Independence Day fun for the whole family at CarmelFest
Next week brings Carmel’s biggest two-day festival of the year, CarmelFest! The annual festivities are held in the heart of the city and offer a variety of activities, vendors, experiences, and more for people of all ages to enjoy.
Wednesday, July 3
- Festival: 1 to 10 p.m.
- CarmelFest Has Talent: 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Gazebo Stage
Thursday, July 4
- Parade: 10:30 a.m.
Know Before You Go
- The reserved ADA parking and viewing area will be located at the southwest corner of Main Street and Range Line Road.
- The areas in front of Flanner & Buchanan on Carmel Drive will be reserved for parade staff. Any chairs or items in this reserved area will be removed.
- Livestream coverage of the parade will begin at 10 a.m. on the CBS4 Indy Facebook page.
- Festival: noon to 10 p.m.
- Fireworks: 9:45 p.m.
Photo provided by City of Carmel
This year’s fireworks show will be a special experience as the display will be synchronized with music on WHJE 91.3! To enjoy this immersive experience to the fullest extent, it is recommended to listen to the music via a radio.
View the Gazebo Stage musical performance schedule here.
KidZone
KidsZone is a vibrant and exciting area located south of City Hall, offering a variety of mechanical rides and engaging activities tailored for kids of all ages.
Tickets for the KidZone rides can be pre-ordered by clicking here.
Palladiscope
Blockhouse Studios has created a special projection experience dedicated to the Fourth of July festivities. The Independence light presentation at the Palladium will be from 9 to 11 p.m. July 4 to 7.
Getting around Carmel safely
The Carmel Police Department constantly strives to provide safe and efficient traffic flow. The following guide will help you get quickly and safely in and out of CarmelFest activities. Please plan your visit to CarmelFest with the following information in mind.
Quick Tips
- Please be patient: Keep in mind that there will be many people trying to use the same streets at the same time. Officers will be working to get you in and out as soon as possible so you can reach your destination in a reasonable amount of time.
- Watch for pedestrians: There will be thousands of people crossing the streets following the parade and fireworks. Many of them will be children. Please pay close attention.
- Please follow officers’ instructions: Keep moving in the direction officers send you. The traffic plan (posted below) is designed to get visitors out of the CarmelFest venues as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Parking: Parking is permitted only in city garages, parking lots, along city streets or with the permission of a property owner. Please be respectful of private and business property and obtain permission from the owner before parking on private property or in business parking lots. Reserved accessible parking is available at the southwest corner of Main Street and Range Line Road for the parade.
Street Closures
Keep in mind that there will be several road closures that will affect traffic flow around CarmelFest.
- Gradle Drive will be closed to all vehicular traffic, except emergency vehicles, between Range Line Road and 3rd Avenue SW from July 3 at 8 a.m. until all vendors are out of the area the evening of July 4.
- Red Truck Road will only be open to emergency vehicles on July 3 and 4.
- 3rd Avenue SW between Carmel Drive and Gradle Drive will be closed to all traffic on July 4 from approximately 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. This closure will be strictly enforced as a safety zone for fireworks preparation and launching.
Parade Traffic
- Carmel Drive between Keystone Parkway and Range Line Road, will have lane restrictions starting at 9:30 a.m. and will close to all vehicular traffic starting at approximately 10 a.m.
- Range Line Road between Carmel Drive and Main Street, will close to all vehicular traffic starting at approximately 10 a.m.
- Main Street between Range Line Road and Lexington Boulevard, will close to all vehicular traffic starting at approximately 10 a.m.
After the parade, officers will hold all vehicular traffic until the streets are clear of pedestrians. Traffic will be allowed to flow only in the direction away from the parade. Streets will open in succession after the parade has safely passed.
Fireworks Traffic
The CarmelFest fireworks show draws thousands of spectators. The fireworks show also signifies the end of CarmelFest. Most spectators will plan to leave immediately after the show. This mass departure slows the traffic flow. Officers will be diligently working to manage the traffic flow to keep traffic moving. The traffic plan, shown below, is designed to move traffic away from CarmelFest. Inbound traffic will not be allowed until outbound CarmelFest traffic has cleared. Please plan ahead and choose parking according to your post-fireworks destination.
For more information on CarmelFest, please visit their website at carmelfest.net and follow the Carmel Police Department @CarmelPD on all major social media platforms.
Graphic provided by City of Carmel
Fishers lights up the night sky this July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with Fishers Parks’ fireworks shows on July 4, presented by Star Heating & Cooling. Shows start at dusk, approximately 10 p.m.
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater & Free Concert
View this show throughout downtown and the Nickel Plate District. Fireworks will be launched from Holland Park, which will be closed for safety. The free July 4 concert returns to the NPD AMP stage, 6 Municipal Drive, featuring Toy Factory at 8 p.m. with fireworks following.
Cyntheanne Park
View this fireworks show from the Cyntheanne Park, 12383 Cyntheanne Road, or HSE Intermediate/Jr. High parking lots. Fireworks will be launched from Cyntheanne Park.
Geist Reservoir
View this fireworks show on the water. While no viewing will be permitted from Fall Creek Bridge or Geist Marina, find a great spot on the water in a boat or from your nearby residence. Fireworks will be launched near the south end of the Fall Creek Bridge. The bridge will not be closed to traffic, but the pedestrian walkway on the bridge will be closed for safety.
