Two hundred fifty years ago this July 4th, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, dissolving the political bonds that tied the colonies to Great Britain, and asserting the foundational right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Lexington, of course, kicked off the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations in April 2025, with the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. But the festivities continue.
Here’s how to celebrate this July 4 in Lexington.
For its 70th year, the Lexington Lions Club Carnival returns to town, running Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5. The community staple brings with it the usual mix of rides, games, food, and prizes – a summertime tradition that keeps families coming back year after year. Those looking to get more involved can sign up for volunteer roles, from guest greeting to staffing the hospitality tent.
Janet Perry, a board member of Lexington Lions Club, said the Carnival is their biggest fundraiser. “We try to advertise far and wide,” Perry said. “So that they [Lexington residents and former residents] feel like they can come back.”
With Massachusetts marking a major anniversary this year, Perry said the Lions Club is proud to be part of the milestone. “We feel like we’ve been part of the whole history since it’s our 70th anniversary,” said Perry.
The celebration wouldn’t be complete without fireworks. Kicking off weekend festivities, the Lexington Lions Club fireworks display scheduled for Thursday, July 2, 2026 will light up the Center Field Track Area.
On the morning of July 4th, the Lions Club sponsors Olde Fashioned Youth Games for elementary-age children beginning at 10am, featuring historical costumes, a 50-yard dash, a three-legged race, and more traditions that bring out the community’s most spirited young patriots.
Later that morning, steps from the Battle Green where the Revolution began, Lexington Alarm! is inviting the public to a community reading and signing of the Declaration outside the Visitor Center from 11am to 1pm.
Fran Ludwig, a member of the planning committee of Lexington Alarm!, said that the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration was not something that could go by without the opportunity for people to hear those famous words again. “We did do this last year and I felt that it was a very moving event,” said Ludwig.
“We had people line up and they sort of took turns to read,” Ludwig said. “I could see in the crowd people saying ‘Oh my gosh, I had forgotten that this is what we were about.’”
A similar opportunity will be available for attendees of this event, along with the invitation to add their signature to a copy of the original Declaration of Independence. While at this event, Lexington Alarm! will seize the occasion of a big crowd to give every voter who is able the opportunity to register to vote.
“That’s kind of our new focus because in November, that is going to be the most important election,” Ludwig said. “I think of our lifetime, really.”
The day closes with an evening to remember. At 7 pm, you can attend a dramatic presentation at The Depot produced by Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. The show explores how local towns first received and reacted to the Declaration, with costumed reenactors bringing the words to life and narration by former State Representative Jay Kaufman. To round off the night, there will be a performance by the Lexington Historical Society Colonial Singers.