Your July 4th Weekend Guide: What’s Happening in Northwest Indiana

Independence Day weekend is arguably the best weekend of the summer in Northwest Indiana. Every town in Lake County rolls out the red, white, and blue, parades, fireworks, lake festivals, carnivals, and live music fill the calendar from Friday night through Monday evening. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, this is the weekend that shows you exactly why people love living here.

Here’s your day-by-day guide to everything happening July 4-6, 2026.

Saturday, July 4, Independence Day

The main event. Fireworks, parades, and celebrations are happening all across the region.

Crown Point

• Independence Day Parade, 10:00 AM, Downtown Crown Point. The parade runs through the historic square and surrounding streets, starting near Crown Point High School. This is one of the most beloved parades in the region, arrive early for a good spot. Free.
• Fireworks at the Lake County Fairgrounds, Gates open at 4:00 PM, fireworks at approximately 9:30 PM. Crown Point’s signature fireworks show is one of the biggest in Northwest Indiana, with food vendors, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere all evening. Enter via Gate 1 (Court St) or Gate 4 (121st Ave). Free admission. Parking fills early, arrive by 8:00 PM for a good spot.

Munster

• Munster 4th of July Parade, 2:00 PM, Calumet Ave & Ridge Road area. A family-friendly community parade through the heart of Munster. Free.

Highland, 4th of July Festival

• Highland 4th of July Festival, 12:00 PM-9:00 PM, Main Square Park (3001 Ridge Rd). The multi-day festival is in full swing on Saturday with carnival rides, food vendors, crafters, and live music on the gazebo stage. This is Highland’s signature summer event and a true community gathering. Free admission. Carnival wristbands: $30.

Valparaiso

• City of Valparaiso 4th of July Celebration, Events begin at 5:00 PM at Urschel Field (Valparaiso St & Vale Park Rd). Features live music, food trucks, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 9:15 PM. Free.

Hammond

• Independence Day Celebration at The Pavilion at Wolf Lake, Features a Naturalization Ceremony and live music by the Bill Porter Orchestra at 7:00 PM. Fireworks over Wolf Lake at 9:30 PM. Free.

Sunday, July 5, The Celebration Continues

Sunday is packed with events across the region. If you missed Saturday’s fireworks, you have multiple chances to catch a show tonight.

Cedar Lake Summerfest

• 4th of July Parade, 10:00 AM, starting at Hanover Central High School and ending at the Cedar Lake Town Grounds (7408 Constitution Ave). A classic small-town parade with floats, fire trucks, and community groups. Free.
• Carnival Rides, Food & Live Music, Noon onward at the Town Grounds. The festival is in full swing with amusement rides, food vendors, craft beer, bingo, and live entertainment throughout the day. Free admission. Parking: $10 per vehicle.
• Boat Parade on Cedar Lake, 5:00 PM. Decorated boats parade across the lake, one of the most unique July 4th traditions in the region. Grab a spot along the shoreline and enjoy the show. Free to watch.
• Fireworks over Cedar Lake, 9:30 PM at the Town Grounds. A spectacular show over the water. Included with festival admission.

St. John, Freedom Fest

• Freedom Fest, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM, Heartland Park (10600 White Oak Ave). Food, live entertainment, family activities, and community celebration. Free.
• Fireworks, 9:30 PM over Heartland Park. One of St. John’s biggest nights of the year. Free.

Highland, Kiddie Parade & Festival

• Kiddie Parade, Lineup at 12:45 PM, parade starts at 1:30 PM in the downtown area. A highlight for families with young children, kids decorate bikes, wagons, and scooters in patriotic themes and march through town. Free to participate.
• Festival Continues, 12:00 PM-9:00 PM at Main Square Park. More carnival rides, live music, food, and community fun. Free admission. $30 for ride wristbands.

Monday, July 6, Wrap-Up Weekend

Monday is the final day of both Cedar Lake Summerfest and Highland’s festival, plus one more fireworks show to close out the long weekend.

Cedar Lake Summerfest, Final Day

• Car Show, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM at the Town Grounds. Classic cars, hot rods, and community pride on display. Free to attend.
• Talent Show, 3:15 PM at the festival grounds. Local performers take the stage for the finale. Free.
• Festival Closes, The final day of Cedar Lake Summerfest runs until 8:30 PM with food, rides, and live music. Free admission. Parking: $10.

Highland, Closing Night Fireworks

• Highland 4th of July Festival, Grand Finale, The festival’s final day. The big event: Fireworks at 9:00 PM at Homestead Park. This is Highland’s signature fireworks display and the perfect way to cap off the holiday weekend. Free.

Pro Tips for the Weekend

• Arrive early for fireworks. Parking lots at Crown Point, Cedar Lake, and Highland fill up fast, plan to be there 30-60 minutes before showtime.
• Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Most fireworks shows are viewed from open fields or parks. Comfort makes a big difference.
• Check for road closures. Parade routes in Crown Point, Munster, and Cedar Lake will close streets temporarily. Leave extra time if you’re driving through downtown areas.
• Stay hydrated. Early July in Northwest Indiana can be hot and humid. Bring water, especially if you’re attending daytime festivals.
• Support local food vendors. Every festival features local restaurants and food trucks. It’s a great way to discover new favorite spots.