Aledo, Illinois, is celebrating America's 250th birthday with a massive, multi-day 4th of July celebration for 2026. The festivities feature a downtown themed parade, the traditional Central Park celebrations, live music at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, and a spectacular 200-drone illuminated night show in place of a traditional fireworks display.

Morning events are held in downtown Aledo while afternoon and evening events are held at Mercer County Fairgrounds

Aledo Fireman Pancake Breakfast
Beginning the day of July 4, at 7:00am, the Aledo Fireman Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Aledo Fire Station.

Frog Races
Beginning at 9:00am in Central Park, We’re excited to host the Frog Races!

Music in the Bandshell
From 12:00-1:00pm in the Central Park bandshell there will be live music performances/concerts!

Liberty and Legacy Festival
Come down to the fairgrounds for a celebration of America’s legacy with an all-new drone show and our traditional fireworks display. We’re expecting food trucks, vendors and will end the night with a lightshow deserving of the 250th anniversary.

Live Music and Entertainment beginning at 3:00pm

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Shelton Biddle Band
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Vital Signs
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - The Clintstones

"Liberty & Legacy" Food Alley & Beer Garden
Activities include:
- Interactive & Educational Event- Museum Tent (Merchant Building)
- "Future Founders Area" Kid Zone
- Bingo
- "Independence Pull" Tug-of-War

Concluding the night will include
- "The Legacy in the Sky" Drone Show & Fireworks - 9:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Free shuttle service provided.  Details to follow at a later date.