As Nevada’s capital city and a patriotic town with a lot of veterans, Carson City has always gone big for the Fourth of July. With this year being America’s 250th birthday, it’s going to be an even bigger celebration than usual. There’s no shortage of America 250 events in the lineup from morning till night.
Liberty Bell Ceremony
July 4, 10 a.m.
The day’s festivities start off at the Nevada State Museum at around 10 a.m. (right before the Freedom Cruise). The Sons of the American Revolution will post the colors, read from the Declaration of Independence and ring the Liberty Bell. After the ceremony, members of the public will be free to ring the Liberty Bell themselves in honor of family patriots and America’s founding.
Freedom Cruise 250
July 4, 11 a.m.
At 11 a.m. the Freedom Cruise 250 kicks into gear, starting off at the Arlington Parking Lot (500 N. Carson Street) and making its way through downtown Carson City. The streets are sure to be lined with chairs for people hoping to get the best views, so it’s a good idea to set up shop early if you want to sit down for a front-row experience.
Led by the Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell, this is more than just a procession of cars, it’s a patriotic vehicle decoration competition. And because Nevada is a classic car lovers’ paradise — Reno hosts Hot August Nights every year and the state offers incentives to keep classic vehicles on the road — you’ll be sure to see lots of elegant and eclectic hot rods dressed up in American flags and Americana garb.
Star-Spangled Steam-up
July 3 to 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum is putting on its multi-day Star-Spangled Steam-up, from July 3 through 5, in which historic train rides run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This gives you plenty of time to hop aboard one of the three historic locomotives that will be available after the Freedom Cruise 250. The event will also feature live music, food vendors and educational activities — all making the Nevada State Museum the place to be for the early afternoon in Carson.
Soapbox Derby
July 4, 2 p.m.
Kids will take center stage in their own vehicle competition, without the aid of internal combustion! At 2 p.m., down at the Galaxy Theater parking lot, the youth Soapbox Derby competition is taking place. And no, these aren’t hand-sized cars for Lego characters to sit in — this is a real competition of small, wooden vehicles that kids will ride in down the road. It will be thrilling to watch kids ages 6 to 13 see who can go the fastest in this gravity-powered clash of creativity and fun.
Mills Park & Fireworks
July 4, 9:30 p.m.
The day isn’t done yet. Everyone’s favorite July4 pastime — fireworks — still remains, and they are planned at Mills Park around 9:30 p.m. The parking lots at Mills Park and the Community Center are the best to find a spot close by, but they fill up early so it’s great to get there well in advance. Before the event, you can enjoy the serenity of Mills Park in the summer weather and visit the food vendors that set up there. And there’s good chance carnival rides will be running on the Fourth as well.
Once nighttime finally sets in, the fireworks shoot off. This year being America’s 250th birthday, they are sure to be extraordinary and an excellent way to cap off an amazing celebration of America’s founding.
Cheers to a great Independence Day in Carson City!
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
