Celebrate 4th of July with Concert, Fireworks at ESU's Welch Stadium
Emporia, KS (06/27/2025) — Enjoy a patriotic concert followed by a fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth of July in Emporia.
Gates open at 7 p.m. Friday, July 4, on the west side of Welch Stadium on the Emporia State University campus. The Emporia Municipal Band presents its Salute to America concert at 8 p.m. followed by the city fireworks display beginning between 9:45 and 10 p.m.
Seating for both events is available in the west side chairs and bleachers or on blankets on the football field. Chairs of any kind, along with sunflower seeds and gum are prohibited on Jones Field and Witten Track to help preserve the playing surface.
Outside the stadium, viewing for the fireworks is also available on the ESU practice fields on the north end of campus. (The nearby soccer pitch will be closed to the public.)
The fireworks display, shot from the soccer fields north of Interstate 35, lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Parking is available across campus. The two parking lots across Highland Street from the art annex are available for handicapped parking and viewing. To view a map of parking for the event, go to emporia.link/fireworks.
For those wanting to make a longer celebration that evening, tailgating is available in ESU parking lots beginning at 7 p.m. Neither alcohol nor personal fireworks are allowed on campus. Special containers will be available to dispose of hot coals.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Media Attachments
This map shows prime viewing locations, parking areas and changes to traffic flow on the ESU campus for the City of Emporia's 2025 fireworks show.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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