Brainerd Lakes Area 4th of July Events
Minnesota is your Fourth of July capitol with events and entertainment all month long in July. Celebrate independence day in the Brainerd Lakes Area this year.
Nisswa Freedom Days
July 3, 2026
Celebrate FREEDOM in Nisswa on Friday, July 3, 2026 with a full schedule of fun! Activities throughout the day including Turtle Races, live music, food vendors and more.
The Freedom Days parade starts at 7 pm. Spectators line Main Street to watch the parade. Stick around for fabulous fireworks at dusk!
Full schedule of events to come.
Pequot Lakes Stars & Stripes Days
July 3-4, 2026
Friday, July 3, 2026 (Event list subject to changes)
5PM // Food Vendors (South Trailside Park)
5PM // Bean Bag Toss Tournament Registration (South Trailside Park)
More info coming soon
5PM // Kid’s Activities (South Trailside Park)
Bungee Trampoline, Bounce House, & Kids Climb
6PM // Bean Bag Toss Tournament (South Trailside Park)
More info coming soon
7:00-7:30 PM // Sign up for Loon Calling Contest (South Trailside Park near band)
Test your loon calling skills in the Loon Calling Contest. Age groups include: 12 & under and 13 & Older. Prizes and bragging rights will be awarded to 1st place in both age groups!
7:30 PM // Loon Calling Contest
8:00 PM // LIVE Music The Rusty Zippers (South Trailside Park)
Band will start immediately following the Loon Calling Contest between 8:00-8:15PM.
DUSK // Fireworks by North Star Fireworks (Pequot Lakes High School)
Saturday, July 4, 2026 (Event list subject to changes)
7AM – 11AM // Pancake Breakfast (Pequot Lakes Fire Hall on Main Street)
9AM – 2PM // Craft Fair & Food Vendors (South Trailside Park)
Get a yummy bite to eat: fresh squeezed lemonade, mini donuts, french fries, cheese curds, corn dogs, kettle corn, cotton candy and more!
9AM // Kid’s Activities (South Trailside Park)
Bungee Trampoline, Bounce House & Kids Climb, Water Wars.
9:30 AM // Kiddie Parade – (Band Shelter, North Trailside Park)
10AM – 11:30 AM // Parade Line Up (Pequot Lakes Middle School Parking Lot)
11:15 AM // Unicycling Unicorn performs on Government Drive – Fun for the entire family. Come and watch the show!
12PM // Stars and Stripes Day Parade
Parade begins at west side of the Pequot Lakes School
Parade Route has changed for 2026
Crosslake Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2026
Celebrate America’s 250th on the Whitefish Chain! 2026 marks the 56th year that the community of Crosslake has come together to celebrate America’s freedom with a spectacular fireworks display! This longstanding tradition brings families, friends, and visitors together to enjoy a breathtaking show over the waters of Cross Lake.
Join us at dusk on Saturday, July 4, 2026, for this unforgettable experience. Whether you choose to watch from the shore or from your boat on the lake, you’ll be treated to a dazzling display launched from Sand Island, lighting up the night sky in honor of our nation’s independence.
For the full experience, tune into Skeeter 101.5 FM to hear the fireworks display synchronized to music, enhancing the show with a perfectly choreographed soundtrack.