Community Calendar

Jackson will host multiple events throughout the Fourth of July weekend in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The celebration will begin Friday, July 3, with the “Decades of America: 1776–2026” parade stepping off at 5 p.m. in uptown Jackson. At 7 p.m. Friday, there will be a showing of “Cars” (2006) at the bandshell in Jackson City Park.

The festivities continue Saturday, July 4, with "Party in the Park," featuring a car show, live music, vendors, bounce houses, water slides, obstacle courses, and a giant community coloring poster.

• Independence Day 5K run/walk, 1-mile fun run will begin at 7:04 a.m. Registration deadline for race is 11 p.m. on July 2. To register visit, Mercy Southeast Health point 5k Run / Walk and one-mile fun run.
• Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament will be held at Jackson City Park, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Register online at Catalog - Jackson, MO
• The day concludes with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. over Rotary Lake.

The weekend’s events wrap up with an ice cream social and community worship service starting at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at the bandshell.

The City of Cape Girardeau will host its annual Parks & Rec Day on July 8.

This free, kid-friendly event will include ice cream, prizes, crafts, games, and more. Vendors will be on-site, and kids will have the opportunity to hang out and take pictures with the PLAYMO mascot.

The 2026 Parks & Rec Day will take place Wednesday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Osage Center in Cape Girardeau. No pre-registration necessary.

The Little Grassy Get Down isn't just a music festival — it's the fall getaway you didn't know you needed. Set on Little Grassy Lake at SIU's Touch of Nature, this three-day celebration features Americana and bluegrass music plus guided bike rides, adventure activities, kids yoga, and more, included in your pass. New this year: Weekend Pass holders can arrive Thursday night and kick things off at a pre-festival party at Hangar 9. Families, music lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts all find their people here. Weekend Passes and lodging on sale now; kids 15 & under always free.

The Little Grassy Get Down isn't just a music festival — it's the fall getaway you didn't know you needed. Set on Little Grassy Lake at SIU's Touch of Nature, this three-day celebration features Americana and bluegrass music plus guided bike rides, adventure activities, kids yoga, and more, included in your pass. New this year: Weekend Pass holders can arrive Thursday night and kick things off at a pre-festival party at Hangar 9. Families, music lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts all find their people here. Weekend Passes and lodging on sale now; kids 15 & under always free.

The Little Grassy Get Down isn't just a music festival — it's the fall getaway you didn't know you needed. Set on Little Grassy Lake at SIU's Touch of Nature, this three-day celebration features Americana and bluegrass music plus guided bike rides, adventure activities, kids yoga, and more, included in your pass. New this year: Weekend Pass holders can arrive Thursday night and kick things off at a pre-festival party at Hangar 9. Families, music lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts all find their people here. Weekend Passes and lodging on sale now; kids 15 & under always free.