Fourth of July revelers will get more bang this year all around Johnson County.
Because of how the holiday falls on the calendar this year, communities have spread their celebrations out over this extremely long weekend.
Here’s where people can go to get their Independence Day fun:
Sparks in the Park
6 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at Johnson County Park, 2949 East North St., Nineveh.
The natural beauty of the Johnson County Park will be filled with music, food and other activities before a blistering fireworks show once night falls.
The Doo!, an Indianapolis-based party band, will bring the rock, funk, R&B and alternative from 8 to 10 p.m. The Hill Valley Ramblers serve as the opening band, taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. Kids can entertain themselves in a special play area, and food, beer and wine will be available to purchase. Indiana Live Steamers will be offering train rides for $4 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Entry to the event is $5, with kids 12 and under free.
Greater Greenwood Community Band
7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Greenwood Amphitheater, 300 S. Washington St.; greenwoodband.org
The annual Fourth of July concert by the Greater Greenwood Community Band has become a tradition in Johnson County. The volunteer band of more than 80 local residents regularly gathers around the holiday to play the best of Sousa and other patriotic composers, as well as other popular music from over the years.
This year’s concert includes “The Star Spangled Banner” with the Greenwood and New Whiteland Color Guard presenting the nation’s colors and service flags, plus “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “1812 Overture” and many other inspiring pieces rooted in true American tradition.
People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, in addition to snacks, for music under the evening sky. The concert is free to attend, but donations are appreciated.
Red, White and Blueberry Festival
Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Mallow Run Winery, 6946 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville; mallowrun.com
Mallow Run Winery adds a touch of class to the All-American holiday weekend with a three-day celebration of music, fireworks and, of course, wine. Guests will have the first opportunity of the year to pick up Mallow Run’s blueberry wine and blueberry hard cider to go along with their full slate of wines.
Live music and food trucks will endure throughout the entire weekend. Catch Brian Koning on the patio from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, then Sounds of Summer takes the main stage at 7 p.m. A fireworks finale will close out the night. Admission is $10 per car after 5 p.m. Saturday.
Slow down and relax on Sunday and Monday with performances by Indie Annies at 2 p.m. Sunday and Five After Midnight at 2 p.m. Monday. The entire weekend is free to attend and family friendly.
Peoga Parade
Details: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Peoga. Lineup begins at 1:30 p.m. at Indian Creek High School
What: The community of Peoga, located in the southwest corner of Johnson County, may be tiny on the map. But the people who call it home think big when it comes to parties. The Peoga Parade is a fun tradition that celebrates the patriotic spirit of the community, and features local marching bands, floats from civic organizations, political leaders and others.
Before and after the parade, enjoy a fish fry at Small Town Market, located at 2418 W. 900 S., Trafalgar.
Edinburgh Firecracker Festival
5 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, School Hill, Edinburgh
One of Edinburgh’s most popular yearly events returns this summer, as the town’s Fourth of July festival takes center stage. Keeley Street between Edinburgh High School and Holy Trinity Church will transformed with kids activities and games, food vendors and a beer garden. Magic shows, a foam party and bubbles will be featured throughout the evening, with a concert by the Eric Hamblen Band at 8 p.m.
The fireworks start at dusk and will be launched from School Hill off of Keeley Street. Best viewing is on the high school’s north lawn, Hollenbeck Sports Complex off Eisenhower Drive, Keeley Street and downtown on Main Street near the library
Downtown Indy Fourth Fest
6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, downtown Indianapolis
A brand new Fourth of July event welcomes visitors to downtown Indianapolis in advance of the state’s most impressive fireworks display. Food trucks, ice cream and beverages will be set up on North Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania. Downtown Indy’s festival stage will feature live musical performances from high-energy party band Toy Factory and Latin-jazz mainstays Pavel & Direct Contact. Pre-event interviews and programming will also be available from Indiana Donor Network and Donate Life Indiana.
Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. from the launch site at the 500 N. Meridian building. Optimal viewing areas are on the Indiana War Memorial grounds and American Legion Mall. Fireworks will be synced to popular patriotic and themed music aired on local Radio One radio stations. UA Local 440 is the presenting sponsor.
