700 W 1st Street, Newton, KS
The City of Newton is excited to bring back a community Independence Day celebration in 2026 for the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Rockets & Rails will be 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, July 3 in Athletic Park. The area in and around Fischer Field will be filled with music, fun activities, and food and drinks for all ages.
The event is free, with charges only for food and drink purchases. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and get ready for a fun evening!
Schedule of events:
- 5 p.m.: Food and festivities for families in the band shell area and west endzone, including 16 Wichita-area food trucks and beer/wine vendors, bounce houses, climbing wall, yard games, and other kids’ activities.
- 5:30 p.m.: Hot dog and ice cream eating contests in the band shell area.
- 7 p.m.: Live music in the band shell from The Sassanachs, a Newton-based high-energy band with an Irish influence.
- 7:45 p.m.: Opening remarks from Mayor Rich Stinnett, national anthem by Newton High School senior Alisson Mercado, and presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop #127 on Fischer Field.
- 8 p.m.: Live music on Fischer Field from The Stolen Winnebagos, an upbeat and fun Kansas City cover band playing a variety of styles.
- 10 p.m.: Pyromusical fireworks show by Victory Pyrotechnics. Fireworks will be shot from the south side of First Street near Sand Creek dam.
If you can’t make it out to the park for the fireworks, you can still watch from around the area and listen to the synchronized music by downloading the Pyrocast mobile app and using show code N5T5.
More event details are available online.
The event is in coordination with the 78th annual Mexican American Men’s Fastpitch Tournament, which will host its opening ceremonies and Old-Timers Game starting at 6 p.m. on July 3 at Kelsch Field. Attendees of Rockets & Rails are welcome to attend these free events and support one of Newton’s longest-running traditions!
Rockets & Rails partners include Newton Recreation Commission, Sand Creek Summer Daze, Moxie Community Pub, Ready with Remme State Farm Agency, Newton Sonic Drive-in, Dillons, Gillispie’s Meat Market & Bakery, and Kaye Electric.
It’s been more than a decade since Newton last hosted a community Fourth of July event, so come out and celebrate in a big way!
