Independence Day at Mount Rushmore

 

Mount Rushmore National Memorial will have a robust schedule of special events July 2-4 to commemorate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

On July 3, 2026, the park’s iconic setting will host a spectacular Independence Day celebration in partnership with the State of South Dakota. A fireworks display will be the highlight of a full evening of festivities, including educational programs, patriotic tributes, and musical entertainment commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States.

On July 2 and July 4, special events in the park will include military concerts.

All times listed are in mountain time.

 

On July 3, 2026, Mount Rushmore National Memorial will host a spectacular Independence Day celebration in partnership with the State of South Dakota.

Travel South Dakota

July 3 Fireworks and Lottery

Public tickets for the July 3 events must be obtained through a ticket lottery held on Recreation.gov from April 8 at 8 am through April 12 at 9:59 pm. More information about the July 3 events and ticket lottery are below.

Event Details and FAQs

Are tickets required for the July 3 celebration?

YES. The park will be closed to general visitation effective 11 pm on July 2 and will reopen for only ticketed participants the afternoon of July 3.

Are the tickets reserved seating?

Seating will be available on a first-come-first-served basis within the developed area of the Memorial. Ticket holders can enter the park beginning at 1 pm. The special events are currently scheduled to begin at 4 pm and conclude around 10 pm.

Is there a cost for the lottery?

There is a non-refundable $1 fee for the lottery. No refunds will be issued in the event of cancellation.

Who can apply to the lottery?

Each applicant may enter the lottery once but can request up to four tickets. Tickets are available to US residents only and are non-transferable. Ticket holders age 16 years and older will need to present valid government-issued photo ID with their ticket for entry. All participants older than two years must have a ticket.

Is parking available?

Each ticket, for a group of four people or fewer, will include one parking space within the Memorial or shuttle access to the event from Rapid City. Tickets will be assigned at random with either parking garage or shuttle options. In the lottery application, tickets can be requested for either and/or both the parking garage and shuttle options; however, only one option will be awarded.

• Parking garage option includes an event ticket for up to four people and one vehicle entry to the parking garage at the Memorial. All vehicles, including the vehicle storage areas, will be searched for prohibited items.
• Shuttle option includes an event ticket for up to four people and shuttle transportation from Rapid City to the park and back to Rapid City from the park. Free parking will be available at the shuttle stop in Rapid City.

When will lottery applicants be notified of the results?

Applicants will receive lottery results on April 14. Successful notices will include additional details and instructions for attendees. All event details are subject to change with little notice.

Notifications of lottery results are via email. To ensure the receipt of important messages related to the lottery, please update email address and contact information before entering the lottery. Please also add Recreation.gov to your address book or safe senders list and check your “spam” or “junk mail” folder for notifications.

How does the lottery on Recreation.gov work?

Recreation.gov offers many tools for participating agencies to use to help manage visitation, one of which is the lottery application process. The Recreation.gov lottery process is based on a fair and randomized distribution system to ensure equal access to this special event. Everyone who submits a lottery application has the same chance of securing a ticket.

Is there a rain date for the fireworks display?

No.

Is there another place to view the programming at the event if I can’t get a ticket?

Not at the Memorial. We recommend visiting Travel South Dakota for more information regarding watch parties, live streaming, and broadcast viewing opportunities.

How is the park addressing concerns about fire risk, wildlife, water, and other environmental impacts related to the July 3 fireworks event?

The National Park Service works with fire specialists, other subject matter experts, and partner agencies to plan for events like this and to make sure the park and its resources are protected. For more information visit this page: ParkPlanning - SUP 2026 Independence Day Holiday Fireworks Event.

 

July 2-4 Events

No reservations are needed for July 2 or July 4 activities.

On July 2, the Memorial grounds will be open at 5 am. A full day of interpretive programming will conclude with a patriotic musical performance by the US Air Force Academy Band.

On July 3, the Memorial grounds will be closed to the general public. It will open at 1 pm for ticketed guests only. Events in the park will take place from approximately 4-10 pm.

On July 4, the Memorial grounds will be open at 5 am. Starting at 9 am, a full day of special events will include presidential reenactors, indigenous demonstrations, and a performance by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band starting at 7 pm.