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Independence Day Celebration
2026 Yankee Doodle Dash 5K
Start the Independence Day Celebration with our annual tradition, and dash the streets of Wilmette in our dandy 5K!
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, July 3
- Race Start: 8 am
- Start/Finish: Gillson Park
- $40 per participant
- REGISTRATION IS SOLD OUT!! – We wish you a dandy 5K, see you on Friday morning!
*We’ve reached capacity and registration is CLOSED for the 2026 Yankee Doodle Dash! NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
**NO REFUNDS – all sales are final.
Route Map
Special Appreciation
- We’d like to thank our Stars & Stripes Sponsor de Giulio Kitchen Design for sponsoring our dashing event shirts!
- Shoutout to our Spangled Sponsor State Farm Agent Nathan Sulack for sponsoring our dandy participant medals!
- Get excited for our swag sunglasses, sponsored by J. Blanton Plumbing!
- Special thanks to our 250th Presenting Sponsor North Shore Community Bank!
- Cheers to our NEW Dandy Beverage Partner Mullarkey Distributing for providing Yuenling beer for our adult runners (age 21 & up)!
Star Spangled Splash!
**EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER**
Join us for an afternoon packed with FREE family fun, festive activities and summer excitement for all ages! Challenge your friends at carnival games, show off your patriotic spirit with face painting, jump into the bounce house fun and don’t miss our exciting confetti “fireworks show”, plus so much more!
Keep the celebration going at the Centennial Pools, open 2–6 pm. Residents enjoy FREE pool admission all day, while non-residents may attend for the daily admission fee.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, July 3
- Time: 1-3 pm
- Location: Centennial Park
- Fee: FREE family activities in the park
- Public Swim: 2-6 pm, FREE for residents / daily fee applies for non-residents
FREE Activities Include:
- Confetti “Fireworks” Show
- Face Painting
- Bucket Bonanza
- Milk Pail Toss
- Big Mouth Toss
- Baseball Toss
- Inflatable Moonwalk Castle
- Inflatable Water Slide
- & More!
Event Map
July 3 Fun & Fireworks Cancelled Due to Weather
Due to current weather conditions and the forecast for this evening, the Wilmette Park District has made the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s July 3 Fun & Fireworks celebration at Gillson Park.
The safety of our guests, staff, volunteers, entertainers, and vendors is always our top priority. Unfortunately, the weather is not expected to improve enough to safely hold the event.
We know this is disappointing, and we appreciate the community’s understanding. Thank you to everyone who helped plan and support this year’s celebration, and we look forward to celebrating together at future Wilmette Park District events.
Fun & Fireworks
Enjoy an evening packed with Independence Day Celebration at Gillson Park! We’ll have food vendors, live music, performers and a fireworks show to kick off your 4th a day early. In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Wilmette Park District and presenting sponsor North Shore Community Bank have enhanced the fireworks program to light up your celebration even brighter!
- Date: Friday, July 3
- Time: 5-10 pm
- Location: Gillson Park
Event Map
Main Stage Entertainment
- Central High at 4:45 pm
- Men on the Moon at 6:00 pm
- Antler Chandelier at 7:30 pm
Wallace Bowl Showcase
- Superhero Training at 5:00 pm
- Miss Jamie’s Farm at 5:30 pm
- Jesse White Tumblers at 6:30 pm
- Footloose Preview Performance at 7:00 pm
- Barefoot Hawaiian Dance Troupe at 7:15 pm
Food Vendors
- Lefty’s Pizza Kitchen
- La Cocinita
- Mustard’s Last Stand
- Hecky’s Barbecue
- & more!
Activity & Entertainment Vendors
- Total T Magic
- Airbrush Tattoos
- Face Painting
- Superhero Photobooth
PACE Shuttle & Transportation
To help improve access and reduce traffic congestion, the Park District is expanding its partnership with PACE this year by offering two shuttle routes serving Gillson Park during Fun & Fireworks.
- Route 1 will operate from Loyola Academy, with buses beginning service at 4:00 pm.
- Riders may park at Loyola Academy and travel directly to Gillson Park.
- Buses on this route will also stop at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2727 Lake Avenue, where additional parking will be available.
- Route 2 will provide shuttle service from the Wilmette Metra Station at 12th Street.
Both routes will drop passengers on Sheridan Road adjacent to Gillson Park. At the conclusion of the event, designated shuttle pick-up zones will be located along Sheridan Road, with separate boarding areas for each route to ensure riders return to their original parking locations. PACE representatives, Park District staff, additional lighting, and directional signage will be available to assist guests throughout the evening.
Additional Details:
- Shuttle service begins at 4:00 pm on July 3.
- Round-trip fare is $4.50 per rider.
- Cash, credit cards and electronic payments will be accepted.
- Return transportation requires proof of purchase from the outbound trip.
- Return-only fares will not be available.
- All PACE buses are fully accessible.
- Shuttle service will continue throughout the evening and after the fireworks until all ticked riders have been transported or until shuttle service stops at 11:00 pm.
- Capacity is limited, attendees are encouraged to arrive early and plan accordingly.
Event Reminders
- Bags are subject to search.
- No sparklers allowed.
- No alcohol allowed.
- Parking at Gillson Main Beach is reserved for Season Parking Pass holders only.
- Daily parking passes will not be sold on July 3 and July 4.
- The Dog Beach will be closed on July 3 and July 4.
- Gillson Main Beach will require a season or daily pass all day & evening on July 3.
- South Beach will open to general public starting at 8 pm for visitors to enjoy the Fireworks show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alcohol allowed in the park/beach?
- No. Chairs, blankets and outside food are allowed.
How do I know when the fireworks begin?
- A single firework will be launched at sunset as an announcement, with the full fireworks display to follow.
Is the Fun & Fireworks event free?
- Yes, the event is free! However, Gillson Main Beach requires a valid season or daily beach pass. (South Beach will operate normally during the day and open to the general public at 8 pm for fireworks viewing.)
Where are fireworks shot from?
- Fireworks will be shot from the Dog Beach/The Cove.
Where can I find photos from the event?
- Visit our social media pages! Photos will be posted to Facebook and Instagram at Wilmette Park District.
What if the event is cancelled?
- Any cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on the Rainout Line.
Is accessible parking available at the event?
- We have accessible parking reserved at Gillson Beach Parking Lot for those with a handicap placard, hangtag or license plate attending Fun & Fireworks. No season parking pass required. Please enter at the Lake Avenue entrance and present your placard/tag/plate to the attendant.
Special Appreciation
- Special thanks to our Fun & Fireworks Sponsor North Shore Community Bank for supporting this fabulous celebration!
Our Independence Day Celebration is extra-special this year! Celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial a day early with Wilmette Park District and keep an eye out for our special 250 decal to mark the occasion!
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