracker 5K

• Starts at 8:00 AM

Ladies Library Association Bake Sale & Book Sale

• 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Annual Car Show

• 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Burch Park Ice Cream Social

• 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Enjoy live music while cooling off with a sweet treat!

Schoolcraft Methodist Church Arts & Crafts Show

• 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Schoolcraft Fourth of July Parade

• 11:00 AM – Noon

• The parade travels along East Clay Street, beginning near East Eliza Street and continuing through downtown Schoolcraft.

Afternoon Family Fun (Noon – 4:00 PM)

After the parade, stick around for an afternoon packed with activities!

Enjoy:

• Delicious food vendors

• Live music

• Cornhole tournament

• Kids games

• Bounce houses

• Community fun for all ages

Family Fun at the Fire Department

• 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• The Schoolcraft Fire Department will host family-friendly activities for children and visitors.

American Legion Celebration

• Stop by the American Legion (425 East Clay Street) during the festivities to enjoy the community celebration.

Evening Festivities

Before the fireworks, head over to the Ken Krum Recreation Center (Old Middle School parking lot) where you'll find:

• Food trucks

• Pre-fireworks gathering

• Family-friendly atmosphere

Fireworks Finale

Wrap up an amazing Independence Day with Schoolcraft's annual fireworks display.

• Fireworks begin at dusk

📍 Launched west of the Schoolcraft High School football field near East Clay Street and US-131 Business Route (M-14).

Celebrate Local This Fourth of July

Whether you're cheering at the races, enjoying a baseball game, watching a hometown parade, exploring local art, or spending the day in Schoolcraft, Southwest Michigan is full of ways to celebrate America's birthday.

From all of us at the Keefer Fischer Real Estate Team, we wish you a safe, fun, and memorable Fourth of July weekend!

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day!