Celebrate the 4th of July by the Bays in Escanaba and Gladstone
There is something special about celebrating Independence Day on the shores of Little Bay de Noc. Around the Bays de Noc, the 4th of July brings together small-town parades, waterfront parks, live music, food vendors, family activities and fireworks over the water.
In 2026, visitors can make a full day of it with celebrations planned in both Gladstone and Escanaba on Saturday, July 4. Whether you are here for the weekend, staying with family, camping by the bay, or planning a summer getaway, the 4th of July is a great time to experience the energy of Delta County.
Gladstone 4th of July Celebration
Gladstone’s celebration is one of the area’s signature summer traditions, centered around downtown Gladstone, Van Cleve Park, the lagoon, and the waterfront.
The day includes the iconic Gladstone Independence Day Parade, followed by a full afternoon and evening of activities near the ballfield and Van Cleve Park. Families can enjoy bounce houses, obstacle courses, bubble soccer, balloons, a dunk tank, food vendors and live music throughout the day.
One of the highlights is the return of KRICK Log Rolling in the lagoon. Bleachers are expected to be set up for front-row viewing, giving visitors a great look at this fast-moving and uniquely northern competition. The 2026 US Log Rolling Open is also scheduled to take place at Van Cleve Park, with professional log rolling and boom running bringing even more excitement to the waterfront.
Gladstone’s celebration wraps up with fireworks launched from the Gladstone Pier at dusk.
Escanaba 4th of July Celebration
Escanaba’s 4th of July celebration takes place at Ludington Park and the Escanaba Municipal Marina, one of the most scenic waterfront settings in the Upper Peninsula.
The 2026 celebration is currently scheduled to include a car show, a polka band from 5 to 8 p.m., the City Band at 8:30 p.m., demonstrations including Jaws of Life and K9 demonstrations, food vendors, tent vendors, and fireworks at dusk.
Ludington Park is an ideal place to spend the day. Visitors can walk the waterfront, enjoy the playgrounds and open green space, bring lawn chairs or a blanket, and settle in for an evening along Little Bay de Noc before the fireworks begin.
Make It a 4th of July Weekend
Even when the main celebrations land on the same day, Escanaba and Gladstone together give visitors plenty of ways to build a full holiday weekend. Spend part of the day watching the parade and log rolling in Gladstone, enjoy time at Van Cleve Park or Gladstone Beach, then explore Escanaba’s waterfront, restaurants, shops, marina and Ludington Park.
Between the two communities, visitors will find classic small-town Independence Day fun with a waterfront backdrop: live music, food, family activities, cars, demonstrations, log rolling and fireworks over the bay.
Plan Your Visit
The 4th of July is a popular time to visit the Bays de Noc, so visitors are encouraged to book lodging early, bring lawn chairs or blankets for viewing fireworks and allow extra time for parking and walking between activities.
From morning parades to fireworks at dusk, the 4th of July by the Bays is a summer tradition worth planning a trip around.