July 4, 2026 is not just another Independence Day — it's the 250th birthday of the United States of America! The Semiquincentennial (try saying that three times fast!) is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and our little corner of Oakland County is pulling out all the stops to celebrate in style. Whether your kids are obsessed with fireworks, excited to ride in a bike parade, or dying to see a 500-drone light show, this year's lineup has something for every family.
We've rounded up all the best local events happening in and around Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Oxford, Clarkston, and Auburn Hills. Bookmark this page, pack your lawn chairs, and get ready to make some memories that will last another 250 years.
As always, events are subject to change — click the links to confirm times and details before you head out. Check our full events calendar for even more family fun all summer long!
Light Up the Night: Fireworks Shows Near You
Festival of the Hills in Rochester
Wednesday, June 24 · 6-11pm
Get ready for one of Rochester Hills' favorite summer traditions! Festival of the Hills returns to Borden Park with an evening packed full of FREE family fun, live entertainment, delicious food, and a spectacular fireworks finale!
Starting at 6 PM, kids can bounce, climb, play, and explore with bounce houses, a climbing wall, petting zoo, foam party, and games hosted by RARA. Catch the outdoor movie Hoppers beginning at 7 PM while enjoying live music and strolling entertainers throughout the park.
As the sun sets, the fun continues with a high-energy DJ dance party from 9–10 PM before the night ends with an amazing fireworks show lighting up the sky at 10 PM!
🌟 FREE Admission
Food trucks will be serving food and beverages from 6 PM–9:45 PM, with sales ending by 10 PM. Be sure to arrive hungry and plan ahead—there is no ATM on site. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends for an unforgettable summer evening at Borden Park!
🏕️ Independence Fest — Clarkston
Saturday, June 27 · 11am–10:30pm
A beloved 25+ year tradition returns to Clintonwood Park (6000 Clarkston Rd, Clarkson, MI 48348) for a full day of family celebration! This year's lineup includes a Veterans Celebration with a ceremony at 11:30am and a free lunch for vets, a classic car display, live music, kids games, and a FREE spray park for the little ones.
The cherry on top? A 30-minute fireworks show at 10pm — one of the longest displays in Oakland County. 🎇 Parking is $5 before 2pm / $10 after, with shuttles from Clarkston High School and Everest Academy.
FREE Admission - 30-Min Fireworks, Spray Park, Veterans Ceremony
More info: indtwp.com or call 248-625-8223
🌊 Lake Orion Fireworks Over the Lake
Saturday, July 4 · At Dusk
The crown jewel of our community's 4th of July! The Lake Orion Fireworks Foundation puts on a spectacular show launched right over Lake Orion — one of the best fireworks backdrops in all of Oakland County. Grab a spot on the shore, a dock, or a pontoon and settle in for the show.
🅿️ Paid parking available at Green's Park (66 S Park Blvd, Orion Twp, MI 48362). Arrive early — this one fills up fast! Support the show by making a donation to the Lake Orion Fireworks Foundation.
Brandon Community Fireworks
Friday, July 3 · 6-10pm
The Brandon Community Fireworks are lighting up the sky on Friday, July 3, 2026 at Brandon High School! Gather your family, friends, lawn chairs, and blankets for one of the community's favorite summer traditions. Come hungry! Food trucks will be serving up delicious eats from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Parking is $5 per vehicle (cash only) at Brandon High School. Parking opens at 6:00 PM (no earlier, please!).❤️ Every dollar raised from parking goes directly toward supporting future Brandon Community Fireworks displays. Bring the whole family and celebrate Independence Day weekend with great food, community spirit, and an amazing fireworks show!
🌿 Holly Independence Day Fireworks
Friday, July 3 · At Dusk
The Village of Holly celebrates a night early at Lakeside Memorial Park (315 S Broad St, Holly, MI 48442). Bring a blanket, snacks, and the whole family for one of Oakland County's most charming small-town fireworks shows. Paid parking is available at the park.
💧 Maceday Lake / Lotus Lake Fireworks — Waterford
Saturday, July 4 · At 10pm
Residents around Maceday Lake and Lotus Lake in Waterford Township get their own private-ish sky show, with fireworks launched from the north end of Lotus Lake. A beloved neighborhood tradition! Questions? Email Maceday.Lotus@gmail.com.
Big Celebrations in Our Own Backyard
🚁 Auburn Hills 500-Drone America 250 Show
Thursday, June 18 · 9-11pm
This is the one your kids will talk about forever. Auburn Hills is trading traditional fireworks for something even more jaw-dropping: a 500-drone patriotic light show at the Multi-Sports Athletic Field (1800 Valleyview Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326), just south of University Drive.
The two-part show begins at 10pm: the first segment (10–10:15pm) showcases local corporate citizens' logos soaring 400 feet above the field. After a short music interlude, the second show at 10:45pm features a high-resolution patriotic tribute to America and our armed services. 🤩
Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Snacks welcome; beer and wine permitted. Rain date: July 9, 2026.
