Visit America’s 250th Community Mosaic Mural:

Welcome to Brookings! Once you get into town, make your first stop right downtown at the corner of 6th Street and Main Avenue. Pull up near the Veterans of Foreign Wars building to check out the brand-new community mural, painted specially for America’s 250th birthday. Comprising 950 tiles hand-painted by community members, it is the perfect backdrop for a quick photo to kick off the weekend before the holiday crowds start filling in.

Dinner at Cubby’s:

Next up, head over to Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill on Main Avenue to grab an early afternoon bite. It’s a favorite local hangout with an awesome rooftop deck that’s perfect for a summer afternoon. Grab some of their signature wings, a burger, and a cold drink to fuel up for the rest of your day.

Kart racing at University Plains Speedway:

By 3:00 PM, head out to the north edge of town to get settled at the University Plains Speedway for the Firecracker Shootout. The dirt track racing action runs all afternoon, making for a super energetic atmosphere. You won’t miss out on a holiday show tonight either—the track is hosting its very own fireworks display around 8:00 PM to wrap up a great first night.

Brunch at The Pheasant:

Start your morning at 10:00 AM with a local tradition at The Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge. This place has been a staple in the community for decades, and their “Veekend Vafler” Scandinavian waffle brunch is legendary around here. It’s a great nod to regional heritage and the absolute best way to fill up before the parade.

Annual 4th of July Parade:

Right after brunch, head back down Main Avenue to secure a prime spot on the sidewalk for the annual 4th of July Parade, which gets moving downtown at 11:00 AM. Main Avenue comes alive with local floats, music, and plenty of community spirit, so finding a spot close to the downtown center will give you the best views.

Lunch at Wooden Legs:

Once the parade wraps up, head over to lunch at Wooden Legs Brewing Company. The pub has a fun, relaxed local vibe and is a fantastic spot to cool off. Grab a couple of their specialty cracker-crust pizzas to share and try one of their own craft beers brewed right on-site.

Stroll through McCrory Gardens:

Spend your afternoon walking off lunch with a peaceful stroll through McCrory Gardens on the SDSU campus. The formal display gardens are always in full mid-summer bloom around the holiday, and it’s a beautiful place to wander the paved trails. Keep an eye out for any seasonal scavenger hunt sheets at the visitor center if you want a fun way to explore the grounds!

Dinner at George’s Pizza:

For dinner around 4:30 PM, head back downtown to George’s Pizza. It’s a classic, cozy hometown spot that locals love for a comforting meal. Dive into a loaded specialty pizza or some of their popular Greek dishes to get energized before the night’s festivities.

Uncle Sam Jam Fireworks:

At 6:00 PM, head over to the Uncle Sam Jam to catch the free live music and community activities. Since the big city-sponsored fireworks are being launched from the Fishback Soccer Park fields this year, you’ll have a front-row seat. Set up your lawn chairs, enjoy the music, and watch the massive 250th-birthday sky show start right at 10:00 PM.

Brunch at Craft: 

Keep the weekend celebration rolling at 10:00 AM by heading to Craft Chophouse & Lounge on Medary Avenue. They put together an incredible Sunday morning spread, where you can take your time enjoying a full upscale brunch paired with bottomless mimosas to ease into the day.

Walk at Dakota Nature Park: 

After brunch, make your way down to the Dakota Nature Park on the south side of town. It’s a gorgeous 135-acre area with smooth paved paths looping around old glacial ponds. Rent a kayak or a paddleboat at the Larson Nature Center, or just enjoy a quiet walk under the trees.

Lunch at Nick’s:

When you start getting hungry around 2:00 PM, head back to Main Avenue for a quick stop at Nick’s Hamburger Shop. This historic 1920s counter is a must-visit local icon. Sit tight and watch them grill up simple, delicious burgers right in front of you, and make sure to order them by the bag alongside an old-fashioned homemade malt.

Explore the Historic Downtown Commercial District:

Take a little time afterward to explore the historic downtown commercial district. A casual, self-guided walking tour along the blocks lets you admire all the preserved late-1800s brick architecture and popping storefronts while enjoying the afternoon.

Dinner at Pints & Quarts: 

Before you head out for the evening, swing by Pints & Quarts on Main Avenue to grab a refreshing drink and an early dinner. Located in a beautifully restored 1895 building featuring its original wood floors and tin ceilings, this historic downtown spot strikes the perfect balance between a lively neighborhood taproom and a cozy burger joint. Take a seat at one of their large booths or chalk up a message on the art walls while you look over their impressive tap list, which features rotating regional craft beers and excellent imports. For food, you can’t go wrong with their famous double-smashed burgers like the “Drunken Lucy” (the local burger clash champion loaded with beer cheese and bacon) or an order of South Dakota’s signature beef chislic alongside a basket of garlic cheddar curds. It’s the ultimate, relaxed hangout to refuel and unwind.

Brookings Community Band: 

At 7:00 PM, bring a chair or a picnic blanket over to Pioneer Park. Find a comfortable spot on the lawn near the historic outdoor band shell to listen to the Brookings Community Band play their live patriotic concert, wrapping up the ultimate holiday weekend the perfect local way.