A brand new light show featuring 300 drones kicks off Fourth of July celebrations in McLean County as the United States celebrates 250 years as a nation.
The July 2 show will include animation elements, custom audio and synchronization, featuring patriotic images and community-inspired visuals, with the hefty price tag covered through support from State Farm, O'Brien Auto Group, Cybernautic, Stark Excavating, York Public Adjusting, Laborers Local 362 and Gibson Area Hospital, among others.
Gates open at 6 p.m. at the Interstate Center for the free event. There will be food trucks, live performances and family activities leading up to the choreographed drone show at 9 p.m. The Front Street Collective will perform from 7-9 p.m. And child-friendly activities will be put on by Iron Coyote in the Bloomington Bison Kids Zone.
"This is a chance to bring people together around a once in a generation milestone," Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady said in a statement.
In addition to the drone show, here's a list of additional Fourth of July festivities around the county:
Bloomington
- The Miller Park Sky Concert is one of two annual “sky concerts” in the Twin Cities. The firework show starts at dusk — or approximately 9:15 p.m. — on July 4, and will be set to music on WJBC AM 1230. The park will offer a variety of activities all throughout the day. Miller Park will have its usual attractions open such as paddle boats, mini golf and the splash pad. In collaboration with Mid State Cruisers, there will be a Classic Car Cruise Celebration from 1-4 p.m. This includes live music, food, a racecar simulator and trophies to the top three awarded cars. In addition, from 5-8 p.m., there will be a live concert from Biscuits n Gravy, and a family zone with inflatables and face painting.
- The Pantagraph’s Celebrate America Concert is a free, general admission concert held at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA). The concert will feature patriotic classics along with modern favorites, bringing on stage stars from BCPA’s Holiday Spectacular. Celebrate America will take place on Thursday, July 2, kicking off the holiday weekend. Tickets can be picked up in advance at the BCPA Box Office or reserved by calling 309-434-2777. Tickets are free and needed to reserve seating.
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Normal CornBelters
Normal
- Fairview Park’s Sky Concert offers the same firework show as Miller Park, and many similar activities. The Karraker Aquatic Center will be open its regular hours, beginning at 11 a.m., but for those hoping to get in a morning swim — or for kids looking forwards to free popsicles — there will be an early bird swim from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Family friendly activities include inflatables, face painting, balloon artists and food vendors, all beginning at 5:30 p.m.
- The Corn Crib is kicking off the weekend with their annual Born in the USA Night as the CornBelters play the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp. Attendees can enjoy “America’s pastime” over ballpark snacks, themed drinks — for adults and children — and a giveaway presented by State Farm Agent Andrew Greisiger. The evening will close out with postgame fireworks. The CornBelters will also hold a Fourth of July celebration on July 4, playing another home game against the Pistol Shrimp. There will be a giveaway of themed bobbleheads for those attending. The games are July 3, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. and July 4, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets $10 at cornbeltersbaseball.com.
- On July 8, the Bloomington-Normal Community Concert Band accompanies a special reading of the Declaration of Independence with patriotic songs in an event organized by the Sons of the American Revolution. The free event at Connie Link Amphitheater begins at 5 p.m.
Towanda
- Towanda’s Fourth of July Celebration will be a two-day event this year, with activities and vendors July 3 and 4. The holiday weekend will kick off with vendors and a flea market from 12-7 p.m. on July 3. Following that, they hold their Dance at South Park, all leading up to a firework show at dark. On July 4, the flea market and vendors make a return, beginning at 8 a.m., the “Let Freedom Ring” parade will start at 10 a.m. and to wrap up a weekend of festivities, the Fourth of July raffle winner will be drawn at 1 p.m.
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Downs
- The Downs Fourth of July Bash takes place at Dooley Park. Festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. with a volleyball tournament. At 11:30 a.m. their annual parade will make its way around the village, beginning and ending on Oakland street. Star Lizard, a New Wave and Progressive Rock band, is set to perform in the beer garden from 5:30 to dusk, prior to a firework exhibition.
Chenoa
- Leading up to the Fourth of July, Chenoa community members can participate in varying patriotic contests. The House Decorating Contest encourages citizens to help decorate the town in red, white and blue, following this year's theme, “From Sea to Shining Sea - 250 Years Free.” The top three houses will receive monetary prizes. Citizens can also nominate and vote on a variety of individual contests such as Master Firecracker, Miss Sparkler, Mr. and Mrs. 4th of July and Chenoan of the Year.
- On July 3, the Chenoa 4th of July Street Dance will start with a live concert from the Golden Embers. The show will take place from 5-7:30 p.m., and afterwards Chenoa will rock out with '80s Hair Night, a live rock concert to commemorate the “Decade of Decadence.” Music will be featured from famous bands such as Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Journey, and many more. Attendees are encouraged to show up in their best 1980s inspired look, and those dressed up have a chance to win prizes.
- From July 3-4, anyone is able to shop at the Vendor Fair. Children can play on giant inflatables in the Kid Zone for no cost. The firework show will conclude the weekend of festivities on July 4 at dusk.
Heyworth
- The Heyworth Connect Fourth of July / “America250” Parade — an annual bike, golf cart and classic car parade — begins at 10 a.m. on July 4. Following the parade, celebrations will continue at the American Legion where community members can enjoy food, beer, games and live music. To end the night, the firework show will be held at Heyworth Centennial Park.
LeRoy
- LeRoy’s America 250th Celebration Parade will begin at 11 a.m. on July 4. Community are invited to participate in the parade by foot or on a patriotically decorated vehicle, whether that be a golf cart, car or tractor.
Bellflower
- The Bellflower July 4th Celebration includes events all throughout the day. The day begins with the Ryan Albin 5k Fun Run/Walk, in honor of the late Illinois State Trooper Ryan Albin. The Bellflower annual parade will begin at the corner of E. Melvin St. and N. Latcha St., ending at the Don Harden Field. There, the Bellflower Fire Protection District will serve lunch, followed by an afternoon full of games, tournaments, bingo and a softball game. Live entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. and fireworks will be set off at dusk. If that wasn’t convincing enough, the concession stand will be offering free ice cream after the fireworks display.
Farmer City
- The Farmer City Raceway holds its annual Fan Appreciation Night on July 3. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the evening will feature a full racing show, followed by a fireworks display after dark. Tickets are $5 and available for purchase at farmercityracing.com.
