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.

Annual 4th of July Parade:

Around 10:30am, head 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.

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!

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 Larson Ice Center 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.

Walk at Dakota Nature Park: 

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 morning walk under the trees.

Hang out with Mama & Max at the Children’s Museum:

Let creativity run wild with hands-on exhibits, interactive play, and outdoor adventures at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota! Don’t forget to meet Mama, the only full-size, permanent animatronic T. Rex in the U.S., and her baby, Max in the outdoor prairie playscape.

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.

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.