July 4, 2026
United We Celebrate
Festival & Fireworks
This year’s Independence Day celebration will be bigger and better than ever as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Stuhr Museum!
Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary at Stuhr Museum with an unforgettable festival filled with live music, cultural performances, historical experiences, hands-on demonstrations, family activities, delicious food, local vendors, and unique artisan crafts. Explore booths hosted by community organizations and businesses while experiencing the energy, creativity, and community spirit that make Central Nebraska so special. A special thank you goes to Grand Island Tourism for their generous support of this event! The evening will culminate in the community fireworks show presented in partnership with the Grand Island Fireworks Celebration.
Video courtesy of Killer Tofu
*Post-Fireworks Traffic Flow*
Following the fireworks show, all traffic will be outgoing only to help ensure a safe and efficient exit for all guests.
*Right turns will follow the normal museum exit route
*Left turns must exit using the entrance lane
We will move vehicles out as efficiently as possible, but guests should plan for some delay. Please follow directions from event staff and law enforcement to ensure a safe and efficient exit.
Festival Admission
$2.50 per person ages 5 & up
Free for Stuhr Museum and Hastings Museum members
Free admission to the fireworks show begins at 8 pm!
Thank you to Grand Island Tourism for their generous support of this event!
Filipino American Federation of South-central Nebraska | 3 pm | Stuhr Stage
Cultural Dance and Music Performance
The Filipino American community in Grand Island has a rich history of friendship, cultural pride, and community service. The Filipino American group was first organized in the City of Hastings, NE, late 1980s under the leadership of Chris Brosnihan, who helped gather Filipino families and friends living in Central Nebraska. The organization became a place where members could celebrate Filipino traditions and support one another like family.
Throughout the years, the organization helped sponsor community gatherings that highlighted Filipino culture and hospitality. Annual Summer Picnics and Christmas Parties have become treasured traditions for members and families. By the early 2000s, participation in the original organization slowly declined, but the organization was revived and continued through the efforts of Tess Westover, Vilma Hobbs, and Bebiana Hahn.
Under their guidance, the Filipino American community in Grand Island continued its traditions of Annual Picnics and Christmas celebrations, giving younger generations opportunities to learn Filipino customs, music, dance, and cuisine while strengthening friendships among Filipino American families in Nebraska.
Today, the organization continues under the leadership of Jeanne Espina, the current leader of the South Central Nebraska Filipino American Community. The group remains active in promoting Filipino culture and unity in Central Nebraska and continues to preserve the heritage and traditions of Filipino Americans for future generations.
Sudanese assimilation group of Grand ISland | 3 pm | Stuhr Stage
Traditional Cultural Performance
More info coming soon!
Garan Coons | 5 pm | Stuhr Stage
Native American Dance and Music Performance
Garan Coons, a professional Native American (Oglala Lakota & Navajo) dancer, singer, flute player and storyteller, is the ultimate all around Native American entertainer. Founder of the professional Native American dance troupe, Many Moccasins Dance Troupe, Garan tours extensively throughout the region delivering a spectacular display of true Native American culture. Garan’s exquisite regalia and defined dance moves offer a magnificent educational experience that all age groups will enjoy. Garan specializes in the art of Fancy Feather dancing and Traditional Prairie Chicken dancing, both allowing him to bring history and tradition to life. This performance will include traditional Native American dancing, narration of dances, storytelling and flute playing.
Jarana | 4 pm | Arbor Stage
South American Music
Lead musician Daniel Martinez formed Jarana in 2009 to bring versatility and creative energy to the music scene. Pronounced HAH-RAH-nah, the word “jarana” is both a noun and a verb, referring to a lively social gathering where people of all ages come together in a public space to enjoy food, games, music, and dancing. True to its name, Jarana is a dynamic band known for its energetic, danceable sound that blends South American and Mexican folk traditions with Latin dance rhythms and Mediterranean influences such as Flamenco, Rumba, and Salsa. The group features authentic, traditional instruments and is made up of talented musicians from Peru, Mexico, Cuba, and the United States.
Mariachi Rey Azteca | 6 pm | Arbor Stage
Mariachi Music
Mariachi Rey Azteca was established in 2014 and is made up of talented musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds who share a deep passion for music and performance. By blending authentic mariachi traditions with fresh influences and modern creativity, Mariachi Rey Azteca delivers a unique musical experience that honors the rich heritage of mariachi while introducing exciting new sounds. Dedicated to excellence, professionalism, and cultural celebration, Mariachi Rey Azteca brings energy, emotion, and unforgettable entertainment to every event, creating lasting memories for audiences of all ages.
Leo Lonnie Orchestra Polka Band | 7 pm | Stuhr Stage
Polka Music
The Leo Lonnie Orchestra from Brainard NE are now in their 35th year! The group started back in 1991 with their first dance job at the Oak Ballroom in Schuyler NE. The name Leo Lonnie comes from a father/son team. Leo & Lonnie Piitz. Leo Piitz on drums and Lonnie Piitz on lead saxophone/clarinet. Lot’s of things have changed over the 35 years. Leo played on the band for 18 years till he retired due to health reasons. Then his passing in 2014. With changes in music arrangements and from changes in musicians over the years, Lonnie has been continuing these 35 years with the same principal since the beginning: provide top quality music for listening and dancing. The Leo Lonnie Orchestra has several size groups to fit any needs. The sounds of the Leo Lonnie groups are not just known to Nebraska. But to Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, South & North Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, & Ohio. The Leo Lonnie groups vary from providing polka and waltz music to also big band music too! On the bigger groups, Lonnie’s two daughters Suzie and Syliva, join the band to provide that professional sound. The Leo Lonnie Groups are truly “A Musical Treat For Dancing Feet!
