America turns 250 on a Saturday this year, and Woodridge and Downers Grove are filling the holiday weekend with free events across both villages.

Castaldo Park picnic

The Woodridge Special Events Committee's Fourth of July Picnic runs Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Castaldo Park, 3024 71st St., Woodridge. Admission is free. Live music, food, and beverages will be available for purchase.

The picnic has taken place every July 4 since 1968, making 2026 its 58th year. Residents who want to volunteer can contact Marilyn Ristic at (630) 963-1975, according to the Village of Woodridge's summer Focus newsletter.

Parade and fireworks

The Downers Grove Fourth of July Parade steps off at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Main and Grant streets in downtown Downers Grove.

The joint Woodridge-Downers Grove fireworks show follows at dusk, approximately 9:30 p.m., at 75th Street and Lemont Road. Best viewing is from the nearby parking lots.

Summer concerts

The Woodridge Park District Summer Concert Series launched July 1 with Zydeco Voodoo at Ide's Grove West Park, 1825 Compton Rd. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. The full schedule is available at woodridgeparks.org.

The Downers Grove Park District's free Tuesday-evening series runs through August 11 at Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music plays 7–8:30 p.m. Acts include Rosie & the Rivets, Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band, and Libido Funk Circus.

Market and Garden Walk

The Downtown Downers Grove Market is open every Saturday at 7 a.m. in the downtown area through October 17. The following weekend, the Downers Grove Garden Walk on Saturday, July 11, at 9:30 a.m. opens five private gardens to visitors. Presented by Downers Grove First United Methodist Church, proceeds benefit homeless families.

Upcoming community calendar

  • Saturday, July 4 — WSEC Fourth of July Picnic, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Castaldo Park, Woodridge (free)
  • Saturday, July 4 — Downers Grove Fourth of July Parade, 1 p.m., Main and Grant streets
  • Saturday, July 4 — Fireworks at dusk (~9:30 p.m.), 75th Street and Lemont Road
  • Saturday, July 11 — Garden Walk, 9:30 a.m., Downers Grove (benefits homeless families)
  • Saturdays through October 17 — Downtown Downers Grove Market, 7 a.m.
  • Tuesdays through August 11 — Downers Grove Summer Concert Series, Fishel Park, 7 p.m.
  • Wednesdays — Woodridge Summer Concert Series, Ide's Grove West Park, 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, August 4 — National Night Out, Duffy Pavilion, Woodridge
  • Saturday, August 15 — Woodridge Rotary Duck Dash, Cypress Cove ($10/duck, cash prizes)