Independence Day
Independence Day events in Downers Grove are held on July 4.
2026 Parade
The parade kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at Main St. and Grant St.
This year is an extra special one as America celebrates 250 years of independence.
Who Can Participate?
Every person, family, group or organization can find a way to show their community spirit and be part of this historic parade. Our parade is welcome to all and there is no fee to participate.
- Civic/community/church groups and clubs
- Sports teams
- Neighborhood or block groups
- Common interest/hobby groups
- Marching bands/bands/musicians
- Entertainers, dancers,
- Businesses
How to Participate
A few suggestions to spark your creativity:
- Wear coordinated shirts, costumes or uniforms
- Hold signs and banners to show your community spirit.
- Decorate a car, truck or trailer
- Ride decorated bikes/pull decorated wagons
- Perform a talent or entertain while you walk the parade route
- Build a float!
Fireworks
The Villages of Downers Grove and Woodridge present fireworks at 75th St./Lemont Rd on July 4, beginning at dusk/approximately 9:30 p.m.
Spectators can park and view the show from several parking lots in the area.
EVENTS-Independence Day
The parade begins on Main Street at Grant St. (just south of Ogden Ave.) and travels SOUTH on Main Street for approximately one mile, ending at Warren Ave., before the tracks. MAP
Parade participants will be staged, according to assigned SECTIONS:
- SECTION 1: Main Street, between Grant and Sherman
- SECTION 2: Sherman Street between Main and Forest AND between Main and Highland.
- SECTIONS 3, 4 and 5: Downers Grove North High School Parking Lot at Main/Grant.
See MAP
PARTICIPANTS
- DO NOT THROW CANDY FROM VEHICLES. Please safely distribute candy by instructing members of your group to hand out or drop candy near the curb on each side of Main Street.
- Use of water guns, blasters or soakers are not allowed during the parade.
SPECTATORS
- Please do not walk in to the street while the parade is in progress.
- Please keep young children under adult supervision and remain at the sidelines/curb during the parade.
PARADE START- DROP OFF: Participants can be dropped off at Highland and Grant, near the Downers Grove North parking lot.
We recommend that groups with children be dropped off at Highland and Sherman.
PARADE END- PICK UP: Please meet your group at Parking Lot A, at the southwest corner of Main St. and Warren Ave.
FOR PARTICIPANTS
- The Downers Grove North Parking lot at Main/Grant is for vehicles participating in the parade, ONLY.
- Vehicles dropping-off cannot park in the DG North lot and must find alternate parking.
FOR SPECTATORS
If you're coming to Downers Grove to enjoy the parade, please pay attention to any signs posted that prohibit parking in areas along the parade route.
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