July 4th - Independence Day Celebration

2025 Paducah Independence Day Celebration

Paducah's Independence Day Celebration, sponsored by Ingram and Pine Bluff Materials Company, will be Friday, July 4 on Paducah's riverfront. Enjoy live music and food trucks with fireworks by Pyro Shows at 9:15 p.m. An estimated 10,000 people come each year to the riverfront to enjoy Paducah’s celebration. Viewing is available along the riverfront near Wilson Stage, Schultz Park, and the Transient Boat Dock.

FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT Food vendors will start serving by 5:30 p.m. They will be along Jefferson Street between Water St and 2nd St. Musical entertainment also starts at that time on Wilson Stage at the foot of Broadway. The entertainment lineup will be announced soon:

5:30 p.m. –
7:00 p.m. –
8:30 p.m. –
9:10 p.m. – National Anthem
9:15 p.m. – Fireworks Show

FIREWORKS The City has contracted with Pyro Shows for a 20-minute display starting at 9:15 p.m. with the fireworks discharged from a barge provided by Pine Bluff Materials. The tug is provided by Ingram Barge Company. The City of Paducah appreciates the support of the tug and barge companies in making this event such a success. The creative show is choreographed to music with speakers placed along the riverfront near Wilson Stage.

If a thunderstorm is in the area at the scheduled time for the fireworks, the fireworks show will be delayed until the weather clears or rescheduled for July 5. The Paducah Fire and Police Departments, McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, DES, and the U.S. Coast Guard will be at the event for additional safety.

ROAD CLOSURES Boaters should use the Ohio River Boat Launch at 6th and Burnett Streets since the floodwall openings at Broadway and Kentucky will close at 9 p.m. on July 3. Schultz Park and the small parking area near the transient boat dock also will close to vehicular traffic at 9 p.m. on July 3.

On July 4 at 3:30 p.m., Broadway and Jefferson will close to vehicular traffic from 2nd Street to the floodwall. Water Street from Kentucky to Jefferson also will close at that time.

PARKING Parking will be available in several locations including the Farmers’ Market parking lot, Convention Center lots, City’s parking lot at 3rd and Kentucky, and the City Block lot (access from 2nd Street only).

RAIN DATE The rain date for the celebration, if needed, is Saturday, July 5.

DOG ORDINANCE While pets are allowed at the July 4th Celebration, the City of Paducah’s dog ordinance mandates that the dog must be restrained by a leash or other lead that is no longer than three feet.

Food Truck Vendor Information

Mobile Food Vendor Applications are being accepted beginning April 1, 2025 for the Paducah Independence Day Celebration. The deadline to turn in applications and agreements is Tuesday, June 4, 2025, by 4:30 pm. All paperwork (application and required permits/licenses) can be brought by the Paducah Parks & Recreation office at 2701 Park Ave, Paducah, KY 42001, or emailed to tmorschingpaducahky.gov.