2021 Fireworks Guide for Decatur, IL

Last year, there were only five fireworks shows in all of central Illinois, so we’re so excited to share that this year, the fireworks you know and love are back on!

Some events are being held in the weeks before the 4th of July, such as the Forsyth Family Fest on June 19th and the Arthur Freedom Celebration on June 26th. So be sure to mark your calendars and make your fireworks plans ahead of time.

Without further ado, here’s your ultimate fireworks guide for Decatur, IL and surrounding areas, including Springfield, Mt. Zion, Bethany, Effingham, Champaign, and more!

Nelson Park Fireworks Over Lake Decatur

In the city of Decatur, the Park District puts on a firework show each year. While plans for the 2021 fireworks were originally canceled, they announced the Nelson Park fireworks show, visible over Lake Decatur, is back on!

“After the year we’ve been through, we deserve it!” says Julie Moore Wolfe, City of Decatur Mayor.

The fireworks show is free and open to the public and begins at dusk from a barge over Lake Decatur in the Nelson Park basin, lasting approximately 25 minutes. Attendees are encouraged to follow current CDC face-covering guidelines while gathering.

Lost Bridge Road and Route 36 are no-parking zones.  

You can read more about traffic patterns and after-the-fireworks exits on the Decatur Park District’s website.

Devon Amphitheater 4th of July Celebration

Dance the night away at the Devon Amphitheater on July 4th, starting at 6pm! River Bottom Nightmare Band will be providing a fabulous night of music with hit songs from several decades. This event is suitable for all ages.

All tickets are just $4, and you will have a great view of the fireworks over Lake Decatur.

Forsyth Family Fest at Forsyth Village Park

On Saturday, June 19th, Forsyth will be hosting a Family Fest at the Village Park near the Large Pavilion from 6pm until dusk.

Fireworks will begin at dusk, and there will be a variety of offerings from Central Illinois businesses before then.

Food trucks to expect include:

• Kona Ice
• Mr. Softee
• Hambrecht Concession's
• Big Jakes BBQ
• Pig Out Concession's

There will also be live music by BlueRock Event Solutions.

You can check out the event and RSVP on Facebook!

Independence Day Celebration by Life Foursquare

Life Foursquare Church is hosting an Independence Day Celebration event on June 27th, 2021, starting at 7pm.

This event is free, and there will be food to purchase from Notorious P.I.G., Allen's Concessions, and Kona Ice. The kids can enjoy inflatables and other activities. 4 C Notes will headline the event, and fireworks will begin at dusk.

You can check out the event and RSVP on Facebook!

Independence Day 1860 at Rock Springs

While there won’t be fireworks at this Decatur, IL event, we had to include it as it’s so unique!

Visit Rock Springs Conservation Area on Saturday, June 26th, from 12-4pm to experience the 4th of July as it would have been celebrated in the 1860s.

Beginning at noon, the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels Vintage Base Ball Club will play a round of games against three visiting teams: the St. Louis Unions, St. Charles Explorers, and St. Louis Perfectos.

From 1pm to 4pm, all ages are invited to tour Homestead Prairie Farm and its heirloom vegetable and herb gardens.

At 2:30pm, the musical group Over the Hills will give a music concert of period toe-tapping and hand-clapping jigs, reels, polkas, and waltzes that are not be forgotten.

“This event is a fun opportunity for all ages to explore life in the 1860s and enjoy a day outside,” says Brent Wielt, Historic Sites Manager. “All of the activities take place rain or shine.  In case of inclement weather, we’ll move the concert under the pavilion by the Cattail Pond.”

Check out more information about the event on Macon County Conversation’s website.

City of Springfield Fireworks Shows

If you’re looking for fireworks shows in the City of Springfield, the best place to check is the Fire Department! They keep a list of all fireworks happening in the city, put on by businesses or individuals.

The Fire Department shared their current firework displays list with us, and these are the dates fireworks shows will occur:

• June 26th, 2021: Motor Boat Club at 17 Club Area
• July 1st, 2021: Downtown Fireworks and Festival
• July 2nd, 2021: Lake Springfield Marina – Rock the Dock, which will feature live music from Gracia Harrison and Off The Wall, as well as a variety of food vendors and cold drinks!

• July 3rd, 2021: Panther Creek at 3001 Panther Creek
• July 4th, 2021: Knights Action Park at 1700 Recreation Dr. – Celebration and Firework Show

• July 4th, 2021: Illini Country Club at 1601 Illini Rd.
• July 10th, 2021: Twin Lakes at 3000 Mayden

Mt. Zion Fireworks Show at Fletcher Park

On Saturday, July 3rd, 2021, Mt. Zion is holding a “Blue Ribbon” event that includes concessions, Nashville singer/songwriter Page Mackenzie, and fireworks at dusk.

