America’s birthday: Events abound to revel in nation's 250th year

America is preparing to celebrate its birthday, and it’s a big one. This year is a milestone event, as it turns 250.

Plans are underway across the United States for parades, music, picnics, sporting events and, of course, fireworks for the semiquincentennial.

Residents of Butte, Anaconda and other southwestern Montana towns are all on board to celebrate, too, as they gear up for Independence Day.

While some years' patriotic birthdays were noted with much fanfare, other years were relatively low-key.

As always, the spectacular fireworks display from Butte’s Big M will usher in the holiday. Provided by the Town Pump Corporation, the pyrotechnics have always been a crowd pleaser.

Butte’s “Freedom Festival” parade has proved to be another fan favorite for residents and visitors alike. The grand marshal will be Mike Lawson, commander of the United Veterans Council in Butte.

Other towns across southwest Montana have their own fun-filled calendars of events.

The red, white and blue holiday — which last three days for some — offers fun, floats, food and fireworks. Add a rodeo, fishing derby, car show and concerts to the list of things to do as well.

Listed below is a detailed schedule of events for Butte, Anaconda and the surrounding area:

Butte:

— Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 3, the World Museum of Mining is planning a special America’s 250th celebration with an inaugural event titled “The Best Seat in Butte.” Beneath the historic Orphan Girl headframe, the evening features live music, games and prizes, pasties for sale, underground tours, and the chance to watch the fireworks from one of Butte’s most historic settings. Tickets are $25, with only 100 being sold. No alcohol or personal fireworks will be allowed. For tickets, tour times, and additional details, visit www.miningmuseum.org.

—All eyes will be on the Big M at dusk on Friday, July 3, for the annual fireworks display, sponsored by Town Pump. Prior to the fireworks, the Butte America Foundation will host a viewing party at 8 p.m. at Chester Steele Park, located just below Intermountain Health St. James Hospital.

—Butte’s Independence Day parade is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. As always, the parade starts at the Butte Civic Center on Harrison Avenue and heads south down to Elizabeth Warren Avenue.

Anaconda:

— The Main Street parade starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. This year’s grand marshals are members of the Anaconda American Legion Post 21. Starting at 1 p.m., entrants should begin lining up behind the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Courthouse.

—The parade is only the beginning. At 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, fireworks will take center stage near Washoe Park.

Bannack:

—Tammie Jones will perform original and classic tunes at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 at Bannack State Park, located 25 miles southwest of Dillon at 721 Bannack Road.

Boulder:

— “Short and sweet” it may be, but the Boulder parade is a home-pride tradition that begins at noon on Saturday, July 4, at Veterans Park.

—At dusk on Saturday, July 4, the Boulder Kiwanis/Bull Mountain Volunteer Fire Department will host a fireworks display.

Deer Lodge:

—Celebrating 250 years of independence, the Old Montana Prison at 1106 Main St., in Deer Lodge will host an All-American family cookout celebration, along with a fireworks display on Saturday, July 4. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and the free dinner starts at 7. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, bug spray and blankets. Fireworks will start at dusk.

Dillon:

—“Dillon Days” begins at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 3, with a classic and custom car show. Dillon Days 2026 is a vibrant community celebration.

—At 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3, will be “The Spirit of America: A Tribute to 9/11.”

—Singer/songwriter Tanner Laws will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 3.

—Barbecue enthusiasts will be competing on Friday and Saturday, July 3-4.

—On Saturday, July 4, events will also include a duck race at Depot Park, with vendors all throughout downtown Dillon. Also on the calendar is a cribbage tournament and a singer/songwriter contest at noon. At noon is the reading of the Declaration of Independence, with a parade to follow.

—The Dillon Jaycees will be setting off their fireworks shortly after dusk on Saturday, July 4, from the ball fields. The public can view the display from Ray Lynch Park.

—At 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, a community worship service will be held at Jaycee Park, followed by a pulled pork luncheon. For those attending, be sure to bring a lawn chair and a side dish or dessert. There will also be lawn games.

Ennis:

—The Ennis Boat parade is at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 3, on Ennis Lake. The route follows the lake’s north shore.

—The Ennis NRA Rodeo, which starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 3-4, at the Ennis Rodeo Grounds, will feature competitive cowboys and cowgirls.

—Main Street is the place to be for the annual Ennis Fourth of July parade, which starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, with grand marshals Dr. Maura Davenport and Pokey Armitage. In its 90th year, the 2026 theme is “Our Town, Our Story.” A barbecue hosted by the Ennis Lions Club at Peter T's Park follows the parade. In addition, at noon, there will be the Veterans’ Memorial Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.

Georgetown Lake:

—On Friday, July 3, the annual Georgetown Lake “Light It Up 4th of July” boat parade starts at 9:30 p.m., with boaters meeting at 9:15. Boats will then cruise to the Georgetown Boat Club, Philipsburg Bay, Rainbow Bay, Piney Point, Badger Bay, Eccleston’s Bay, Comer’s Point, Jericho Bay, Denton’s Point and Stuart Mill Bay Point.

—The annual Fourth of July parade starts at noon on Saturday, July 4. Line-up begins at noon at the firehouse and marches to nearby 7 Gables. A parking lot party will follow the parade.

Virginia City:

 —The professional fireworks display begins at dusk on Saturday, July 4, from the Boot Hill area. All donations benefit the Virginia City Rural Fire Department Auxiliary.

—On Sunday, July 5, a Kids’ Fishing Derby is from 10 a.m. to noon at the Vigilante Kids Fishing Pond, located between Virginia City and Nevada City. Participants will be divided into three age groups: 3-6, 7-9 and 10-14. There will be prizes for the largest fish, the heaviest fish and the “fisher-child” who has come the farthest to fish.

Wisdom:

— It’s an all-day 250th anniversary event as the Big Hole Valley’s 4th of July Celebration in Wisdom begins at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, with the raising of the American flag. A free pancake breakfast follows at Fetty’s Restaurant.

—The Main Street parade starts at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, with a fundraising potluck barbecue lunch to follow near the Masonic Temple. Head over to Wisdom Airport for even more activities, including cornhole and horseshoe competitions. Country music will be featured, along with a softball game and a bonfire. The day concludes with fireworks at about 10:30 p.m.