Note: There is no viewing or fireworks launching from Geist Waterfront Park.
Find more information at playfishers.com.
Lights Over Morse Lake turning 25
This year is the 25th anniversary of Cicero’s Lights Over Morse Lake celebration, and lots of events are planned from July 3 to July 7.
Please go to LightsOverMorseLake.org to find the full list of events as well as a digital program.
Food, fun & fireworks return to Westfield’s Grand Park Sports Campus
Westfield Rocks the 4th, presented by Citizens Energy Group, will be celebrated from 4 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 at Grand Park Sports Campus.
Westfield Rocks the 4th features food, music, and fun for the entire family. Attendees can enjoy food and drinks from food trucks, free concerts, and a beautiful fireworks display. X Generation, an everything ‘90s, pop, and rock hits band, will take the main stage at 5:30 p.m. and The Big 80s Band begins at 8 p.m.
While the event is free to attendees, the Kids Zone area requires wristbands, which can be purchased online or at the event; wristbands are $10 each for ages four and up.
“Citizens Energy Group is excited to again celebrate our nation’s birthday with the Westfield community as presenting sponsor of Westfield Rocks the 4th,” Citizens Energy Group President & CEO Jeffrey Harrison said. “We are proud to continue providing safe and reliable water, wastewater, and natural gas services to all of our Westfield customers.”
The wildly popular kid’s watermelon eating contest returns again this year and the Kids Stage is back with music and magic all evening.
“Westfield Rocks the 4th promises to be a fantastic celebration of our nation’s independence,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “This event grows each year and boasts one of the best fireworks displays in Central Indiana. We are excited to welcome residents and visitors to Grand Park for another exciting event.”
Limited preferred parking can also be purchased in advance for $15 or on-site, if still available.
Main Stage Entertainment
- House Music | 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- X Generation | 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- Hot Dog Eating Contest | 7:15 p.m.
- The Big 80s | 8 to 10 p.m.
- Fireworks Display | Approximately 10 p.m.
Kids Stage Entertainment
- Mik the Music Man | 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- Kids Watermelon Eating Contest | 5:30 p.m.
- Mik the Music Man | 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Magic Show | 7:30 to 8 p.m.
- Mik the Music Man | 8 to 10 p.m.
Schedules, tickets, and event details can be found at WestfieldWelcome.com/westfield-4th.
Sheridan kicking off the 4th with big parade
Sheridan’s July 4th Celebration will be a full day of patriotic festivities, including the annual parade, a wrestling show, live entertainment, lots of food and fun for the entire family, and of course, fireworks.
The parade through town will start at 10 a.m. Food trucks, activities, a wrestling show, and live entertainment at Biddle Park will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 11 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at dusk.
Presented by:
- Sheridan Lions Club – Parade
- Sheridan Events Committee – Events
- Sheridan Fire Department – Fireworks
Sponsors
- Kercheval Funeral Home
- EMC Precision
- Cardinal Parks & Equipment
- ABG Ag Serivces
- Waitt
- Bragg Sports Media
- Norman & Miller Eyecare
Performances
- White River Wrestling
- Steve Fulton
- Lisa Frank & the Trapper Keepers
Schedule of Events
- 10 a.m.: Parade sponsored by the Lions Club
- 11 a.m.: White River Wrestling
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Kids Zone
- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Car Smash
- Noon: Sheridan Cheerleaders perform
- 12:30 p.m.: Watermelon Eating Contest (more information below)
- 1 p.m.: White River Wrestling
- 2 p.m.: Water Balloon Toss
- 5 p.m.: Kids Zone reopens
- 6 p.m.: American Flag Scavenger Hunt by FFA
- 7 p.m.: Steve Fulton performs
- 8 p.m.: Lisa Frank & the Trapper Keepers perform
- 9 p.m.: Build-You-Own S’mores Station
- Dusk: Fireworks by the Sheridan Fire Department
Vendors
- Schooley’s Hots & Brats
- Noells Nooek
- Brittany’s Crocheted Creations
- Six Points Wesleyan Church
- Gnanans Gnomes
- LLW Designs
- Livelovepaint Studio LLC
- Hickey’s Shaved/Kona Ice Indy
- Creolicious Bakery
- Trailhead Treats
- Sheridan Rotary
- Real Slab Masterz LCC
- A Storied Sticker
- Mary Kay Cosmetics
- Lois Sullivan
All fees have been waived; still accepting vendors for both morning and afternoon/evening shifts.
Watermelon Eating Contest
Sponsored by Creekside Chiropractic, the contest will take place at 12:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.
- Sign up before noon at the Main Stage
- Open to all ages
- Prizes for first place in Child & Adult divisions
Click here for more information from the Sheridan Events Committee.
Noblesville ready to celebrate nation’s birthday with annual Fireworks Festival
The 2024 Noblesville Fireworks Festival has announced details for the free events taking place on Thursday, July 4, beginning at 4 p.m. with the Stars & Stripes Forever Parade through Downtown Noblesville.
The day kicks off at 4 p.m. with the annual Fourth of July Parade through downtown Noblesville, sponsored by Gaylor Electric.
Kids in America will perform iconic ‘80s music on the Pacers Sports and Entertainment Main Stage from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The festivities will culminate with the annual fireworks show, which will begin at 10 p.m. and is sponsored by Midwest Paving, East Bank Apartments, Meijer, and Promenade Trails.
Find more information online at NoblesvilleFireworksFestival.com.