06/11/2026
Update on Fireworks at the University and Independence Day Parade on July 3rd.
REMINDER: Castleton’s 2026 Independence Day Parade and Fireworks 250-year celebration
Attention to all Castleton residents and visitors, the schedule for the upcoming Independence Day celebration is as follows:
On July 3rd, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the parade will commence on Main Street at the east end (adjacent to the “Rail Trail” entrance), travel west through the South and North street intersection, and turn south onto Glenbrook Road to finish the parade in the University parking lot. The parade’s duration should be approximately 60 minutes.
The parade will consist of approximately 45 participants (vehicles, bands, horses, pedestrians, and floats).
The roadway between exit 5 and Glenbrook Road will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (the end of the parade). If you need to travel during those times on Main Street, please conduct your business before 9:30 a.m. and after 11:00 a.m. Alternative routes available are Route 30 north/south, Route 4, and Sand Hill Road.
Please coordinate your travel routes during this period if you are travelling to the Transfer Station or through the Castleton Village area. Thank you for your patience.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., there will be a After Party on the Castleton Library’s grounds. Castleton Recreation Department will have an obstacle course for kids and other activities. Also, there will be face painting, live music, and food.
On July 3rd at the Vermont State University Castleton pavilion complex the band Satin and Steel will be performing a free concert from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Vehicle parking will be at the South Street entrances to the, Jeffords Lot, Observatory Lot, Hoff Lot, and South Lot. There will be voluntary staff at the parking lot entrances collecting monetary donations to assist in covering the costs of the event.
At dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.), fireworks, sponsored by the Town of Castleton, will commence. The duration of the fireworks display has not changed. Like the displays conducted at Crystal Beach, the display will last 20-30 minutes.
Entrance into the fireworks viewing area will not be in front of the football stadium and instead next to the pavilion. As people enter the area, they can choose their preferred spot in the grass or along the buildings or continue on to the stadium entrance. There will be dedicated parking spots for those with handicapped parking placards so there will be a short travel distance to get into the viewing area.
Except for inside the stadium, lawn chairs are allowed to the event. There is plenty of viewing area to watch the fireworks from grassy areas adjacent to the stadium.
All bags for those going into the stadium are subject to be checked while on the grounds. Due to Vermont State University policies, and like Crystal Beach, alcohol is not allowed on campus grounds. Their policies also prohibit fi****ms, ni****ne products, or glass containers of any kind. Because of these policies, if bringing in items in bags, clear bags are recommended.
In speaking with a University official, pets are not allowed, unless a legitimate/licensed service animal.
If you have any questions, contact Chief Peter Mantello, Independence Day Activities Coordinator. His contact number is (802) 468-2750, which is the Castleton Police Department non-emergency line, or via email at [email protected]
