4th of July
4th of July Events & Activities
Saturday, July 4th, 2026
Celebrate Independence Day in true Northwoods style during Rhinelander’s Fourth of July festivities! This year’s celebration is extra special as communities across the country recognize America 250, bringing even more patriotic spirit, nostalgia, and community pride to the holiday weekend.
Festivities will include the beloved Fourth of July Parade, a fun-filled Kiddie Parade, a patriotic flyover, and a spectacular fireworks show at Hodag Park.
Special America 250 activities will also take place throughout the celebration, including a community-wide Patriotic Decor Challenge, an Expressions Writing Contest, and the distribution of 2,500 American flags along the parade route.
Parade Details
The annual parade will be held Saturday, July 4th at 11am.
2026 Theme: “AMERICA: 250 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE” - to recognize the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Area businesses, families, schools, groups and non-profits are encouraged to participate. Applications can be found below or at the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce.
Antique cars, new or sharp cars and trucks are needed to lead sponsored units.
Awards will be given to the following parade unit categories: Non-Profit, Business, Marching and General.
To donate to the parade, fireworks or have questions about the Parade, contact Parade Coordinator Dale Schlieve.
*This form, signed and approved, must be in the possession of the Rhinelander Police Department (RPD) by the designated time prior to the start of the parade. Parade entries will be issued a number by RPD that shall be displayed in the in the windshield of the primary parade vehicle, or in possession of a person accompanying the organization, and must be shown to any Rhinelander Police Officer upon request.
Kiddie Parade
The Rhinelander Lions Kiddie Parade starts at 10 am. Lineup at 9:30 am by Zion Church/School on Frederick Street. Questions - Call Tim Gengler (715) 490-2470.
Patriotic Decor Challenge
Show off your red, white, and blue spirit during the Patriotic Decor Challenge! As part of Rhinelander’s America 250 celebration, businesses, homeowners, apartment residents, and community members are invited to decorate their spaces with patriotic flair and submit a photo of their display for community voting on social media. Winning displays will receive prizes and help bring extra pride, nostalgia, and festive spirit to Rhinelander’s Fourth of July celebration.
Fireworks Details
Celebrate the Fourth of July in classic Northwoods style at Hodag Park with an evening that brings the whole community together. As the sun sets over Boom Lake, find your spot, settle in, and get ready for a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the sky.
The fireworks launch at dusk on July 4th (approximate start time is 9:30pm).
The City of Rhinelander proudly organizes and funds the community’s Fourth of July fireworks display.
Safety Reminder:
For the safety of everyone involved—especially our youngest spectators—please ensure that children stay close to the curb and out of the street during the parade. Parade vehicles and floats are large and may have limited visibility. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe while enjoying the festivities!
Patriotic Expressions Contest
As part of Rhinelander’s America 250 celebration, community members are invited to participate in the Patriotic Expressions Contest by sharing their thoughts, reflections, and feelings about “Our Country’s 250th Year of Independence.”
Participants may submit an original written expression of up to 300 words, with categories for ages 10–13, 14–18, and adults ages 19 and older. Winning entries will be recognized with cash prizes, published in local media, and featured in the Rhinelander Fourth of July Parade.
F-35 Flyover
The Rhinelander Fourth of July Parade committee is proud to announce a F-35 Flyover. The Flyover will take place Saturday, July 4th. Final estimated time will be available a few days before the event. The F-35 Flyover is courtesy of the 115th Fighter Wing, a Madison based Air National Guard flying wing. Weather conditions could cause the flyover to be canceled. For pictures and more information visit www.115fw.ang.af.mil.
The F-35 Flyover was made possible thru the efforts of the Veterans Ceremony - U.G.C. Inc. Their website is veteransceremony.org and you can find them on facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/247405018694174
2500 Flags for America 250
As part of Rhinelander’s America 250 celebration, 2,500 small American flags will be distributed along the Fourth of July Parade route to transform downtown into a celebration of red, white, and blue. Community members are encouraged to wave their flags during the parade as a visible celebration of patriotism, unity, and hometown spirit.
To make this special activity possible, we are seeking volunteers to help hand out flags prior to the start of the parade and bring this memorable community moment to life. If you would like to volunteer, reach out to lauren@rhinelanderchamber.com.
