“United We Celebrate” to Showcase Grand Island as Community Comes Together for America’s 250th Birthday
Laura Gamboa Urrego Sound Bites
Grand Island, Neb. — The City of Grand Island and Grand Island Tourism are proud to support United We Celebrate, a community-wide festival at Stuhr Museum on Saturday, July 4, 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The once-in-a-generation celebration will transform Stuhr Museum into a destination for history, culture, entertainment and community connection, bringing together residents and visitors from across the region for what organizers anticipate will be the largest Independence Day celebration in Grand Island’s history.
The festival will begin at 2 p.m. and feature live entertainment, cultural performances, historical demonstrations, family activities, food vendors, craft vendors and educational experiences before culminating in a community fireworks show presented by the Grand Island Fireworks Celebration at 10 p.m.
Admission is $2.50 from 2-8 p.m. in honor of America's 250th birthday. Admission will be free after 8 p.m. as the community gathers for the fireworks display.
"This is more than an Independence Day celebration,’” Stuhr Museum Executive Director Chris Hochstetler said. “It's an opportunity to showcase what makes Grand Island special. America's 250th birthday gives us a chance to bring our community together, celebrate our history and welcome visitors to experience the many cultures, organizations and traditions that make Grand Island such a vibrant place to live and visit."
United We Celebrate will feature a diverse lineup of activities throughout the day, including cultural music and dance performances, historical presentations, living history experiences, youth activities, STEAM experiences, food trucks, community organizations and live music. Visitors will also have opportunities to explore several special exhibits at Stuhr Museum, including Women's History Walk, You Are From Where You Grow, Our American Dreams and Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild, the final stop of an eight-year, 31-venue exhibition tour returning Mangelsen's work to his home state of Nebraska.
Grand Island Tourism is serving as the festival's presenting sponsor and has partnered with Stuhr Museum and numerous community organizations to help create an event that will attract both local residents and regional visitors.
"Events like ‘United We Celebrate’ help strengthen Grand Island's identity as a destination while creating meaningful experiences for our residents," Grand Island Tourism Director Brad Mellema said. "This celebration will highlight our community's hospitality, diversity and ability to come together for a truly memorable occasion."
Planning efforts have been underway for several months and include partnerships with local organizations to coordinate entertainment, educational programming, transportation, volunteer support, visitor services and public safety measures. The City of Grand Island is also working alongside public safety agencies and event organizers to help ensure a safe and efficient experience for attendees, particularly following the conclusion of the fireworks show.
While many new elements have been added for America's 250th birthday celebration, longtime traditions will remain, including the 1890s parade through Railroad Town and the Silver Cornet Band concert at 2 p.m. The Hall County Historical Society will also host its annual German church service earlier in the day