Columbus Fourth of July

Why travel to Columbus for a Fourth of July celebration? Columbus’s Fireman’s Park has the look of a late 19th century American Midwestern small town, with its impressive two-story dance hall. The park hosts a carnival each day and bands at night July 3-5 and all afternoon and evening on July 6 (including a Madison Music Foundry showcase and fan fave '80s hair band tribute Cherry Pie). Fireworks are scheduled for dusk on the Fourth. The fest closes on Sunday with a classic car show. Find the full schedule below and updates at columbuswi4th.com.

7/2-7 Fireman's Park, Columbus, with carnival, entertainment, fireworks at dusk on 7/4. Free admission.

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DAY 1 – TUESDAY, JULY 2 

Family Night 5:30pm – 8pm in Pavilion Area: Kicking off the Celebration is an event your kid(s) will be talking about all Summer long!  Join us between 5:30PM to 8PM at the Columbus Pavilion in Firemen’s Park for a Princess Party by Paolina!  Plus Twist N’ Shout Balloon Twisters, Face Painting, Food Trucks, Police and Fire Department Vehicles, and more kid activities! 

DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Mr. Eds’ Magical Midway Carnival opens at 5pm (wristband special from 5pm – 9pm): The enchantment of the Carnival casts it’s spell starting at 6pm with a pay one price wristband, good until the Carnival closes at 10pm. Coasters, Slides, Flips, Spins, Funnel Cakes, and Games Galore!  Chad Duchow and the Mr. Ed’s Team deliver an incredible experience in the middle of Firemen’s Park, with an experience sure to last a lifetime (as this author can attest), and with Safety top of mind.  Individual tickets are also available for sale.  Check out Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways online at mredsmidway.com!

7pm – 11pm Main Stage: Pacific Coast Highway is a band of five seasoned musicians that invite the audience on a road trip back to when music was free and easy. PCH has been described as Yacht Rock, Sail Rock, Super Hits, and AM Gold, and includes #1 hit singles, one-hit-wonders, and songs you forgot you loved! Follow the on Facebook!  www.facebook.com/PCHMadison

DAY 3 – THURSDAY, JULY 4

8:30 - Return of the FIRECRACKER 5!!! Once of the most asked for events returns for the 2024 Columbus 4th of July…and it’s running?!  The Firecracker 5 returns this year, starting at 8:30am, with the Children’s Sparkler Sprint starting at 9:30.  Enroll online with the QR Code in the photo on the right, call 920-623-5963, or Email columbus@recreationwi.gov.

12pm - Columbus 4th of July Parade: Beginning at Noon, the Parade route extends from it’s beginning at North Ludington Street, to it’s conclusion at the end of Park Avenue.

2pm - Mr. Eds’ Magical Midway Carnival (All Ride Regular Price)

2:30 - Bingo & TJ Howell: After the parade concludes, and the midway electrifies, enjoy afternoon family entertainment in Firemen’s Park!  Comedy Juggler & Unicyclist TJ Howell performs from 2:30 to 3:30 near the KC Brat Stand, sure to transfix and leave you in stitches! (Actual stiches not required)

3pm - BING...O!  Sponsored By: The Knights of Columbus. No Cards, No Markers, No O?!  Now that’s a problem.  The Knights of Columbus host an epic 20 game series of BINGO inside the Pavilion!  The final game will have a grand prize of $500!!!

6pm - Dan Lepien: A champion of country from Sauk County, Dan Lepien spreads his joy for traditional country music with his vibrant live shows and elaborate songwriting. His gritty vocal style draws on the power from country legends like George Strait and Alan Jackson!

At dusk: Fireworks (rain date: 7/5)

DAY 4 – Friday, JULY 5

Mr. Eds’ Magical Midway Carnival Wristband Day opens at 1pm ($35 wristband special from 5pm – 9pm)

Smart Mouth on the Drexel Main Stage 7pm-11pm

DAY 5 – SATURDAY, JULY 6

Mr. Eds’ Magical Midway Carnival MEGA Wristband Special from 1pm – 9pm: Enormous, Colossal, Super Colossal?  Not even Close!  It’s Mega Wristband day at the Midway!  Pay one price ($40) and ride all day from 1pm until 9pm!  Just remind yourself to get a slice of hot pizza or a slushy somewhere in between!  Individual tickets are also available for sale.

Columbus Fourth Fling: Cornhole Tournament - 1pm: Sign up at Noon, Bags fly at 1pm, the thrill of victory lasting a lifetime.  A minimum of 6 games will be played by each team at the Fireman’s Park Baseball Diamonds, 1049 Park Ave.  This is a Partners round robin, so bring your own partner, brings your own bags, and prepare for 4 round, round robins to determine who comes on top in the brackets, and overall.  $40 Team entry, Max of 64 teams.

1pm-5pm on the Drexel Main Stage: From fighting your fears, finding your voice, and keeping the beat, Madison Music Foundry returns to the Drexel Main Stage showcasing the future generations of local talent.

2pm-4pm Columbus Park Pavilion: The David Austin Polka Band has performed in Madison and Southern Wisconsin for over 30 years, playing your favorite Polkas, Waltz’s, and American Standards.

7pm – 11:00pm on the Main Stage: Cherry Pie: Fresh from the oven of '80s hair band classics, to the Drexel Main Stage in Firemen’s Park. Cherry Pie has been tearing up stages for over 24 years, putting on national artist level sound, lighting, and special effect productions.

DAY 6 – SUNDAY, JULY 7

10 am-3 pm 2nd Annual Car Show

noon-3 pm Jesse Walker - American Legion 229 Poet St.