America's 250th Birthday
until Red, White & Boom 2026
New for 2026
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Red, White & Boom is marking the milestone with something Bismarck has never seen before – a fully synchronized drone light show, fireworks display, and live performance from the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, all woven into one unified show.
The drone light show will be provided by Sky Elements, a national leader in drone entertainment. Paired with new, upgraded fireworks technology from local vendor J&J Fireworks and the BMSO’s 32nd annual Independence Day concert, the grand finale will deliver a show unlike anything the region has experienced.
Find your way around MDU Resources Community Bowl, from parking to fun zones and food trucks.
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Bismarck's signature Independence Day celebration – completely free and open to the public. No tickets. No registration. Just bring your family, your friends, and your favorite lawn chair and join your neighbors for an unforgettable evening celebrating America's 250th birthday.
For the first time ever in the region, a drone light show, upgraded fireworks from J&J Fireworks, and the BMSO's performance will create a breathtaking grand finale. Music is synchronized to the displays.
The celebration kicks off early with a reimagined, family-focused festival atmosphere. Expect hands-on activities, creative stations, lighthearted competitions, and more – all designed to get kids and families exploring, playing, and celebrating together.
Live music sets the tone all evening long. Savanah Benz and the Braveheart Band take the stage early, building to the main event – the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra's 32nd annual Independence Day concert. This year, the BMSO performance is synchronized with the drone light show and fireworks for an immersive grand finale.
Notice: Guests may see some construction on the west part inside the MDU Resources Communtiy Bowl. Thanks to the coordination and support of the City of Bismarck, Bismarck Public Schools, Bismarck State College, MDU Resources Group, and construction partners, the community will be able to gather safely and enjoy the celebration.
Here's how the evening unfolds — from gates open through the grand finale over the Missouri River skyline.
Gates Open
All activities open: food trucks, inflatables, games & crafts
Savanah Benz
Capital Credit Union Main Stage
Braveheart Band
Capital Credit Union Main Stage
National Anthem & Color Guard
Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra
America 250 program begins
Drone Show & Fireworks Finale
The night sky lights up to close out the celebration
Event Concludes
Guests safely exit the event
Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Eats & Drinks
Presented by Bismarck State College
This year's celebration features an expanded lineup of food and drink vendors serving up everything from barbecue staples to sweet treats and refreshing beverages.
Chuggs Coffee
Dee's Donuts LLC
Everyday's Sundae
FOMO 10-40 Creamery
Good Way Foods
JOMO House
Momma J's
Moshi Taiyaki
Norm's Catering
PICKaBOB Grill & BBQ
Smooch Smooch Lemonade
Soda Drop
Starry Sweets
The Hotdog Peddler
Concessions inside the MDU Resources Community Bowl will also be open. Soda, water, and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Complimentary water is available thanks to ABC Boat Docks while supplies last.
Thank You
Red, White & Boom is made possible by the generous support of local businesses and organizations that believe in bringing our community together.
Title Sponsor
Presenting Partners
Community Supporters
Community Partners
Community Donations
Interested in supporting Bismarck's biggest celebration?
Become a PartnerQuestions?
Everything you need to know before you head out for Bismarck's biggest night of the summer. Have a question we didn't cover? Reach out anytime.
The Basics
Yes — completely free and open to the public. There are no tickets to buy and no registration required. Just bring your family, your friends, and your favorite lawn chair and join your neighbors for the evening.
Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the MDU Resources Community Bowl, 1701 Canary Ave., Bismarck, on the west end of the Bismarck State College campus overlooking the Missouri River. Gates open at 6:00 PM and the night wraps up around 11:05 PM.
Nope. No tickets, no registration, no entry fee. Simply show up and celebrate.
Gates open at 6:00 PM, and we'd encourage arriving early to find parking, grab food, and let the kids enjoy the games and activities before the sun goes down. The finale begin around 10:15 PM, after dark. Arriving earlier means an easier time getting in and a better pick of viewing spots.
Getting There & Parking
Free parking is available in the lots around the Bismarck State College campus and the MDU Resources Community Bowl. Because of ongoing construction near the Bowl, additional campus lots will be opened to handle event traffic. Please follow event signage and the directions of parking staff, and plan for extra time to get in and out around peak arrival and departure.
Yes. The MDU Resources Community Bowl offers accessible seating and restroom facilities, and accessible parking is available on a first-come basis. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please reach out to us ahead of the event so we can help you plan.
At the Event
The drone show and fireworks are designed to be enjoyed from across the venue. Many guests spread out on Bavendick Field adjacent to the Bowl, and additional viewing screens are positioned throughout the grounds — including the Bowl's main video board — so you'll have a great view of the finale and symphony performance from wherever you settle in.
Absolutely — bring lawn chairs, blankets, and whatever makes your group comfortable for an evening on the grass. Seating is general admission and open, so claim your spot and get settled before the symphony and finale.
Live music starts at 6:10 PM on the Capital Credit Union Main Stage with Savanah Benz, followed by the Braveheart Band at 7:30 PM. The Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra's 32nd annual Independence Day concert and America 250 program begins at 9:35 PM, leading into the drone show and fireworks finale around 10:15 PM. Check the full Event Schedule above for the run of the evening — it's tentative and subject to change.
Completely. The early evening is built around families, with interactive inflatables, games, creative stations, and hands-on activities for all ages. It's a patriotic, family-first atmosphere from gates open through the grand finale.
Guests may notice some construction on the west part inside the MDU Resources Community Bowl. Thanks to the coordination and support of the City of Bismarck, Bismarck Public Schools, Bismarck State College, MDU Resources Group, and our construction partners, the community will be able to gather safely and enjoy the celebration. Please follow all posted signage and staff guidance on event day.
Food & Drinks
Yes — an expanded lineup of food and drink vendors will be serving everything from barbecue to sweet treats and refreshing beverages, and concessions inside the MDU Resources Community Bowl will also be open. Soda, water, and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Complimentary water is available thanks to ABC Boat Docks while supplies last. See the full Eats & Drinks lineup above.
You're welcome to bring snacks, a small cooler, and non-alcoholic drinks for your group. Outside alcohol is not permitted — alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase on-site. We'd also encourage you to support our food and drink vendors while you're here.
Yes, alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Guests must be 21 or older with a valid ID to purchase, and outside alcohol is not allowed. Please celebrate responsibly and have a safe ride home planned.
Good to Know
The celebration goes on rain or shine. That said, the drone show in particular can be sensitive to high winds and storms, so timing may shift or elements may be adjusted for safety. Any weather-related changes will be announced on our Facebook page and website, so check there before you head out if conditions look uncertain.
No. For the safety of everyone in attendance, personal fireworks, sparklers, and other pyrotechnics are not permitted on the grounds. Sit back and enjoy the professional fireworks finale from J&J Fireworks instead.
Service animals are always welcome. For their comfort and safety, we recommend leaving other pets at home — large crowds and the noise from the fireworks finale can be stressful for animals.
Follow along on our Facebook page for the latest updates, and join the Insider List to be first to know. For anything else, email info@funatixevents.com or call (701) 877-4386.
Still have a question?
Get in TouchA Community Effort
Red, White & Boom isn't put on by any one organization — it's a true community collaboration. The celebration is shaped by a committee of leaders and stakeholders from across the region, all working together to bring Bismarck a free, unforgettable Fourth of July.
We're grateful to the partners who lend their time, talent, and resources to make this night possible:
