America 250: America’s Ultimate Block Party at ALPLM

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is joining the America 250 Celebration in a big way on the 4th of July – and you’re invited!

The day begins with FREE admission to the museum at 9:00 a.m., where you’ll be able to fully explore the life and legacy of our 16th president – including our new exhibit, “The Second American Revolution,” that reveals how the American Civil War and the era of Reconstruction transformed the United States, ending slavery, redefining citizenship, and expanding the promise of freedom and equality.

Then get ready to be a part of America’s Ultimate Block Party -- the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in U.S. history -- starting at 3:00 p.m. in Union Square Park with old fashioned family fun, food trucks, a kid and pet parade, and highlighted by patriotic concert performances from Chicago’s premier symphonic brass ensemble and a re-created Civil War band that’s authentic in every detail.

OLD FASHIONED FAMILY FUN!

Bring your little red wagons and strollers for a kid and pet parade around the park at 3:30 p.m. – be sure to decorate your wagons, strollers, kids, and pets in appropriate attire!

Throughout the afternoon, kids young and old can interact with Foam and Flight Bubble Parties for an unforgettable celebration of joy, inclusion, and boundless entertainment – including their incredible “kid in a bubble!”

Come hungry for food trucks featuring All-American favorites and a few other tasty surprises!

MUSIC IN THE PARK!

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, too, and settle in for two incredible concert performances in the park, beginning at 4:15 p.m. with the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band and followed at 6:00 p.m. by Chicago’s premiere symphonic brass, 3rd Coast Brass, presenting a special America 250 Symphonic Brass Celebration featuring features works by American composers, Copland, Ellington, Gershwin, and many patriotic favorites performed by a full symphonic brass and percussion ensemble.

Both performances are FREE to attend and we promise to conclude in time for you and your family to make your way over to the State Capitol for the official 4th of July Fireworks Show at dusk.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

3rd Coast Brass: Chicago’s Premier Symphonic Brass

Experience the "visceral excitement and virtuosity" of 3rd Coast Brass, an elite ensemble featuring top-tier musicians from the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Philharmonic, and Grant Park Orchestra. Led by guest conductor Stephen Squires, this powerhouse group blends brass tradition with bold, innovative repertoire.

As an official America 250 Illinois partner, 3rd Coast Brass is a vibrant force in the cultural scene, producing transformative concerts and educational programs. From their acclaimed symphonic brass ensemble debut honoring the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble to the fan-favorite A Very Brassy Christmas, they have captivated audiences across the Midwest for over two decades with world-class artistry.

"One of the most exciting developments on the Chicago Classical Music scene." — Michael Mulcahy, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band

The 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band was re-created in 1996, by musicians from Central Illinois. Like the original band, the musicians were recruited from the same geographical area in Illinois and come from all walks of life. The band is an authentic re-creation of the actual Civil War Era band that was mustered at State Normal University in 1861.

The 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band has performed for historic programs, school events, and civic events throughout the Midwest, including many performances in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. The band also plays at military balls and conducts educational programs that address the history of the Civil War era brass band movements and the evolution of brass instruments. The band's uniforms, sewn from natural wool fibers, are authentic in every detail and are patterned from actual specimens worn by the Union soldier. The authenticity in dress presents the audience with the most accurate appearance possible.