ORLEANS — The town of Orleans is gearing up for a massive weekend of patriotic festivities this July as it joins the nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Under the banner “Orleans Celebrates,” a series of community events has been scheduled to mark the historic Semiquincentennial.
The celebrations kick off on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Historic Congress Square. Community members and visitors are invited to gather at the Bicentennial Stage, located at the southwest corner of Town Park, for a special “Concert in the Park” featuring the musical group “Sweetwater.” Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for an evening of live music under the stars.
In addition to the music, the evening will feature an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social, hosted in partnership with local favorite Hometown Scoops Ice Cream Shoppe. To tie into the historic milestone, free ice cream will be given to the first 250 attendees.
America isn’t the only one celebrating a major milestone this year. The event will also honor a piece of local history: the town’s historic, original 1926 Peter Pirsch Orleans Fire Engine, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.
The patriotic celebration will continue into the following day. On Saturday, July 4th, the town will host its annual Independence Day fireworks display. The spectacular show is scheduled to launch at dusk from the Orleans Airport.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the history, the sweet treats, or the fireworks, Orleans promises a memorable weekend to honor 250 years of American history.
