Independence Day at Mount Rushmore

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.