Celebrate America’s 250th at the City of Dublin’s Independence Day Celebration
(Dublin, Ohio) — The City of Dublin invites the community to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a full day of patriotic traditions, family-friendly activities and live entertainment during its annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4.
From the beloved Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby and America 250-themed parade to an evening concert featuring The Wallflowers and a spectacular fireworks finale, the celebration honors the nation’s milestone anniversary while bringing the community together.
The City is committed to making the celebration welcoming and accessible for everyone. Accessible parking, a designated parade viewing area, Dublin Connector transportation and other accommodations will help ensure residents and visitors of all abilities can enjoy the festivities.
“America’s 250th birthday is an opportunity to celebrate the traditions that bring our community together,” said Director of Community Events Alison LeRoy. “Whether you’re casting a line at the Fishing Derby, waving at the parade or enjoying fireworks with family and friends, we look forward to welcoming everyone to another memorable Independence Day in Dublin.”
The celebration begins at 8 a.m. with the 39th Annual Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby at Avery Park Pond (7401 Avery Road).
At 11 a.m., the Independence Day Parade presented by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will travel through Downtown Dublin, featuring America 250-themed floats.
The Evening Celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. at Dublin Coffman High School. Adam Sanders will open for headliner The Wallflowers before the evening concludes with a fireworks spectacular at 9:50 p.m. To celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial, attendees will receive a commemorative challenge coin, while supplies last.
Leading this year’s celebration as Grand Marshal is John Witt, a longtime educator at Dublin Scioto High School whose decades of service have positively impacted generations of Dublin students.
The City of Dublin is also seeking volunteers ages 14 and older to assist with the parade and Evening Celebration. Applications are available online.
Parade Traffic Impacts
From 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the following closures will be in effect with detours posted:
- Exit 17A off of I-270
- S.R. 161 between Exit 17A southbound exit and the Riverside Drive roundabout
- Riverside Drive from S.R. 161 to John Shields Parkway
Additional closures are expected. Visit the traffic impacts page at DublinOhioUSA.gov for more information.
Evening Celebration Traffic Impacts
A portion of Emerald Parkway will be closed between 9:30 and 11 p.m. before and after the fireworks show. Attendees who park in one of the surrounding public parking lots should follow the designated exit routes after the event.
Schedule of Events at a Glance
8 a.m. | Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby
Location: Avery Park Pond (corner of Wynford Drive and Avery Road)
11 a.m. | Independence Day Parade presented by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Location: From Metro Center to Historic Dublin
4:30 p.m. | Evening Celebration & Fireworks
Location: Dublin Coffman High School, 6780 Coffman Road
- 4:30 p.m. – Gates Open
- 4:45 p.m. – Largemouth Brass Band
- 6:15 p.m. – Adam Sanders
- 8:10 p.m. – The Wallflowers
- 9:50 p.m. – Fireworks
Stadium Wristband Sales
Dublin residents and Dublin City Schools district residents may purchase Stadium Wristbands (bleacher seating) for $5 from June 14-30. Wristbands may be purchased online or at the DCRC.
If wristbands do not sell out during priority access, sales will open to the general public on Wednesday, July 1. Beginning July 1, all wristbands will be $10 each, regardless of residency, and may be purchased online or at the Dublin Community Recreation Center through noon July 4.
After 12 p.m. July 4, wristbands will continue to be available for purchase online and at the Evening Celebration for $10 each, while supplies last.
Kids Zone Wristbands
Kids Zone wristbands provide unlimited access to inflatable attractions from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. and are recommended for children ages 2 to 11. Kids Zone wristbands are separate from Stadium Wristbands and do not include admission to the stadium.
Dublin residents and Dublin City Schools district residents may purchase Kids Zone wristbands for $7 from June 14-30. Wristbands may be purchased online or at the Dublin Community Recreation Center (DCRC).
If wristbands do not sell out during priority access, sales will open to the general public on Wednesday, July 1. Beginning July 1, all Kids Zone wristbands will be $10 each, regardless of residency, and may be purchased online or at the DCRC through July 3. If wristbands remain, they will be available for purchase onsite at Dublin Coffman High School beginning at 3 p.m. on July 4, while supplies last.
Evening Celebration General Information
Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought into the stadium. Security personnel will check coolers and bags upon entry. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be sold at the event.
Prohibited Items: All bags will be checked upon entry. Items and activities not permitted inside of the stadium include alcohol, beach umbrellas, drones, fireworks of any kind including sparklers and candles, glass bottles, glitter and confetti, grills, gum, knives, pets (except service animals), smoking (including e-cigarettes), tents and tarps, rollerblades, bikes, skateboards, scooters and the solicitation or distribution of promotional items.
Accessibility Information
Parade
Accessible parking for the parade is available on a first‑come, first‑served basis at Sells Middle School, 150 W. Bridge St. To access the parking lot, please plan to arrive by 10:15 a.m., as road closures will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m.
A designated viewing area for senior citizens and guests with disabilities is in front of Mr. Tire at 218 West Bridge St.
Additionally, the Dublin Connector bus will operate special hours for the 2026 Independence Day Parade. Residents age 55 and older and individuals with disabilities can call 833.742.7333 to schedule a ride. One caregiver may accompany the rider and must be included in the reservation. Drop-off at Sells Middle School (near the designated viewing area) will take place between 10:15 and 10:30 a.m., with return service beginning after the parade concludes at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Evening Celebration
Accessible parking for the Evening Celebration is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Dublin Coffman High School stadium parking lot for vehicles displaying a valid accessible parking placard.
Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the southeast corner of the main stadium stands. Guests using wheelchairs are encouraged to enter through Gate 2, where a ramp provides access to the seating area.
The City also offers complimentary admission for one caregiver assisting a guest with a disability. Caregiver tickets are available at the Gate 2 ticket sales tent when accompanying a guest with a paid admission ticket.
A designated drop-off and pick-up area is located in the north parking lot. Due to post-event traffic patterns, pick-up service may be delayed until after 11 p.m.
A limited number of sensory bags are available for checkout at the Gate 2 ticket sales tent on a first-come, first-served basis. Trained service animals are welcome. Additional accessibility information, including restrooms and guest amenities, is available at DublinOhioUSA.gov.
About the City of Dublin, Ohio, USA
Dublin is a city of around 50,000 residents located just northwest of Columbus, Ohio. It offers residents and corporate citizens responsive services, attractive housing, superior public education, direct regional highway access, abundant park space, thoughtful and strategic planning, innovative ideas and technology and a dynamic community life. Dublin is ranked the number one small city in Ohio and is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in the nation. It is home to more than 20 corporate headquarters, an entrepreneurial center, 4,300+ businesses, world-class events and the urban, walkable Bridge Street District. For more information, visit DublinOhioUSA.gov or call 614.410.4400.
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Media Contact:
Shirley Blaine
Multimedia Communications Strategist
614.230.4683 — Cell
614.410.4523 — Desk
sblaine@dublin.oh.us
Newsroom: https://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/
