Abilene’s Old Fashioned 4th of July: A Tradition Worth the Trip

Looking for the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day? Make your way to Abilene, Kansas for an Old Fashioned 4th of July—a true small-town celebration packed with patriotic pride, timeless traditions, and family-friendly fun. Named one of the Best Historic Small Towns in America, Abilene is full of heart, history, and hometown spirit.

This is the kind of Fourth depicted in a Norman Rockwell painting.

Old-Fashioned Fun All Day Long

Abilene’s Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration takes place in Eisenhower Park, beginning bright and early at 7:00 a.m. with tournament registrations. From muddy volleyball matches to pedal-powered tractor pulls, the day is filled with classic events that have delighted generations.

Here, we don’t just love our country on the 4th—we love and celebrate it every day.

Schedule of Events:

7:00 a.m. – Tournament Registration Begins

8:00 a.m. – 3-on-3 Basketball, Mud Volleyball, Cornhole, Pickleball, and Pedal Power Tractor Pull Registration

9:00 a.m. – Baby Beauty Contest Registration & Pedal Power Tractor Pull Begins

10:00 a.m. – Baby Beauty Contest

11:00 a.m. – Frog & Turtle Races

11:30 a.m. – Hot Wheel Races

Noon–5:00 p.m. – Pool Activities and Free Swim at the Abilene Community Pool

Evening Entertainment and Fireworks

At 8:00 p.m., grab your spot and enjoy the Abilene City Band—now celebrating 144 years of bringing patriotic music to life. Their classic tunes are the perfect soundtrack to a summer evening in the park.

Then, at 9:45 p.m., the sky bursts into color with a grand fireworks display. New this year: bring your lawn chairs and head north of the Abilene Recreation Center for the best viewing experience.

Celebrate the 4th the Way It Was Meant to Be

With its historic charm and small-town warmth, Abilene’s Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration is everything you imagine when you think of a classic American holiday. Frog races, parades of strollers, pool time, and a sky full of fireworks—this is the 4th of July, the way it used to be.

Come experience why Abilene is Kansas’ most patriotic small town and the perfect destination for your Independence Day celebration.

Concessions will be available. For more information, contact the Abilene Parks and Recreation Department at 785-263-7266.