As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, there's no better place to spend Independence Day than Wichita. From patriotic celebrations and historic experiences to baseball, fireworks and family-friendly fun, Wichita offers plenty of ways to commemorate this milestone anniversary.

Fourth of July falls on a Saturday in 2026, making it the perfect opportunity for a long holiday weekend filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're looking to honor America's history, catch a fireworks display or enjoy classic summer traditions, Wichita's America250 celebrations offer something for everyone.

Fireworks explode over Bradley Fair during a Fourth of July celebration
Concert and fireworks at Bradley Fair

The annual Thursday Summer Concert Series in Bradley Fair began on June 11 and wraps up on July 2. The shopping, dining and entertainment center’s tradition is to end its concert series with fireworks, which will happen at 9:30 p.m. on July 2. Prior to fireworks, enjoy the performance of King Cabbage Brass Band. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and find a great spot in the grassy area surrounding Bradley Fair Lake.

We the People USA 250th Celebration

Also happening on July 2, the We the People USA 250th Celebration at Union Station brings together history, patriotism and community at one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The historic station serves as a fitting backdrop for honoring the nation's semiquincentennial and reflecting on the people and events that have shaped America over the past 250 years.

The celebration features patriotic programming, family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks display that illuminates both Union Station and the downtown skyline. 

Wind Surge players take the field against an opposing team at Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita

Baseball and fireworks

The Wichita Wind Surge, the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, is playing a six-game home series against the Tulsa Drillers, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, from Tuesday, June 30 to Sunday, July 5. Each game features promotions and highlights, including a post-game fireworks show on July 4, in conjunction with the City of Wichita. The July 4 game gets underway at 6:35 p.m. and the July 5 game starts at 6:05 p.m.

Fireworks are set off outside of Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita

Red, White and BOOM!

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary at Wichita's largest Independence Day celebration, Red, White & BOOM! Presented by Evergy, this beloved community tradition returns July 4 with festivities centered at Kennedy Plaza at Century II in downtown Wichita.

As part of Wichita's America250 celebration, the City of Wichita is partnering with the Wichita Wind Surge to create a coordinated Independence Day experience that brings together baseball, community and one of the region's most anticipated fireworks displays. Gather with family and friends in the heart of downtown to celebrate 250 years of American history, pride and patriotism while enjoying an unforgettable summer evening. 

The design for the 2026 Wicked Brew Tour T-shirt features a mug and beer bottle with wheels heading toward Wichita.

Wicked Brew Tour 

If you're spending the Fourth of July weekend in Wichita, the Wicked Brew Tour is the perfect way to sip and savor your downtime. Wander through the 29 local coffee shops, breweries, cidery and kombucha-makers participating this year, all while soaking in the city’s laid-back summer vibe.

It’s self-guided, so you can choose your own adventure and pick up collectible stamps in your tour passport for a limited-edition T-shirt and major bragging rights. 

A young boy dressed in character sits in front of a building under a red, white and blue flag at Old Cowtown Museum

Celebrate America! at Old Cowtown Museum

Old Cowtown Museum's Celebrate America event on July 4 is a must-do. It’s a living-history extravaganza set among historic 19th-century buildings, where families can enjoy wagon rides, horseshoe tosses, sack races and vintage baseball games, all while costumed interpreters reenact patriotic melodramas, medicine shows, church-saloon standoffs and more.

More events and activities

Looking for even more ways to celebrate America's 250th birthday in Wichita? Explore special events, exhibits, performances – such as Let Freedom Sing – and community celebrations happening throughout the year on the Wichita250 Calendar of Events. Make the most of your Fourth of July weekend in Wichita by exploring the city’s wide range of community events on Visit Wichita's Calendar of Events, eateries, museums and attractions – many of which offer free or budget-friendly fun for all ages. You’ll also find patriotic festivities lighting up nearby communities like Derby, Haysville, and El Dorado.