This performance is brought to you by the Grand Island Concert Association. Thank you for your support!
Killer Tofu | 8 pm | Arbor Stage
90s Cover Band
Bringing back the best of the 90s, from grunge to guilty pleasures, all over Omaha and the surrounding scene. Loud, nostalgic, and proof that the 90s never really left.
FAQs
What are the hours on July 4?
Stuhr Museum will open at 9 am for the 250th Celebration Soccer Tournament. Museum exhibits and select daily activities in Railroad Town will be available all day long, however festival activities do not begin until 2 pm. See the schedule for more details.
Is there an admission fee?
Public admission to the United We Celebrate Festival is $2.50 per person ages 5 & up as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday! Stuhr Museum and Hastings Museum members receive free admission through their membership.
Beginning at 8:00 pm, entry to the festival grounds is also free for guests attending the community fireworks show.
Do I need to bring cash?
While most vendors will accept cards, some may take cash only.
Please note, there is NOT an ATM available on grounds.
Where can I park?
Parking is available on Stuhr Museum grounds; however, it will operate differently than a typical museum visit. Guests may park in designated areas around the Stuhr Building or in the large festival parking lot. Please follow all posted signage and directions from traffic control personnel to ensure safe and efficient parking throughout the event.
Public parking is permitted only in designated areas. Volunteer, performer, media, and staff parking areas are restricted and not available to the general public. Handicap parking will be located in front of the Stuhr Building and also in the parking lot near the cabins (ask at the road block for access to this lot).
Shuttles will be available to assist with transportation across the museum grounds for added convenience.
Vehicles parked in restricted or unsafe areas may be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
Will you have shuttles?
Yes, shuttles will be available to help transport visitors across the museum grounds. Shuttles will run continuously througout the festival. Look for the blue and yellow shuttle stop flags to hitch a ride!
Thank you to Husker Harvest Days for their donation of two shuttles to assist with visitor transportation at Stuhr Museum!
Can I bring my own fireworks?
No. Personal fireworks are strictly prohibited anywhere on the museum grounds. This includes any and all novelty and trick noisemakers (i.e. snappers, poppers, snakes, glow worms, smoke bombs, sparklers, etc), ground-based pyrotechnics (i.e. fountains, ground spinners, crackling devices, firecrackers, etc), and aerial fireworks of any kind.
The community fireworks show provided by the Grand Island Fireworks Celebration is professionally-run and the only fireworks allowed.
What items are prohibited?
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, the following items are not allowed:
- Personal fireworks
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcohol or illegal substances
- Personal drones
- Open flames or grills
Can I bring my dog?
Only service animals will be permitted on Stuhr Museum grounds during the festival and fireworks.
Will food be available?
Yes! We will have food trucks located at the south end of Railroad Town and the Silver Dollar Cafe located on Front Street in Railroad Town will also be open.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to the festival. Please leave coolers in your vehicle.
Where is first-aid located?
We will have two first-aid locations during the festival, located at the north end of Railroad Town and near the Church.
Minor first-aid (i.e. a bandaid for a scrape) may also be administered at the Command Center, Stuhr Building, or Fonner Rotunda.
Is seating provided for the festival?
Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on as seating is limited.
What time should I arrive for the fireworks?
Those wishing only to attend the fireworks show can arrive anytime after 8 pm for free entry. There will be live music leading up to the community fireworks show for your enjoyment.
We encourage guests to give themselves plenty of time to allow for parking and to find a spot to watch the fireworks. The best viewing on the museum grounds will be located in the large field near the Arbor (bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the show!)
Vehicles parked in restricted or unsafe areas may be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
If viewing the fireworks off-site, please ensure you park only in designated or lawful parking areas. Do not block roadways, driveways, or access points, and do not park along highways or on private property without permission. These areas must remain clear at all times to allow safe passage for emergency vehicles and local traffic.
What happens if there is inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, festival activities and the fireworks show may be delayed or adjusted for safety. Any necessary updates or cancellations will be shared through official Stuhr Museum and Grand Island Fireworks Celebration communication channels and through local news media outlets as appropriate.
Will there be traffic delays following the fireworks?
Most likely, yes. Please follow our post-fireworks traffic flow plan to allow for the most efficient and safe exit for all guests.
*Post-Fireworks Traffic Flow*
Following the fireworks show, all traffic will be outgoing only to help ensure a safe and efficient exit for all guests.
*Right turns will follow the normal museum exit route
*Left turns must exit using the entrance lane
We will move vehicles out as efficiently as possible, but guests should plan for some delay. Please follow directions from event staff and law enforcement to ensure a safe and efficient exit.
Volunteer Sign-Up
Volunteers
Volunteers help make this community celebration possible, and we’re excited to have you be part of this historic event! Most volunteer shifts will be two hours long, beginning at 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 pm. The last shift will be for parking and traffic assistance, starting at 8:00 pm and lasting until the fireworks show is over. We ask that volunteers arrive approximately 15 minutes early in order to get to their volunteer location. We will communicate additional information to volunteers closer to the date of the festival. As a thank you, volunteers will receive:
- A volunteer t-shirt courtesy of Grand Island Tourism
- Free admission to the festival
- And the opportunity to be part of an unforgettable community celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday!
For more information about volunteering, please contact us at (308) 385-5316 or e-mail info@stuhrmuseum.org.