Laini’s List: 9 Ways to Celebrate America’s 250th
LAINI’S LIST
July 3–11, 2026
9 ways to mark the 250th
The United States turns 250. Easton showed up in 1776 and we’re showing up again.
Note from Laini: This is a special edition of Laini’s List is created for the celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday. Nine celebrations across nine days, July 3 through 11, opening with fireworks and closing on Heritage Day.
One caution. The celebration arrives with a dangerous, record-setting heat wave. The temperature is expected to near 100° on Friday, with heat indices higher still. Most of the big events run into the evening, which helps, but plan for water, shade, and pacing. And because several regional events have already started to cancel or postpone, check the organizers’ sites before you head out.
1
Friday, July 3
Gates 5:30 PM
Coca-Cola Park, Allentown
Liberty Ignited: A Lehigh Valley Salute to America’s 250th
A purpose-built 250th anniversary event at Coca-Cola Park with 300+ drones synchronized to music, a fireworks spectacular described as six times larger than a typical IronPigs post-game show, Carson Kressley as MC, colonial reenactors, a Century Car Show, a Ben Franklin hologram, Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s on First?” performed by the PA Shakespeare Festival, and live performances from the Swing Time Dolls and Brandywine Colonials Fife & Drum Corps. Tickets from $17.76—priced in honor of 1776.
2
Friday, July 3
5 PM
Newburg Park, Lower Nazareth Township
USA 250th Celebration — Lower Nazareth Township
A neighborhood-scale July 3rd celebration at Newburg Park—DJ, food trucks, face painting, and the splash pad open 5–9 PM with no pass required. Fireworks after 9 PM.
3
Saturday, July 4
9 AM–3 PM
Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth
Nazareth Celebrates America 250
A full July 4th community festival at the Moravian Historical Society’s Whitefield House featuring a kazoo parade, farmers’ market, Nazareth Ukulele Band, balloon rides, vendors, food, and kids activities on a beautifully preserved historic property. Free event for all ages. Runs morning through early afternoon.
4
Saturday, July 4
3:30 PM–midnight
SteelStacks, Bethlehem
ArtsQuest Independence Day Celebration at SteelStacks
Six acts across two stages from mid-afternoon into midnight—including The BRUCE Show, a Springsteen tribute headlining the Levitt Pavilion at 8:30—with fireworks launching off Sand Island at 9:15. One of the region’s bigger free Fourth of July events.
5
Sunday, July 5
Noon–9 PM
Bushkill Park, Easton
Stars & Stripes Birthday Bash at Bushkill Park
Bushkill Park turns 124 the same week the U.S. turns 250, and the park is marking both with a designated America 250 block party—live bands, dancing, food, drinks, and the rides all day.
6
Wednesday, July 8
11:45 AM–12:45 PM
Sigal Museum, Easton
Raise a Glass to Freedom: 250 Years Later
At exactly noon on July 8—250 years to the hour after the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud in Easton—the Sigal Museum premieres a new Declaration reading video, followed by a champagne toast and a private, curator-led tour of “Read This,” its exhibition on the history of media in Northampton County. Space is limited; register ahead of time.
7
Wednesday, July 8
5–8 PM
Thyme Rooftop Grille, Easton
Easton Declaration Dinner
On July 8, 1776, Easton was one of three cities in the country where the Declaration of Independence was publicly read for the first time. This ticketed evening dinner—organized by the Greater Easton Development Partnership and the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society—marks the exact 250-year anniversary with a reception, seated dinner, ceremonial Declaration reading, and a “Toast to 250 Years.” Held at Thyme Rooftop Grille with remarks from civic leaders. This is a ticketed event.
8
Friday, July 10
3–10 PM
Bachmann Publick House, Easton
Bachmann Block Party
Bachmann Publick House is hosting its own 250th celebration—a free outdoor block party on 2nd Street with live music, food, drinks, and a World Cup Quarterfinal viewing at 3 PM to kick things off. A low-key Friday night warm-up for Heritage Day the next morning. Free to attend.
9
Saturday, July 11
9 AM–10 PM
Centre Square, Easton
Easton Heritage Day 2026: A 250th Celebration
Easton Heritage Day is part history and culture festival, part afternoon block party and music festival—and 2026 gets an expanded version for the 250th, with two professional stages featuring national acts, colonial and Civil War reenactors, historical exhibitors, Sigal Museum programming, and the Declaration of Independence re-read aloud at noon in Centre Square, the same spot where it was first read publicly on July 8, 1776. Free to attend; VIP ticketing available for shaded viewing areas and an open bar. Runs all day.
