Families from across Southern Oregon will have plenty of reasons to spend Independence Day in Grants Pass this year as Reinhart Volunteer Park becomes the centerpiece of the community’s Fourth of July celebration. Food, live entertainment, local vendors, family activities and one of the city’s signature fireworks displays are all scheduled to come together on Saturday, July 4, creating an afternoon and evening designed to celebrate America’s 250th year of independence while also giving back to neighbors in need.
Hosted by Blaze-n-Monkey’s in partnership with the City of Grants Pass, the fourth annual Fourth of July Food Truck Festival returns with an expanded lineup that organizers say will feature more than 16 food trucks and pop-up vendors serving a wide variety of meals, snacks and desserts throughout the afternoon and evening. The festival is expected to draw thousands of residents and visitors to Reinhart Volunteer Park, continuing what has become one of the community’s largest annual summer gatherings.
Beyond the food, attendees will find entertainment designed for every age. Children can spend the afternoon enjoying bounce houses provided by Rockin Rentals while live music and performances continue throughout the day. A Ray of Light Dance Group is scheduled to perform during the evening, followed by live music leading into the night’s featured concert before the celebration concludes with the annual fireworks display at dusk.
This year’s event also carries a community service mission. Festival organizers are encouraging every attendee to bring at least one non-perishable, non-expired canned food item to donate to the Josephine County Food Bank. Representatives from the food bank will be on-site throughout the event accepting donations that will help stock local shelves and support families experiencing food insecurity across Josephine County.
The festival officially begins at 3 p.m. and entertainment will continue throughout the evening.
Festival Schedule
• 3:00 p.m. — Bounce houses open
• 4:00 p.m. — Food Truck Festival begins with music from the event DJ
• 7:00 p.m. — Performance by A Ray of Light Dance Group
• 8:30 p.m. — Live music featuring Rabbit Dub
• 9:00 p.m. — Headlining performance by Alcyon Massive
• Fireworks at dusk
With attendance expected to be high, city officials are encouraging visitors to plan ahead before arriving. Parking at Reinhart Volunteer Park will be limited, and organizers are asking attendees to consider sharing rides or taking advantage of complimentary shuttle transportation offered by Josephine Community Transit.
Shuttle service will begin operating at 3 p.m. and continue throughout the event, with the final shuttle leaving Parkside Elementary at approximately 11:30 p.m., or once all riders have been transported.
Residents may board shuttle buses at either of the following locations:
• Grasshopper Parking Lot, 201 NW F Street at the corner of Northwest F and Fourth streets.
• Grants Pass Shopping Center, 259 NE D Street, on the D Street side in front of the former Movie 6 location.
Passengers will be dropped off at Parkside Elementary School, located at 735 SW Wagner Meadows Drive, where a designated walking path provides convenient access into Reinhart Volunteer Park.
Those choosing to drive are reminded that parking restrictions around Parkside Elementary will be strictly enforced to maintain clear emergency access for first responders. Grants Pass Fire Rescue has identified designated parking areas, and motorists are asked to park only in marked parking spaces or within the approved dirt parking lot in front of the school.
Parking will not be permitted along the access road adjacent to the parking areas or anywhere that blocks emergency vehicle routes from Bridge Street or Southwest Wagner Meadows Drive. Officials say keeping these fire lanes open is essential should emergency personnel need immediate access during the event.
The annual Fourth of July celebration has steadily grown into one of Grants Pass’ signature community traditions, bringing together local businesses, nonprofit organizations, entertainers and families for an afternoon centered on food, music and hometown pride. By combining live entertainment with a community food drive, organizers hope this year’s celebration will not only honor the nation’s milestone anniversary but also strengthen the spirit of giving that continues to define Southern Oregon.
Residents planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early, use the available shuttle system whenever possible, bring a canned food donation for the Josephine County Food Bank and prepare for a full afternoon of entertainment before the evening sky lights up with the City’s annual Independence Day fireworks display over Reinhart Volunteer Park.