Tupelo's Fourth of July is Picnic in the Park at Ballard Park, with music, a kids' parade and fireworks. The 2026 event ran 4 to 9 p.m.; 2027 details are not out yet.

Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. This page is updated each year. The 2027 details are not out yet; this page describes the 2026 celebration and will be refreshed when Tupelo Parks and Recreation announces next year’s plans. Sources: the City of Tupelo’s 2020 Hometown Retirement Guide (PDF), the city’s Parks and Recreation page and the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal’s 2026 preview.

Tupelo celebrates the Fourth of July with Picnic in the Park at Ballard Park, run by Tupelo Parks and Recreation. The city has described it as its largest one-day celebration, with upward of 15,000 people coming to Ballard Park for music, food and fireworks.

Who to call

  • Picnic in the Park: Tupelo Parks and Recreation, 655 Rutherford Road, 662-841-6440
  • Fireworks rules and safety: Tupelo Fire Department, 662-841-6439
  • Police non-emergency (E-911): 662-869-2911
  • Emergency: 911

The 2026 celebration

In 2026, Picnic in the Park ran from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at Ballard Park, the Daily Journal reported, with a kids’ parade, several musical acts and a fireworks show to close the night. The 2026 edition marked the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Event Picnic in the Park
Where Ballard Park, 2629 W. Main St. (events are also listed at 689 Rutherford Road)
2026 hours 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4
Highlights Kids’ parade, live music, food, fireworks
Run by Tupelo Parks and Recreation

July 4, 2027, falls on a Sunday. Watch the Parks and Recreation page and our things to do this month guide in June for the date and times.

Watching the fireworks

Ballard Park covers 153 acres, with a 3-acre lake and a walking trail around it, so there is room to spread out. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. The Parks and Recreation office is nearby at 655 Rutherford Road. See our parks and trails guide for more on Ballard Park.

Parking: with crowds in the thousands, arrive well before the fireworks and expect a slow exit afterward. Call Parks and Recreation for any parking or shuttle plans.

Fireworks at home

Before you set off fireworks of your own inside the city limits, call the Tupelo Fire Department at 662-841-6439 to ask what the city allows and when. Outside the city limits, ask the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or your volunteer fire department.

  • Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
  • Never relight a dud; soak it in water.
  • Keep children and pets well back, and never point fireworks at people, houses or cars.

What this means for you

  • Plan on Ballard Park for the Fourth of July.
  • Check back in June for the 2027 times; July 4, 2027, is a Sunday.
  • Ask the Fire Department before lighting your own fireworks.

Related: parks and trails, things to do this month and getting around Tupelo.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Fourth of July fireworks in Tupelo?

At Ballard Park, where Tupelo Parks and Recreation holds Picnic in the Park, the city’s July 4 celebration with music, food and fireworks at the end of the night.

What time are the Tupelo fireworks?

The fireworks close Picnic in the Park after dark. In 2026 the event ran from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. Times for 2027 have not been announced; call Parks and Recreation at 662-841-6440.

How big is Tupelo’s Fourth of July celebration?

The city has called it its largest one-day celebration, drawing upward of 15,000 people to Ballard Park for music, food and fireworks.

Is the Tupelo Fourth of July celebration free?

Picnic in the Park is a public event in a city park. Check with Tupelo Parks and Recreation, 662-841-6440, for any 2027 food or activity charges.