Mandan, ND — With exactly four months until Independence Day, the City of Mandan is officially launching the countdown to what is expected to be one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in North Dakota as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
 

The Mandan Progress Organization (MPO) / Visit Mandan in partnership with Mandan Rodeo Days and the City of Mandan, is expanding several of Mandan’s long-standing traditions while introducing new experiences for the historic America 250 celebration. The multi-day event lineup will feature the Mandan Rodeo, Art in the Park Festival, the Mandan Independence Day Parade, the Mandan 4th of July 5K Road Race, and a brand-new signature event — the Prairie Pyro-Musical.
 

“This celebration only happens once in a generation,” said Matt Schanandore, Executive Director of the Mandan Progress Organization. “With four months to go, we’re inviting the entire community and visitors from across the region to start planning their trip to Mandan to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary together.”
 

One of the biggest highlights to the 2026 celebrations will be the Prairie Pyro-Musical, scheduled for July 3, 2026 at 10:00 PM located north of the Mandan Middle School. The show is expected to be the largest fireworks display in North Dakota, synchronized to music for a fully choreographed patriotic performance.
 

The event will be produced in partnership with Pegasus Illuminations, the team behind Mandan’s world-record-setting “New Year, New Light” Pyro-Musical held on New Year’s Eve.
 

A centerpiece of the celebration will be the Mandan Independence Day Parade, presented by Eide Automotive Group, will commence on July 4 at 10:00 AM on Mandan’s Main Street. The 2026 parade theme, “Celebrate 250,” invites businesses, organizations, and community groups to showcase the story of America through patriotic floats, performances, and creative displays. Organizers are encouraging participants to go all out with fully decorated floats to mark this historic anniversary.
 

Another major highlight is the Mandan Rodeo, celebrating its 147th year from July 1–4 at Dale Pahlke Arena. Known as the oldest rodeo in North Dakota and one of the longest-running rodeos in the nation, the event will feature classic rodeo competitions including bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, and fan-favorite mutton bustin’.
 

Visitors will also enjoy the Art in the Park Festival at Dykshoorn Park, featuring food vendors, artists, craft vendors, and live entertainment at the park’s band shell. The festival will run July 3 from 9 AM to 7 PM and July 4 from 9 AM to 5 PM.
 

The celebration begins early on July 4 with the Mandan Independence Day 5K Road Race, starting at 8 AM, sending runners and walkers on Mandan’s historic Main St. ahead of the Independence Day Parade.
 

With four months until the celebration begins, organizers encourage parade entries, vendors, sponsors, and visitors to start making plans now.

Event schedules, parade registration, vendor applications, and additional information can be found at www.VisitMandan.com. You can also download the Mandan App for Android and Apple to stay up to date on all the “America 250” events in Mandan.
 

For more information, contact the Mandan Progress Organization at info@mandanprogress.org or 701-751-2983.