MARQUETTE – Travel Marquette has announced the lineup of Fourth of July weekend events and celebrations taking place July 2-4. From community festivals and parades to live music, fireworks and the return of the nationally recognized Ore Dock laser show, residents and visitors are invited to celebrate Independence Day throughout Marquette County.

“As communities across the country begin commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, Independence Day offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the places, traditions and local gatherings that define the American experience,” said Susan Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette. “From waterfront festivals and small-town parades to time spent exploring the Lake Superior shoreline, Marquette County offers visitors a uniquely Upper Peninsula way to celebrate the holiday weekend.”

Below is a sampling of upcoming Fourth of July weekend happenings in Marquette County:

• Freedom Festival (July 2-4) – Hosted by the Marquette County Exchange Club, the Freedom Festival returns to Mattson Lower Harbor Park for three days of food, entertainment and family activities. Running daily from 12:00 – 10:00 p.m., the event features local and ethnic food vendors, a tent serving adult beverages, activities for children and free live entertainment.

• America’s 250th Birthday Block Party (July 3-4) – The America’s 250th Birthday Block Party will transform the 100 block of West Washington Street into a pedestrian-friendly gathering space throughout the holiday weekend. Visitors can enjoy music, local businesses and family-friendly activities, culminating in a ball drop on the evening of July 3 leading into America’s 250th birthday celebration. Additional activities are planned throughout the weekend.

• Negaunee Pioneer Days (July 3) – Negaunee Pioneer Days returns with a full day of community festivities in downtown Negaunee. Activities include food vendors, alumni softball, family-friendly programming and an evening fireworks display over Teal Lake.

• Marquette City Band Freedom 250 Concert (July 3) – Beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Mattson Lower Harbor Park, the Marquette City Band will perform its Freedom 250 Concert in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

• Marquette Independence Day Boat Parade (July 3) – The Marquette Independence Day Boat Parade begins at 9:30 p.m. ahead of the annual fireworks display. Decorated boats will travel through the Lower Harbor while competing for awards including Most Dramatic Light Display, Most Spirited and Most Original Fourth of July Theme.

• Marquette Fireworks Show (July 3) – Marquette’s annual fireworks display will take place over Lake Superior on July 3. A 20-minute prelude and countdown begins at 10:25 p.m. at Mattson Lower Harbor Park, followed by an 18-minute fireworks show launched from the Lower Harbor Ore Dock.

• Marquette Fourth of July Parade (July 4) – The annual Fourth of July Parade returns to Washington Street on July 4. More than 80 floats and parade participants will travel from Washington Street and McClellan Avenue through the city before concluding near South Third Street in downtown Marquette. A designated accessible viewing and parking area will be available at Nicolet National Bank.

• Marquette Fourth of July Sensory-Friendly Laser Show (July 4) – The Marquette Fourth of July Sensory-Friendly Laser Show returns July 4 with a special America 250-themed production created by Fresh Coast Light Lab. Running from 10:15 p.m. – 12:15 a.m., the show uses the Lower Harbor Ore Dock as its canvas and provides an alternative way to participate in Independence Day celebrations for residents and visitors, including those with sensory sensitivities.

“These events have become an important part of how our community celebrates Independence Day,” said Mike Bradford, business outreach and promotions director at Marquette Downtown Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue traditions that bring people together and showcase the energy of Marquette County during the summer season.”

For more information on Travel Marquette, please visit:  https://www.travelmarquette.com/.