Concessions include Notorious P.I.G. BBQ, Pig Out Concessions, Sacks BBQ Truck, Mad Dog Concessions, Knights of Columbus, MTZ Swingsations, and Lemon Shake-Ups!

This event is put on by the Village of Mt. Zion and Mt. Zion Economic Development Corporation.  

It is an alcohol-free event, and no coolers are allowed.

City of Bethany Celebration

The City of Bethany, IL is holding a Celebration from Friday, July 2nd, 2021-Saturday, July 3rd, 2021. Friday’s Opening Ceremonies at 5pm include inflatables, ribbon cutting, a Mayor’s speech, and the singing of the National Anthem.

Afterward, there will be a watermelon eating contest, a teen dance, and Jane Doe in the Beer Tent.

Saturday features a parade at 10am, inflatables, a bags tournament at 3pm, a pork chop dinner at 5pm, and the fireworks display at 9:15pm.

You can follow the news about the event on the Bethany Celebration Facebook page.

City of Champaign Fireworks

The Champaign County Freedom Celebration Committee will be holding a fireworks display at the University of Illinois parking lot E-14 on July 4th at approximately 9:15pm.

No food vendors or other entertainment will be provided, and due to COVID restrictions still in place, the 5k race and parade will not be held this year.

Guests are asked to view the fireworks from dispersed locations and avoid areas where you can’t social distance. Face coverings must be worn in all public places and settings on campus where you can’t maintain 6 feet of social distancing. This includes outdoor spaces.  

You can follow more information about this event on the Champaign County Freedom Celebration website.

City of Mt. Pulaski Fireworks

The city of Mt. Pulaski will have their fireworks display on Saturday, July 3rd at dusk. The presentation will be located at Frazier Park, 620 S. Spring Street, Mt. Pulaski, IL.

City of Arthur Fireworks

Arthur, IL’s famous fireworks display is coming back for 2021! The Arthur Freedom Celebration Fireworks will be on June 26th, 2021 from 8pm-9:30pm. That’s the weekend before July 4th, so mark your calendars! The event will be at the Arthur Moultrie-Douglas Fair Grounds, 301 Columbia, Arthur, IL 61911.

There may be social distancing restrictions, especially for non-vaccinated people, but those guidelines from the state will be posted on the Illinois Amish Country website.

The event will have the waterfall of fire, Vesuvius, freedom rider, a wide variety of food vendors, and more!

City of Pleasant Plains Freedom Celebration

The Pleasant Plains Community Club is proud to present the Freedom Celebration event on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021! It will be held at the Pleasant Plains High School, and food and fun will begin at 5pm. Fireworks start at dusk!

You can follow the Pleasant Plains Community Club on Facebook for more updates leading up to the celebration.

City of Athens Fireworks Display

Celebrate Independence Day at the Athens Community Park for an annual fireworks show on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021. The address of the fireworks is 210 Dottie Benarko Dr, Athens, IL.

You can RSVP to the event and follow any updates on Facebook!

Macon Speedway Fireworks

In Macon, IL, Dynagraphics & 95Q present the Firecracker 40's with special events for the Big Ten Pro Lates and Modifieds. This event will be held at Macon Speedway on Saturday, July 3rd, starting at 6pm, and there will be fireworks.

You can read more about the event on Macon Speedway’s website.

Peoria, IL Fireworks Red, White, and Boom Show Delayed

The fireworks display typically held in Peoria along the Illinois River has been postponed due to COVID-19.  

Any decisions about rescheduling the 2021 fireworks may be made by mid-July (Journal Star).  

Coles County Fireworks in Mattoon

On Sunday, July 4th, 2021, the City of Mattoon will be hosting Coles County Fireworks from 4-10pm. The event will be held at the Coles County Memorial Airport, 432 Airport Rd, Mattoon, IL 61938.

Shuttles from Mattoon Cross County Mall and Charleston O’Brien Stadium begin at 5pm.

You can read more about the event on Charleston Illinois’ website.

City of Effingham 4th of July Fireworks

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

The fireworks will be held at the Effingham High School Sports Complex, 1301 Grove Ave., Effingham, IL 62401.

Conclusion

We’re so glad that this year, most cities in central IL have resumed their fireworks displays.

Stay safe and have a wonderful time celebrating Independence Day!

What fireworks events are we missing? Be sure to put them in the comments below!