2025 Fourth of July Parade

Get ready for an unforgettable Fourth of July experience right in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor! Join us for the city's annual Independence Day celebration, hosted by the Ann Arbor Jaycees, where the streets come alive with excitement, community spirit, and fun for all ages.

Expect to see everything from creative floats designed by local businesses to community organizations showing their spirit and pride. Kids will love the marching bands, dance troupes, and costumed characters. Local schools, sports teams, and civic groups also join in, making the parade a true reflection of Ann Arbor’s vibrant, diverse community.

The Ann Arbor Jaycees plan the Parade every year, and 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of this long-standing tradition. In 1991, Ann Arbor hosted the first Fourth of July Parade in coordination with the City of Ann Arbor and community leaders. In 1993, the City of Ann Arbor approached the Jaycees and asked them to take over the planning of the Annual 4th of July Parade. The rest is history.

When: Friday, July 4th, 2025 10am - 12pm

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

The parade route starts at E. William St. and N. University Ave, running north on State, West on Liberty, South on Main, East on William and ending south on Thompson. Line up will be down N. University Ave. 

For all questions, please reach out to parade@a2jaycees.org.

Firecracker 5k

Calling all EARLY BIRDS to the starting lines - Once again, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Epic Races in bringing you a spectacular morning of competition, honor, and sportsmanship. The race will kick off at 8:00am, beginning on Liberty Street in front of the post office. This year, Epic Races is holding multiple events for their Folds of Honor Firecracker 5k with 3 separate Divisions:

☆ Rucking Division: Carry a weighted rucksack or backpack - competitive and “just for fun”

☆ The Flag Carrying Division: Run or walk proudly bearing a mounted 3 x 5 American flag from start to finish.

☆ Hot Dog Eating Division:  Starring 4 hot dogs, 76 seconds, and 1 race. Competitors engage in a fast-paced hot dog eating contest before the 5k.

Stick around for the parade at 10am, and you may be able to catch of glimpse of these winners celebrating their victory! To learn more or to signup in the race, check out the Epic Races website here: https://www.annarborfirecracker5k.com/

Participants

We invite all individuals, local businesses, organizations, and community groups to participate in this year’s Fourth of July Parade in Downtown Ann Arbor! Whether you’re decorating a float, marching with a group, or simply showing your support, joining the parade is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate our community and our country.

Interested in walking in the parade? Make sure to sign up here with our Parade Registration form to ensure you have a slot in the parade. Citizens, public schools, non-profits walk for FREE!

Sign up with our form here.

Deadline for entries: Friday, June 20, 2025. Entries beyond this date are not guaranteed to be accepted. The parade packet containing information regarding lineup will be shared the week prior to the parade.

Partner with Us

The Ann Arbor Jaycees are a non-profit organization run by volunteers, and sponsorship helps make community events such as the Fourth of July Parade possible. If you are interested in donating and having your business or group recognized in the Parade, check out our sponsorship details below. To become a Sponsor, please complete the form below and email to: parade@a2jaycees.org