The region’s largest Independence Day celebration begins at 6 PM with
children’s activities, food trucks, and fireworks at dusk
ANNOUNCEMENT – July 1, 2025: The Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District (EID) is organizing and hosting Fireworks on the Ohio Presented by Bally’s Evansville on Friday, July 4, 2025. Debuting the same day, the Downtown Evansville DORA will allow guests 21 and over to purchase alcoholic beverages in official DORA branded cups from 20+ designated locations and enjoy them within the DORA boundaries. For details on the Downtown Evansville DORA, visit www.downtownevansville.com/dora
The event will start at 6 PM with 25+ food trucks along Riverside Drive (from Court to Walnut Street). Free activities will be featured at Riverside & Main, including face painting, yard games, a patriotic balloon arch for photo memories, and a special performance by the Boom Squad at 6:30 PM. The grand finale, Fireworks on the Ohio, will happen at dusk, approximately 9:15 PM. Free parking will be available in the city parking garages at 3rd & Locust and Sycamore & 6th for event guests.
The 18-minute fireworks show, consisting of 600 individual fireworks cues and well over 2000 fireworks, will illuminate the riverfront with a kaleidoscope of colors. The show will pay homage to America’s spirit, featuring a mix of patriotic favorites, pyrotechnic effects, and a spectacular finale. WNIN will live stream the fireworks show on their YouTube channel and website.
All EID events are held rain or shine. If there is inclement weather, the show may be delayed, but it will take place on July 4th.
The event is funded exclusively by corporate sponsors, with Bally’s Evansville continuing as the presenting sponsor for the 29th consecutive year. Other sponsors include Explore Evansville, Riverside Capital Management Group Jim Back, CFP Financial Advisor, Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, Mulzer Crushed Stone, Data Mail, Hamlin Equipment Rental, and media sponsor 104.1 FM WIKY.
“Our largest event of the year coincides with the launch of our Downtown Evansville DORA. DORAs across the country have helped activate neighborhoods and encouraged active use of public spaces. We are excited to replicate those efforts. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, led by Bally’s Evansville, we will welcome thousands Downtown to enjoy the festive atmosphere, food, free activities, and an unforgettable fireworks display.” said Adam Trinkel, executive director, EID.
Riverside Drive has been closed since late February due to the sinkhole at Riverside and Chestnut. Ongoing updates are being shared by the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility on the project timeline. For guest safety, the construction site for the sinkhole is fenced off and guests are advised to avoid the immediate area.
Personal fireworks, glass containers, illegal substances, pets, skateboards, rollerblades, skates, bicycles, scooters, drones or RC aircrafts, outside alcohol not in the Downtown Evansville DORA branded cups, coolers, and pets are not permitted at this event. Children under 18 should be supervised by an adult. Bags, containers, and packages are subject to search within the venue. The Evansville Police Department, Evansville Fire Department, and American Medical Response of Evansville are coordinating efforts to ensure a safe event. If guests see something that concerns them, they should notify an Evansville Police Department officer.
