Marshall, Illinois, is THE place to be on Independence Day this year. If you want to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a big way, get over to Marshall for the Red, White, & Blue Bash on July 4th. Marshall is going full tilt this year, with so much happening from morning till night as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. We have planned a patriotic day and evening full of fun, community, and excitement. Come enjoy a full day of live music, great food, family fun, and hometown pride as we honor the red, white, and blue together. Show your pride in America and come celebrate the USA with us.
As always, we encourage you to bring your whole family. This year, we are featuring food trucks, bounce houses, live entertainment, and unique experiences, topped off by lighting up the night skies. When the sun sets, the celebration culminates with a FREE fireworks show at the Clark County Fairgrounds. The sky will be ablaze with colors and sparkles. This will be the perfect grand finale to an incredible day in our awesome little town.
We encourage you to bring your own lawn chairs, dress in your best red, white, and blue, and let’s make this 4th of July one for the books. Make yourself at home, even if you are a visitor to our fair town, and join us for this celebration of freedom, joy, and community under the stars.
Some of the Special Things to Enjoy this Weekend:
Get Your Breakfast Feed on Before the Event:
Come to the Free Will Donation breakfast on July 4th, 2026, at the VFW Post 5975. They’ll be serving biscuits with sausage gravy, egg casseroles with a choice of ham, cheese, or veggie, fruit cups, coffee, orange juice, and milk. What a wonderful way to start the day, celebrating America’s 250th. They will also be offering their full lunch menu, including their 4th of July special: hot dogs, baked beans, and apple pie. Hop over there for lunch.
A Quilt Like None Other:
Stop by the Chamber office and check out the very special America’s 250th quilted wall hanging created by Bev Pearce, proudly displayed on our wall. Bev’s quilts are remarkable, and the time and love she puts into creating them are priceless.
Free Pie!:
Who doesn’t love pie? Come enjoy one of our favorite traditions… FREE APPLE PIE! Grand Traverse Pie Company and Wish For Our Heroes Inc. are doling out slices of delicious apple pie to the first 250 guests who arrive at Marshall’s Red, White, & Blue Bash. They’ll be serving in the Harlan Hall Lobby on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (while supplies last), so get online ASAP! (Limit one slice per person.)
Reality is Only a Concept:
We are super excited to have a fantastic, family-friendly attraction as part of this year’s festivities. Reality Check Mobile VR is coming. Gamers, techies, and adventure lovers will enjoy this immersive virtual reality experience that’s fun for all ages. It’s 100% FREE, so make sure to add it to your Independence Day plans. They will be set up at the South Parking Lot of the Courthouse from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Lots of Live Music:
Live music will be happening on downtown Marshall’s Courthouse Square throughout the event.
Here is the schedule:
12:00PMto 1:30PM – Nashville Sensation – Dakota Danielle
2:00PM to 4:00PM – Matt Tybee & The Soul Shiners
5:00PM to 8:00PM – Big Fun Band
Cornhole Lovers Get Excited:
Want to win an amazing custom patriotic Cornhole Board Set? Stop by the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce Tent during our Red, White & Blue Bash on Saturday, July 4th, for your chance to win a one-of-a-kind patriotic prize. The lucky winner will take home a stunning America 250th-themed Cornhole Board Set {bags included}.
Great for those backyard BBQs, tailgating with friends, or family game nights, this one-of-a-kind, patriotic custom board set is the perfect way to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in style. Check in at the Chamber Tent during the event to enter the drawing. There will be other items being raffled off, too, so check that out from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Every entry helps support the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce and the community events we are so lucky to bring to Marshall throughout the year.
Locals and visitors alike come early to Downtown Marshall for all the happenings and stay late by finishing the festivities at the Clark County Fairgrounds for the fireworks display.
Happy Birthday, America. Marshall salutes you in style.