More info at auburnhills.org
Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township honors America's 250th birthday!
Sunday, June 28 · 12-5pm
Join the community for a special afternoon of patriotism, history, and family fun at the Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township as we honor America's 250th birthday!
Bring the whole family and enjoy an unforgettable celebration filled with live music, historical displays, delicious food, activities for all ages, and plenty of community spirit. It's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our nation's history while creating new memories with friends and neighbors.
📍 Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township
5236 Adams Rd, Oakland Township, MI
🎟️ FREE Admission
🚍 FREE Parking & Shuttle Service
(Available from Oakland Church parking lot on Silverbell Road)
Whether you're a history buff, a proud patriot, or simply looking for a fun family outing, this milestone celebration promises something for everyone. Bring your lawn chairs, your loved ones, and your American spirit as we commemorate 250 years of freedom, sacrifice, and unity.
🎶 Live Music & American History
🍔 Food & Refreshments
🎉 Family Activities
❤️ Community Pride
Don't miss this once-in-a-generation celebration of America's Semiquincentennial!
250th Year Celebration at Canterbury Village
June 26-28th · Fri 4-9 | Sat 11-9 | Sun 11-5
Looking for MORE family fun during Lake Orion Lion's Jubilee weekend? Head to Canterbury Village's FREE 250th Year Celebration, happening June 26-28 — right across the street from the Lake Orion Jubilee! 🎡Enjoy delicious BBQ 🍖, ice cream 🍦, live music 🎸, monster truck rides 👹, face painting 🎨, lawn games, unique vendors, prizes, and more! Plus, don't miss Friday's outdoor movie night featuring Independence Day and Saturday's hot dog eating contest! 🌭It's the perfect way to celebrate summer, family, and 250 years of American pride!
Independence Day Parade — Downtown Clarkston
Saturday, July 4 · 10am
Start your Fourth of July celebration with a beloved hometown tradition! Head to Downtown Clarkston for the annual Independence Day Parade, where patriotic pride fills the streets with festive floats, marching bands, community groups, classic vehicles, and plenty of red, white, and blue spirit.
Bring your lawn chairs, wave your flags, and find a spot along the parade route as Clarkston comes together to celebrate America's birthday in small-town style. Kids will love seeing the colorful parade entries and collecting treats along the way!
🎺 Marching Bands
🚒 Classic & Community Vehicles
🎈 Festive Floats & Patriotic Fun for All Ages
🎉 A Classic Fourth of July Tradition
Arrive early for the best viewing spots and kick off your Independence Day with one of the area's favorite family-friendly celebrations!
Make It a Memorable America 250 Celebration
📜 Read (or Ring!) the Declaration of Independence
Wed, July 8, 5:45pm in Oxford's Centennial Park
In honor of America's 250th, why not make history come alive at home? Print out the Declaration of Independence and take turns reading it as a family. Or join in the Oxford ceremony and bring a bell to ring for freedom! It's a powerful way to connect kids to why July 4th matters beyond the fireworks.
America250 is calling on Americans everywhere to read the Declaration together — find resources at america250.org.
🍦 Make a Day of It in Lake Orion
If you're staking out a spot for the Lake Orion fireworks, make an afternoon of it! Explore Downtown Lake Orion with its shops and dining, take a paddleboat or kayak out on the water, or grab ice cream and claim your lakeside perch early. Play in Children's Park then grab a sweet treat at Cookies & Cream! The earlier you arrive, the better your view!
🎒 Macaroni KID's Pro Tips for a Stress-Free 4th
- Arrive early. Prime spots at Lake Orion and Clintonwood Park fill up hours before showtime. Bring a blanket and claim your territory!
- Pack the essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, glow sticks for the kids, and a portable phone charger.
- Ear protection for little ones. Foam earplugs or noise-canceling headphones make fireworks way more fun for toddlers and sensory-sensitive kids.
- Bring cash. Food trucks and many festival vendors at Independence Fest are cash-friendly.
- Check for rain dates! Michigan weather has opinions. Always confirm your event's rain date before heading out — most shows reschedule rather than cancel.
- Parking fees vary. Lake Orion fireworks charge at Green's Park; Independence Fest is $5–$10; Holly charges a fee. Budget accordingly!
- Let the kids vote. With so many great options across the weekend, let your crew pick their top choice — ownership makes everything more fun.
However you choose to celebrate, we hope your family has a safe, joy-filled, and absolutely unforgettable Fourth of July! America turns 250 only once, and you're right here to see it.
Don't forget to tag us in your fireworks photos — we love seeing your Macaroni KID families out there living their best red-white-and-blue lives. And for more summer family fun ideas all season long, visit our events calendar and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter at lakeorion.macaronikid.com.
Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🎂
