Here’s a quick roundup of closures, changes, celebrations and more for the Fourth of July in Lawrence:
• The East Lawrence and Holcom Park recreation centers, Community Building, Sports Pavilion Lawrence, and Prairie Park Nature Center will be closed Friday, July 4.
• Parking at meters, lots and in garages in downtown Lawrence will be free Friday.
• Solid waste collection will not be delayed this year, according to a city news release, because of a change to the holiday solid waste collection schedule.
• Lawrence Transit buses, including fixed-route and paratransit buses, will not operate on the holiday.
• Lawrence Parks and Recreation administrative offices will be closed for the holiday.
Related post:
• Where to go for fireworks in Douglas County, June 30, 2025
• The Outdoor Aquatic Center will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday. The Indoor Aquatic Center will be closed. There will be no aquatic fitness or instructional classes on the holiday.
• The Lawrence Public Library will be closed Friday. However, the online library is open 24/7.
• Douglas County District Court will be closed Friday.
• City of Lawrence and Douglas County offices will be closed Friday.
For more information on Parks and Rec programs and activities, contact the department via email at parksrec@lawrenceks.org and phone at 785-832-3450.
Local celebrations
• The Lawrence City Band’s free weekly concert will have the theme of “America the Beautiful.” That’s set to start at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 2 at South Park. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the band’s Facebook page at facebook.com/LawrenceCityBand.
• The City of Lawrence’s Summerfest is set for Thursday, July 3. The fireworks show is being replaced by a drone show.
Summerfest will kick off at 4 p.m. with kids’ activities from City Play Corps and the Dole Institute of Politics in the outdoor pavilion and an artisan fair and live music in air-conditioned Building 21. Food truck and beer sales will begin at 5 p.m. in the main fairgrounds circle. Music on the main stage begins at 6 p.m., with Ric Averill serving as master of ceremonies.
The Lawrence City Band will perform starting at 9 p.m. in the outdoor arena. The drone show will begin at 9:45 p.m. in the same location. Read more about Summerfest at this link.
• A new Fourth of July event in Lawrence will feature a U.S. Constitution reading, local performers, food and family activities.
“July 4th Freedom Fest: Celebrate and Defend Our Constitution” is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 4 at the east shelter in Centennial Park, 2124 W. Ninth St. It’s free to attend. Read more about the event at this link.
• Eudora and Baldwin City will hold fireworks shows on July 4 and 5, respectively. Read more about them and see details on when and where fireworks are allowed in Douglas County at this link.
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August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
