Aurora Celebrates America's 250th Birthday With a Full Day of July 4 Events

Aurora is rolling out a full slate of Fourth of July festivities on Saturday, July 4, giving residents an all-day lineup to mark both Independence Day and America's 250th birthday. The celebrations are part of the city's "Party at the Park" event series and span everything from a sunrise fun run to a fireworks display over W. Pioneer Trail. Start the Morning With a Run Early risers can kick off the holiday at Bicentennial Park with the annual Fun Run. The event includes a 1-Mile run and a 5K, along with a Stars & Strides Combo option. The 1-Mile begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K follows at 8:30 a.m. Parking for the fun run is available at Aurora High School or City Hall, as the Aurora Memorial Library and Kiwanis-Moore parking lot will be closed on race day. Pioneer Trail from SR 43 to New Hudson Road and the E. Pioneer Extension will have intermittent closures from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., limited to residential traffic only. Parade Route and Timing The parade steps off at 11 a.m., beginning on SR 306 (Chillicothe Road), turning onto W. Pioneer Trail, and ending at the corner of W. Pioneer and Greenmen Way. Parade awards will be presented at Kiwanis-Moore Park at 12:30 p.m. Those planning to watch should find a spot along W. Pioneer Trail ahead of the 11 a.m. start. Festival at Kiwanis-Moore Park The festival runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Kiwanis-Moore Park, 35 W. Pioneer Trail. The event is family-friendly and free to attend. Evening Concert With Moonshine Groove The evening picks back up with a concert from 7 to 9 p.m., also at Kiwanis-Moore Park. Moonshine Groove is the featured band. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair. Fireworks Cap the Night Fireworks are set to launch at approximately 9:45 p.m. from behind the ballfields on W. Pioneer Trail. The city recommends Kiwanis-Moore Park for the best viewing. W. Pioneer Trail from SR 43 to Birchbark Trail will close at approximately 9:30 p.m. to clear traffic before the display. The W. Pioneer ball field parking lot and the Aurora Cemetery, after 10 a.m., will also be closed for safety purposes. Fireworks will take place rain or shine, though timing may vary slightly depending on safety and weather conditions. The rain date is Sunday, July 5. Residents should follow the Aurora Parks & Recreation Facebook page for any updates. For more information, visit auroraoh.com.