Elgin will celebrate the Fourth of July with a parade, concert and fireworks, all occurring on Friday, July 4th, 2025.
Fourth of July Parade – 9:00am, stepping-off from the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Slade Avenue. The parade concludes at the intersection of Douglas and Highland, near City Hall.
Pet Parade – Also at 9:00am, stepping off from the NENA Butterfly Garden near the intersection of Douglas Ave. and Ann Street. The pet parade will continue along the parade route and conclude at the intersection of Douglas and Highland, near City Hall.
The Fourth of July Celebration will continue at Festival Park with music, food trucks and drinks, children’s activities, table-top games, the return of the popular pie eating contest and a spectacular fireworks display.
VIP Seating: Upgrade your Fourth of July Celebration with exclusive access to our VIP Lounge Area, designed for comfort, convenience, and unbeatable views! Purchase your VIP ticket for $25 before they sellout! If tickets remain available, they will be sold on site. A ticket is required for each guest age 12 and up entering the VIP area. Children under 12 are free but must be accompanied by an adult with a VIP ticket. Maximum of 2 children’s tickets per VIP ticket. Your VIP ticket includes the following:
- Reserved bar access, lawn seating and restrooms
- Elevated viewing deck with umbrellas and ambient lighting and prime views of the stage and fireworks
- Chairs are NOT included- please bring your own
Pie Eating Contest: Get ready to dig in with the City of Elgin and celebrate with one of the most delicious traditions of summer. Join us during one of the band turnovers on the stage for our Annual Pie Eating Contest, proudly sponsored by Paul’s Family Restaurant, who will be providing fruit-filled pies for this year’s challenge. It is free to participate and there are prizes awarded to winners in each age category. There are limited spots available for the following age groups: 6-12 yrs, 13-17 yrs, and 18+. Registration closes once all spots are filled. Participants must be on-site and checked-in by the time the contest begins. Waivers must be signed to participate. Register Today!
Bands: Get ready to dance, sing, and celebrate with an unforgettable night of live music at our Fourth of July Concert! This year’s lineup brings high energy, timeless hits, and show-stopping performances that will have the whole crowd on their feet!
The Moods Award-winning performers since 1995, The Moods are a dynamic vocal group known for their smooth harmonies, choreography, and high-energy shows. They’ve shared the stage with legends like The Temptations, The Spinners, and Little Richard, and have entertained audiences nationwide at clubs, festivals, and special events. Get ready for a “Vocal Experience Never Forgotten!”
The Labamba Show: Kicking off the evening with explosive Latin rhythms and rock ‘n’ roll flair, The Labamba Show delivers a tribute to Ritchie Valens and the golden era of rock. With vibrant vocals, sizzling guitar solos, and nonstop energy, this show is a must-see!
Sting Ray has rocked stages around the world, including 14 years with Legends in Concert in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City, Branson, and more. Officially recognized by the Ritchie Valens Estate as the #1 Ritchie Valens Tribute Artist, he delivers a high-energy show packed with classic rock ‘n’ roll hits. He Recently performed alongside The Beach Boys, Smokey Robinson, Chubby Checker and others on the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, and continues to earn praise form legends like Bobby Vee and Paul Revere’s Raiders.
The Ultimate Elvis Experience starring Shawn Klush: Wrap up the night with the King himself! Internationally acclaimed Elvis tribute artist Shawn Klush brings The Ultimate Elvis Experience to life with uncanny vocals, charisma and iconic style. It is the next best thing to seeing Elvis in Concert!
Recognized as “The Closest Thing to the King in Concert,” Shawn Klush in the world’s top Elvis tribute artist. He was crowned the first-ever “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” by Elvis Presley Enterprises and voted the “World’s Greatest Elvis” by millions of viewers on BBC1. A gifted actor and performer, Shawn has portrayed Elvis in HBO’s Vinyl, VH1’s Shake, Rattle & Roll, and on CBS.
Shawn headlines major Elvis tribute tours across the U.S., U.K., Australia, and beyond, often performing with Elvis’ original musicians and backup singers. With powerful vocals, magnetic stage presence, and unmatched authenticity, Shawn delivers a tribute experience that continues to captivate fans around the world.
Vendors: A full list of participating vendors will be shared soon! Beer service provided by Old Republic Kitchen + Bar and Modelo.
Parking: All parking in downtown Elgin is free, however, with street closures taking place for the parade, we advise that you arrive early. Besides the ample amount of street parking (even with the closed streets), Downtown Elgin offers plenty of free parking in lots and decks throughout the downtown area, a full map can be viewed here
