Independence Day at Mount Rushmore

 

Visitors help lift and fold the American flag on Independence Day.

NPS / A. Rimstidt

Mount Rushmore National Memorial will have a robust schedule of special events July 2-4 to commemorate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

On July 2 and July 4, special events in the park will include military concerts. No reservations or tickets are required on July 2 and 4.

On July 3, 2026, tickets are required to attend the day’s festivities that include a fireworks display in partnership with the State of South Dakota. A public lottery for tickets was held in early April. The park will open for ticket holders at 1 pm. Additional information is provided on the ticket regarding the event and associated logistics.

All times listed are in mountain time.

July 2-4 Events

No reservations are needed for July 2 or July 4 activities.

On July 2, the Memorial grounds will open at 5 am. Starting at 9 am, a full day of interpretive programming will conclude with a patriotic musical performance by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band.

On July 3, the Memorial grounds will be closed to the general public. It will open at 1 pm for ticketed guests only. Events in the park will take place from approximately 4-10 pm.

On July 4, the Memorial grounds will open at 5 am. Starting at 9 am, a full day of special events will include presidential reenactors, Indigenous demonstrations, and a performance by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band starting at 7 pm.

 

July 3 Fireworks Information for Ticket Holders

Tickets are required for the July 3 events. A public lottery for tickets was held in early April. The park will be closed to general visitation effective 11 pm on July 2 and will reopen for ticketed participants only the afternoon of July 3.

Event Details and FAQs

When will lottery applicants be notified of the results?

Applicants received lottery results via email on April 14. Successful notices included additional details and instructions for attendees. All event details are subject to change with little notice.

How do I get a ticket?

The ticket lottery closed on April 12.

How does the lottery on Recreation.gov work?

The Recreation.gov lottery process is based on a fair and randomized distribution system to ensure equal access to this special event. Everyone who submitted a lottery application has the same chance of securing a ticket.

Are the tickets reserved seating?

Seating will be available on a first-come-first-served basis within the developed area of the memorial. Ticket holders can enter the park beginning at 1 pm. The special events are currently scheduled to begin at 4 pm and conclude around 10 pm.

Is parking available?

Each ticket, for a group of up to four people, will include one parking space within the memorial or shuttle access to the event from Rapid City. Tickets were assigned at random with either parking garage or shuttle options.

How do I get to the shuttle location?

Shuttle ticket recipients will receive an email with detailed instructions.

Are there prohibited items?

Please view the ticket for a list of prohibited items.

Is there a rain date for the fireworks display?

No.

Is there another place to view the programming at the event if I don’t have a ticket?

Not at the memorial. We recommend visiting Travel South Dakota for more information regarding watch parties, livestreaming, and broadcast viewing opportunities.

How is the park addressing concerns about fire risk, wildlife, water, and other environmental impacts related to the July 3 fireworks event?

The National Park Service is working with fire specialists, other subject matter experts, and partner agencies to plan for the event and to make sure the park and its resources are protected. For more information visit this page: ParkPlanning - SUP 2026 Independence Day Holiday Fireworks Event.