Experience the ultimate July 4th
Celebration in Clear Lake!
JULY 1-6, 2026
PARADE
CARNIVAL
LIVE MUSIC
Celebrating American Independence
There’s no place like Clear Lake for the Fourth of July! Our celebration kicks off with the Evans United Shows Carnival, a Clear Lake tradition since 1973. Dozens of lighted and musical carnival rides, concessions, and games surround City Park in downtown, with breathtaking views of the lake. Enjoy popular rides like the Ferris Wheel, Genesis, and the Carousel, or grab a bite from food stands offering corn dogs, tenderloins, freshly squeezed lemonade, caramel apples, and funnel cakes. Midway games like ring toss, dart games, and basketball hoops offer fun prizes for everyone!
The traditional parade is led by the Boy Scouts, Veterans, the Mayor, the Grand Marshal, and our classic Clear Lake Police Cruiser and Fire Department. Over 100 colorful floats follow, with live music from the Clear Lake Lions Marching Band. Kids decked out in red, white, and blue line the mile-and-a-half parade route along Main Avenue and downtown, collecting candy and trinkets tossed from the floats.
Take a stroll through the open-air vendor market by the lake, where you’ll find a variety of unique items including jewelry, crafts, garden art, custom t-shirts, and handcrafted woodworking. It’s the perfect spot to shop for something special while enjoying the festivities.
Don’t forget to stop by the Chamber BINGO tent, where you can join in on the fun and try your luck for cash prizes!
The grand finale is the Flashing Thunder Fireworks show over Clear Lake. A longstanding tradition, the fireworks display gets better every year, lighting up the sky as people watch from the shore or their boats. It’s a spectacular, all-American experience you won’t want to miss!
Join the Fun:
July 4th Parade
Celebrate Clear Lake’s patriotic spirit at the July 4th Parade, kicking off at 10 AM on July 4th. This year’s theme honors unity and pride, with colorful floats, marching bands, and hometown heroes filling the streets. Want to join in the fun? Sign up to be part of the parade!
Parade Viewing Reminder: Spot Saving Ordinance
It is illegal to reserve or claim a viewing space on public property before 5 a.m. on July 4. Public property includes sidewalks, streets, and the grassy areas between them. Any chairs, blankets, or other items placed before 5 a.m. will be removed by city officials.
Chamber BINGO
We’re looking for volunteers to help with BINGO throughout the July 4th Celebration. Whether it’s your dream to be a BINGO caller or the one who takes the cash, we need your help! Sign up today and be part of the fun.
Lakeside Vendor Market
Join us for the Clear Lake 4th of July Lakeside Vendor Market, running throughout the Celebration in Downtown Clear Lake next to City Park. From handmade goods to unique finds, it’s the perfect place to showcase your products. Food vendors must contract directly with Evans United Shows.
Freedom 5K & Kid’s Fun
The Freedom 5K kicks off at 7:30 AM on July 4th on Main Avenue, with medals awarded by age group. Younger runners can join the CL Tel Kids Fun Run at 7 AM for a ½-mile dash, complete with medals, wristbands, and popsicles. Register before the early-bird deadline to guarantee a race t shirt!
Experience the ultimate July 4th Celebration in Clear Lake!
Schedule of Events:
Wednesday, July 1
5 – 9 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
5 PM: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens
5 PM: Chamber BINGO Tent opens
7 PM: Live Music: Arch Allies, America’s Premier Tribute Band featuring hits of Bon Jovi, Queen, Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Boston, Def Leppard, and Cheap Trick.
Thursday, July 2
11 AM – 9 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
NOON: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens (Wristband Day: 12–5 PM)
NOON: Chamber BINGO Tent opens
7 PM: Live Music: County Line Drive (country)
Friday, July 3
11 AM – 9 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
NOON: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens
NOON: Chamber BINGO Tent opens
7 PM: Live Music: Elton & Billy – The Tribute!
Saturday, July 4
7 AM: CL Tel Kid’s Fun Run / 7:30 AM: Freedom 5K
10 AM: 4th of July Parade (View Parade Route) Parade Entry Form
11 AM–9 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
NOON: Evans United Shows Carnival Opens
1 PM: Chamber BINGO Tent opens
8:30–10 PM: Live Music: Clear Lake Municipal Band – Presented by Larson’s Mercantile
10 PM: Flashing Thunder Fireworks over Clear Lake (Musical Tribute on 106.1FM, AM1490, & AM1300)
Sunday, July 5
11 AM – 9 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
NOON: Evans United Shows Carnival opens (Wristband Day: 12–5 PM)
NOON: Chamber BINGO Tent opens
1 PM: Family Fun Day
2:30 PM: Waterhawks Ski Show at City Beach, Presented by Clear Lake Bank & Trust
5 PM: Live Music: Zachary Freedom Band, Presented by Bash at the Lake
Monday, July 6
11 AM – 5 PM: Lakeside Vendor Market
NOON: Evans United Shows Carnival opens (Wristband Day: 12–5 PM)
NOON: Chamber BINGO Tent opens
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