Get ready for the return of Carmel’s most anticipated summer tradition!
CarmelFest 2026, presented by the Rotary Club of Carmel, is set to light up Civic Square and Carter Green on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. As the city’s premier two-day festival celebrating the Fourth of July, this beloved annual event promises a patriotic extravaganza for tens of thousands of attendees.
Festival hours for both days will run from noon to 10 p.m. across Civic Square and Carter Green. The celebration features live entertainment on two stages – with the full lineups available via the Gazebo Stage schedule and Carter Green Stage schedule – alongside family-friendly activities, favorite local food and beverage vendors, the annual CarmelFest Parade and a spectacular fireworks grand finale.
Exciting new additions and family fun
This year, CarmelFest introduces several brand-news attractions including:
- The Community Lounge at the Gazebo, presented by Lilly
- The Family Leisure Fun Zone at Carter Green
- A free mechanical bull ride, also located at Carter Green
Children of all ages can also look forward to the KidsZone, sponsored this year by Meijer. Located south of City Hall, this vibrant and exciting area offers a variety of mechanical rides, engaging activities and a brand-new mini race track.
Saturday, July 4 event highlights
Allied Solutions CarmelFest Parade
The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, with local roads closing at 9 a.m. Attendees should keep a few important details in mind:
- Accessibility: A reserved ADA parking and viewing area will be located at the southwest corner of Main Street and Range Line Road.
- Restrictions: The area in front of Flanner & Buchanan on Carmel Drive is reserved for parade staff. Any chair or items in this reserved area will be removed.
- Where to watch: Community members can also enjoy the parade from Midtown Plaza where the live broadcast will be on the big screen. Other livestream options can be found on the CarmelFest Parade webpage.
The festival will conclude on Saturday night with a breathtaking fireworks display from 9:45 to 10:15 p.m. (with the official livestream beginning at 9 p.m.).
This year’s fireworks show will be synchronized with music broadcasted on WHJE 91.3 FM. To fully enjoy this immersive experience, attendees are encouraged to bring a radio, since streaming apps will likely experience audio delays.
For the complete event schedule and further details, please visit the official CarmelFest website.
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