2026 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 2026 marks the 36th 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.
Join us for a morning of fun!
When: Saturday, July 4th, 2026 10am - 12pm
Where: Downtown Ann Arbor
Route: Due to construction downtown, the parade route beings at S State and E William St, running north on State, West on Liberty, South on 5th, East on William, and end at William and Thompson. Lineup will be on S. State, S. Maynard, and N. Maynard.
More details on road closures and parking to come!
For all questions, please reach out to parade@a2jaycees.org. Here are quick links to the Participant Form, Volunteer Form, and Sponsorship Packet. The last day to submit any of these forms is Friday, June 19, 2026.
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. Anyone can join in the fun and festivities!
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! Any required fees for other organizational groups are listed on our Registration Form below.
Sign up with our form here
Deadline for entries: Friday, June 19, 2026. 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.
Any questions? Feel free to reach out to us as: parade@a2jaycees.org
Volunteers
Help bring one of Ann Arbor’s favorite community events to life! We’re seeking volunteers to assist with this year’s 4th of July Parade and help create a fun, welcoming experience for everyone attending. Whether you’ve volunteered before or are joining for the first time, we’d love to have you on the team!
Volunteer Information
Meet At: Maynard St & E William St, downtown Ann Arbor
Time: 7:30 AM – approximately 2:00 PM
We do recommend getting downtown before 7am to avoid road closures
Refreshments and an event t-shirt provided!
Any questions? Feel free to reach out to us as: parade@a2jaycees.org. The last day to sign up is Friday, June 19, 2026.
Please note: Volunteers must be age 18 or older.
Community Partners
The Ann Arbor Jaycees 4th of July Parade brings thousands of residents and visitors downtown each year for one of the city’s most visible and well-loved community events.
As a sponsor, you or your organization demonstrate a commitment to community service, local leadership, and civic participation. Your support helps the Ann Arbor Jaycees continue organizing impactful programs that connect residents, support local families, and create opportunities for young professionals to grow as leaders.
The Ann Arbor Jaycees have a long history of community involvement and leadership development through volunteer-driven projects and events. From large public events to service initiatives benefiting local nonprofits and families, the organization creates meaningful opportunities for members to build skills while making a positive difference.
We invite you or your business to partner with us in supporting a stronger, more connected Ann Arbor community.
View our Sponsorship Packet or email parade@a2jaycees.org. The last day to be considered for the Ann Arbor Jaycees 4th of July Parade is Friday, June 19, 2026 so we can prepare marketing materials. If you still have interest in partnering with the Jaycees though, please don’t hesitate to reach out, and we can discuss other opportunities!
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 200 Liberty Street in front of the post office. Compete or come watch competitors face off in three different 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: With inspiration from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, up to 20 competitors have 76 seconds to finish four hot dogs before beginning the race!
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/
A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors
