2025 Fireworks Guide for Decatur, IL

Here’s your ultimate 2025 fireworks guide for Decatur, IL and nearby cities—including Peoria, Springfield, Mt. Zion, Effingham, Champaign, and more. 

From small-town shows to riverfront extravaganzas, we’ve got all the details you need to celebrate 4th of July with a bang!

Nelson Park Fireworks Over Lake Decatur

Spend the 4th of July with the Decatur Park District! Here's a list of what's going on this year:

Splash Cove

• Open swim from 12 – 6:30 p.m.

Scovill Zoo

• The zoo will be open from 9:30 – 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m.

Overlook Adventure Park

• Mini Golf: Scovill Zoo-themed course, fun for all ages. Pricing ranges from $8.75-$9.25 per person for a round
• Ropes Course: Tightropes, bridges, balance beams, zip line, and even a tot-friendly course! Pricing ranges from $6.75 - $13.75 per person.
• Adventure Pass: $15–$16 for a 2-activity adventure pass at Overlook Adventure Park.
• Open from 10 AM – 10 PM.

Devon Concert beginning at 7 PM (Doors open at 6 PM)

• Decade of Decadence – The Ultimate 80s Rock Party!
• Admission ranges from $6.05 to $13.65

Fireworks at Nelson beginning at dusk!

• Partnership with The City of Decatur

Devon Amphitheater 4th of July Celebration

Dance the night away with a concert at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater on July 4. 

Enjoy a patriotic evening featuring live music from Decade of Decadence – The Ultimate 80s Rock Party!, followed by a fireworks show over Lake Decatur.

Doors open at 6 PM and the concert starts at 7 PM.

General admission is $6.05 and parking is $13.65.

Peoria, IL Fireworks Red, White, and Boom Show  

Peoria’s Red, White, and Boom fireworks show will light up the sky with an incredible display launched right from the middle of the Illinois River between Peoria and East Peoria.

This patriotic tradition draws more than 200,000 spectators each year and ranks in the top 2% of fireworks shows nationwide. 

The entire event is free and open to the public on both sides of the river.

Event Schedule for the Peoria Riverfront:

• All Day: Street closures
• 5:00 PM: Music begins and vendors open on the Peoria Riverfront
• 6:00 PM: Kickapoo Junction on the Backroads Saloon Stage in Liberty Park
• 6:30 PM: KZ 102.3 Dance Party on the Peoria Riverfront
• 7:00 PM: Illinois River shuts down to recreational traffic between the Murray Baker and Bob Michel Bridges
• 8:30 PM: Bob Michel Bridge shut down to vehicle and pedestrian traffic
• 9:00 PM: Flyover of C-130H Hercules from local 182nd Airlift Wing of Illinois National Guard
• 9:20 PM: National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance
• 9:30 PM: Fireworks Display from ARTCO barges in the Illinois River

Event Schedule for the East Peoria Riverfront:

• All Day: Bass Pro Drive through RiverFront Park closed to traffic
• 5:00 PM: Music begins and vendors open up on East Peoria Riverfront
• 7:00 PM: Illinois River shuts down to recreational traffic between the Murray Baker and Bob Michel Bridges
• 8:30 PM: Additional street closures begin
• 9:00 PM: Flyover of C-130H Hercules from local 182nd Airlift Wing of Illinois National Guard
• 9:20 PM: National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance‍
• 9:30 PM: Fireworks Display from ARTCO barges in the Illinois River

City of Springfield Fireworks Shows

If you’re looking for fireworks shows in the City of Springfield, you’ve got options! The city has a full lineup of 4th of July events happening all weekend long—not just on the 4th

• July 3–5: Lincoln’s New Salem Independence Day Celebration, featuring historical demonstrations and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

• July 3: Parker Barrow live at the Levitt AMP concert in downtown Springfield—bring a lawn chair and kick off the weekend.
• July 3–4: Catch a Springfield Lucky Horseshoes ballgame at Robin Roberts Stadium, then stick around after the game for fireworks on both July 3 and July 4! 
• July 4 (morning): Freedom Run 2025 at Centennial Park—start your 4th with an early morning run. 

• July 4 (day & night): Knights Action Park’s 4th of July Fireworks show and Music Festival with food, fun, live music from Kapital Sound from 6-9:30pm.
• July 4 (evening): Patriotic concert at the Carillon in Washington Park. Friday evening at 6:30 PM—part of the Springfield Park District’s summer series.

• July 4 (evening): Rock the Dock at Lake Springfield Marina featuring live music by Sushi Roll, as well as a variety of food vendors and cold drinks! Tickets are $10 at the gate but you can check their Facebook page for a list of all of the free ticket stops leading up to this year's event.‍
• July 5: Red, White & Bluey at Skateland South—meet Bluey, dance, and snap photos with the kids. Saturday, 5-6:30pm. Tickets are $12, and include skate rental if needed. All ages are welcome.

Mt. Zion Blue Ribbon Night at Fletcher Park

On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Mt. Zion is holding a free “Blue Ribbon Night” event that includes concessions, live music from Corey Wise, and fireworks at sunset.

Gates will open at 5 PM and live music is from 6:15 PM - 9:15 PM.

This event is put on by the Village of Mt. Zion. It is an alcohol-free event, and no coolers are allowed.

City of Champaign Fireworks

The Champaign County Freedom Celebration Committee has a full day of fun planned for the 4th. 

Here’s what’s on the schedule:

• Parade – 4:30 PM
• Evening Entertainment – 6:00 PM
• Fireworks – Dusk (~9:15 PM)

City of Mt. Pulaski Celebration

Mt. Pulaski’s beloved 4th of July Celebration is back again this year, continuing the tradition with a town-wide garage sale, delicious food and drinks, a band concert, and fireworks at dusk in Frazier Park.

City of Athens Freedom Festival

There will be a ton of things to do at the Athens Freedom Festival on Saturday, July 5th including a bike parade for all ages, a foam party, a 5k run, and a wiffleball tournament. 

Follow the city of Athens on Facebook for a full list of events coming soon. 

Coles County Fireworks in Mattoon

Coles County Open House and Fireworks Display at the Coles County Airport is a free event on Friday, July 4th.

Gates open at 5 pm. Shuttles from Mattoon' Cross County Mall and Charleston's O'Brien Stadium begin at 5 pm.

As always, no pets, alcohol, or personal fireworks, including sparklers are allowed.

City of Effingham 4th of July Fireworks

The City of Effingham will hold its 4th of July fireworks show on Friday, July 4, starting at dusk (around 9 PM).  

The display will light up the sky over the Effingham High School football field—bring a blanket, grab a spot, and enjoy the show!

Ready to Celebrate?

We’re excited to see so many fireworks displays lighting up central Illinois this year!

Stay safe, have a great time celebrating Independence Day—and if there're any local events we missed, be sure to drop them in the comments below!