Lawrence will host a drone show instead of fireworks at its Summerfest, but opportunities for dazzling eruptions are offered elsewhere in Douglas County.
A Kansas law went into effect this year, authorizing permanent retailers to sell year-round and seasonal retailers to begin selling two weeks before the holiday. The new state law expands the seasonal sale window from nine to 18 days.
However, fireworks are not allowed to be set off in Lawrence without a permit. The city will again host its Summerfest, set for Thursday, July 3, with hopes that this year’s planned drone show doesn’t malfunction.
Here are some other area events with fireworks:
Big shows
Related post:
• Rec centers closed, celebrations planned and more to know for July 4 in Lawrence, June 28, 2025
Eudora’s fireworks display will start at dusk on Friday, July 4, with viewing from the Eudora High School parking lot at 2203 Church St.
Baldwin City’s celebration will start at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 5 at the Baldwin City Golf Course, 1102 Main St. There will be live music, food from food trucks and a kids zone. The fireworks show will last until 10 p.m.
See more about Baldwin’s celebration plans on the Baldwin City Recreation Commission website, baldwinrec.org.
DIY
For those who can’t wait to spark up their own combustibles, here’s where you can go.
Not Lawrence:
Within Lawrence city limits, fireworks are not allowed.
The only kinds of “novelty items” allowed are party poppers, snappers, snakes, glow worms, sparklers, toy caps and toy smoke devices, according to the city’s website.
Stands with permits:
There are a number of fireworks stands with county permits, many of which are right on the outskirts of Lawrence. Here’s a map from the county; click here to open it in a new window:
FireworkStands2025Unincorporated Douglas County:
Folks may use fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county if the property owner has given permission and provides supervision.
Fireworks are OK during the following hours:
• 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 2
• 7 a.m. to midnight Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4
Lone Star Lake:
At Lone Star Lake, fireworks on July 4 are allowed in the upper parking lot east of the campground during the same hours as unincorporated Douglas County, according to the county.
Here’s a map (click here to open it in a new window):
LoneStarFireworksAreas2025Eudora:
Eudora allows fireworks during the following hours:
• 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 2
• 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 3 and 4.
Visit the city’s website, cityofeudoraks.gov for more information.
Baldwin City:
Baldwin kicks off its firework-friendly days a little earlier than the county:
• 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29
• 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 2
• 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4
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