Celebrate July 4 downtown: What to know before you go

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Map for the ‘Huntsville Salutes America’s 250th’ parade showing the parade route, road closures, and free parking locations in downtown Huntsville. A blue line marks the parade route beginning at a star labeled ‘Parade Start’ near Veterans Park, traveling south along Monroe Street, looping around Big Spring Park, and ending at a star labeled ‘Parade End’ near Williams Avenue. Red lines indicate nearby road closures along the surrounding streets. Yellow blocks mark free parking areas labeled Garage D, Garage M, Garage O, Garage A, Garage B, and Lot K. The left side of the graphic includes a legend showing red for road closures, a blue line for the parade route, and yellow for free parking, along with event branding presented by MetaThe City of Huntsville is excited to welcome residents and visitors downtown on Saturday, July 4, for an afternoon and evening of patriotic fun celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. in Big Spring Park and conclude with the American Eras Parade and a spectacular fireworks display.

Plan your day

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, explore downtown shops and restaurants and enjoy a full slate of family-friendly activities before settling in for the evening’s entertainment.

View the complete list of downtown activities.

Event Schedule

  • 4 p.m.– Vendor market, food trucks, historical reenactments, educational activities and a DJ in Big Spring Park
  • 5 p.m.– American Eras Parade begins
  • 6 p.m.– Opening ceremony followed by live music featuring Groove and Jazz McKenzie with her 10-piece band
  • 9 p.m.– Fireworks finale accompanied by the Huntsville Concert Band

Guests are welcome to bring coolers, snacks, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities throughout the afternoon and evening. With warm temperatures expected, attendees are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and seek shade when possible.

Parking

Free parking will be available all day in all City-owned parking garages and on-street spaces.

Recommended parking locations:

  • Garage B– Fountain Circle at the Truist building (recommended for early arrivals)
  • Garage M (Von Braun Center Garage)– Opens at 5 p.m.

Road closures and traffic

The Huntsville Police Department will manage traffic throughout the day to support the parade and fireworks. Road closures will occur in phases:

  • 8 a.m.– Monroe Street between Jefferson Street and Washington Street
  • Noon– Southbound Church Street between Clinton Avenue and Williams Avenue; westbound Williams Avenue at Church Street
  • 3 p.m.– Microwave Dave Way; southbound Meridian Street south of Pratt Avenue
  • 4 p.m.– Remaining streets along the parade route close in preparation for the 5 p.m. parade
  • 8:30-9:30 p.m.– Heart of Huntsville Drive

Parade route 

The American Eras Parade will begin at the Veterans Memorial and travel south on Meridian Street, west on Monroe Street, south on Jefferson Street and west on Williams Avenue before concluding near Monroe Street. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard will temporarily close to allow parade participants to unload.

Streets will reopen in phases after the parade. However, the following roads will remain closed until approximately 11 p.m.:

  • Monroe Street between Jefferson Street and Washington Street
  • Southbound Church Street between Clinton Avenue and Williams Avenue
  • Westbound Williams Avenue between Church Street and Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard

Drivers should plan ahead, allow extra travel time and remain alert for increased pedestrian activity throughout the downtown area.

For more information about July 4 celebrations in Huntsville, visit America250Huntsville.org/community-calendar.

Additional Information

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