Star Spangled Celebration on the River
A free Fourth of July celebration on July 2 across Hattiesburg's Chain Park and Petal River Park, with live music, food vendors, kids' zones, and a dual fireworks show viewable from each park.
What to Expect
A night built around the river, music, food, and fireworks.
A preview of the moments guests can expect across both parks.
Event Details
Everything guests need before they go.
Two parks, one fireworks show. Bring a chair or blanket, choose the side of the river that works best for you, and plan for shuttle service because onsite parking is limited.
Music on both sides
Live music and entertainment on both sides of the river give guests a full evening before the fireworks begin.
Food, drinks, and merch
Food, beverage, and merchandise options throughout the celebration areas give guests places to grab a bite, cool off, and pick up event items.
Kids' zones
Family-friendly activity areas give younger guests room to play and enjoy the evening before the fireworks show.
Fireworks over the river
The fireworks display begins at 9 PM over the Leaf River and can be viewed from both event locations.
Choose Your Park
Two official viewing areas.
Hattiesburg
Chain Park
5619 Hwy 42, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
- Free shuttle from designated Hattiesburg-side lots
- Family-friendly activities on the Hattiesburg side
- Food and beverage options near the celebration area
- Recommended side for guests with accessibility needs
Petal
Petal River Park
786 Hwy. 11, Petal, MS
- Free shuttle service from designated Petal-side spots
- Family-friendly activities on the Petal side
- Food and beverage options near the celebration area
- Look for red, white, and blue flags at the event entrance
Parking + Access
Arrive with the shuttle plan in mind.
Onsite parking is limited. Offsite parking and shuttle service are available from 6-10 PM, and personal items on shuttles should fit in your lap.
Leaf River boat ramp and water access close for the duration of the event.
Celebration begins and shuttle service runs from designated parking areas.
Longleaf Trace bike path from the Historic Train Depot closes until after fireworks.
Fireworks display begins over the Leaf River.
Petal offsite parking
Use designated lots along Hwy. 11. Current listed lots include ServePro at 873 US Hwy. 11 and the gas station at 831 US Hwy. 11.
Shuttle notes
Grove Transit shuttle service picks up along Hwy. 11 on the Petal side and designated spots on the Hattiesburg side.
Accessibility
Guests with accessibility needs are encouraged to attend on the Hattiesburg side because Petal River Park is less accessible.
Know Before You Go
Pack light and keep the parks easy to navigate.
Bring
- Lawn chairs
- Blankets
- Small personal items that fit in your lap on the shuttle
- Payment method for vendors and kids' zones
Leave at home
- Coolers or ice chests
- Pets
- Glass
- Tents
- Personal fireworks, including sparklers
Community Involvement
Help make the celebration happen.
Volunteer, apply as a vendor, or contact the organizers for sponsorship information.