MUSCATINE, Iowa – Excitement is building for Muscatine’s 2025 Fourth of July Celebration, promising a day packed with patriotic pride, family-friendly fun, and community spirit!
The annual community parade, coordinated by the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI), steps off at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, in Downtown Muscatine. Participants will compete for cash prizes, including a $300 Grand Prize for Best in Show (Overall), and $50 awards for both Best Vehicle and the Mayor’s Choice.
GMCCI is currently seeking block captains to assist with parade staging. Interested volunteers can email chamber@muscatine.com.
To register a parade entry or learn more, visit the Muscatine 4th of July Celebration website. The registration deadline is Friday, June 27 — no late entries will be accepted. Fees are $50 for individuals and non-profits, and $100 for businesses and advertisers. Proceeds help fund event costs, including the fireworks display.
Parade Route:
The parade will line up on Iowa Avenue from Iowa Field to 4th Street, then travel along Iowa Avenue to 2nd Street, up 2nd to Walnut, and conclude at 5th Street. Residents are advised to expect increased traffic in the area starting at 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon Fun at “Almost Fireworks Fest”
From 3:00–8:00 p.m., GMCCI and Keep Muscatine Beautiful will host Almost Fireworks Fest (AFF) along the Riverfront. Enjoy live music, food vendors, a beverage tent, bounce houses, and more as the community gathers for this lively pre-fireworks celebration.
Evening Events: Symphony and Fireworks
The evening continues with a ceremony honoring military veterans, followed by a live performance from the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra. Then, as night falls, all eyes will turn to the skies for Muscatines’ signature fireworks show over the Mississippi River.
“Let’s come together as a community to show our patriotism and honor those who have served our country,” said GMCCI President & CEO and Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark. “Bring your family and friends for a day of fun and celebration.”
Morning Activities: Children’s Parade and New Youth Tournament
Start the day early with the Children’s Parade, hosted by Musser Public Library. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m., starting in the Pine Street parking lot and traveling down 2nd Street to the library on Walnut.
Also debuting this year is the “Free Throws & Freedom: Red, White & Ball” 3v3 Youth Basketball Tournament, held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the riverfront courts. Open to boys and girls in grades 3–8, this high-energy event offers a new way to celebrate the holiday. Visit the 3v3 Youth Basketball website for registration and more details.
Support the Fireworks Display
It takes approximately $35,000 annually to produce Muscatine’s Independence Day fireworks display and cover event costs. These events are made possible through generous contributions from local businesses and residents.
To donate:
Checks can be made payable to the Muscatine Chamber of Commerce Foundation and mailed to:
208 W 2nd Street, Suite 201, Muscatine, IA 52761
To donate via credit or debit card, email or call GMCCI at 563-263-8895.
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
- Fireworks Grand Finale & Platinum Sponsors: HNI Corporation, KENT Corporation, SSAB, Russell
- Gold Sponsors: CBI Bank & Trust, Ed Morse Automotive Group, Musco Lighting, UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine
- Bronze Sponsors: Bosch Pest Control, J&M Displays, Lutheran Living Senior Campus, MidWestOne Bank, Ruhl&Ruhl – Sara Carlson, Stanley Consultants, Waffle & Pancake House
- Event Sponsors: Eastern Iowa Light & Power Cooperative, Martin & Whitacre Surveyors & Engineers, Trucks Unlimited, Youth Sports Foundation
For the latest updates and event details, follow GMCCI on social media or visit the Muscatine 4th of July Celebration page.