Oxford, Mississippi, is celebrating the 2026 Fourth of July with a mix of cherished family traditions and a massive nighttime spectacle to honor the nation's 250th birthday.

Summer Sunset Series - 6PM - Old Armory Pavilion - Join us for the Summer Sunset Series with The Soultones for an evening of live music, community, and summer fun.

Morning Activities on the Square

The patriotic festivities kick off in the heart of downtown around the Square!

• Children's Parade: Starting at 9:00 AM, families gather to honor local veterans. Kids participate by riding in wagons, strollers, bicycles, and scooters—all heavily decorated in red, white, and blue.

• NSDAR Dedication: The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will be holding a special dedication at Lafayette Liberty Square, located right at the courthouse.

Evening Fireworks Celebration

• Fireworks Show: The spectacular display begins promptly at 9:00 PM. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy the show.

• Synchronized Music: If you bring a radio, you can tune in to Bullseye 95.5 FM at 9:00 PM for a patriotic medley synchronized perfectly with the fireworks.

• Logistics: Parking is available throughout the park, with the exception of the designated fallout zone near the north end of the soccer fields.

John Kyle State Park All-Day Event

July 4 | Full Day of Fun ($5.00 Admission Per Person)

Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

12:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Kids Activities, Games & Food Vendors (Lodge Area)

• Family-friendly activities and games will be available throughout the day around the lodge area.
• Activities will include face painting, sidewalk chalk, ladder toss, cone toss, tic-tac-toe, hula hoops, jump ropes, building blocks, bubbles, a palm tree slip-and-slide inflatable, and a castle combo inflatable.
• There is no age limit for participation; however, inflatable attractions are intended for children only.
• Food vendors will be available on-site.
• Food, beverages, and vendor items will require additional purchases.
• Included with park admission.

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: A250 Flag Ceremony (In Front of Lodge)

• Included with park admission.

The A250 Flag Ceremony and patriotic presentation will be conducted by MDWFP Honor Guard and MDWFP Law Enforcement personnel.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Live Blues Music (Behind the Lodge)

• Included with park admission.
• Live blues music will take place throughout the evening as part of the celebration.
• Featured performers will include Abee Hudson the "Delta Blues Princess", the Charlie Robbins Trio, and Keith "The Prince of the Delta Blues" Johnson!
• Bring your chairs and/or blankets to sit back, relax, and enjoy great music!
• Coolers are not permitted. 
• Tents and umbrellas will have a limited space. First come, first serve. 

9:00 PM: Fireworks Show

Included with park admission.

Fireworks will be visible from the concert area behind the lodge.

Take a drive around Oxford before the 4th to see our historic square all dressed up for the festivities!