Celebrating July Fourth in Wilton is a classic way to enjoy the holiday with friends and family and celebrate the nation’s Independence Day. The day is marked by beloved Wilton traditions. GOOD Morning Wilton has compiled Wilton’s public events as well as listed other need-to-know information, below.
We’ve also got a list of other fun, free music events planned by the Wilton Parks and Recreation Department throughout the summer.
July 4th Events
8 a.m.: Freedom Run Road Race
Wilton High School Track
Open to all ages, this 5K race put on by the Wilton Parks and Recreation Department is the perfect opportunity to get outside and get some exercise in a fun environment.
Multiple race categories are available to choose from, including junior, youth and adult. Register online through the Parks & Rec online registration system. Participant fees are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 16 and under. All participants will receive a race t-shirt. Advance registration is encouraged, but same-day registration is allowed. Participants should arrive by 8:15 a.m., and the race begins at 8:30 a.m.
12 p.m.: Frivolity Cup Softball Game — Republicans vs. Democrats
Wilton High School Varsity Softball Field
Every year the Wilton Republican Town Committee and Wilton Democratic Town Committee put aside their differences on July 4th and instead agree to have some fun on the softball diamond. The teams battle it out for bragging rights and the Frivolity Cup trophy.
5-9:30 p.m.: 4th of July Fireworks
Wilton High School Sports Complex
Dance to the Music DJ will begin playing music at 5 p.m. and fireworks are set to start at dusk around 9-9:15 p.m.
Some residents turn out early to stake out a spot on the field below the stadium. Celebrants bring blankets, chairs and picnics or visit the food trucks on site.
The event is free to attend but there is a fee for parking.
Parking passes must be purchased in advance for the Rte. 7 Tennis Court parking lot, Route 7/School Rd. gravel parking lot, Cider Mill School parking log, Wilton Board of Education parking lot, and Lilly Way athletic fields parking lot can be purchased on the Parks and Rec website.
Vehicles without a valid parking pass will not be allowed to park in any of the reserved, pre-paid parking lots even if space permits.
On July 4, parking for a cash-only fee of $20 is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the following parking lots: Middlebrook School, Kristine Lilly Field, Stamford Health (372 Danbury Rd.), and Allen’s Meadow.
Road closures: Starting at 7 p.m., Wilton Police will close Rte. 7/Danbury Rd. between Pimpewaug Rd. and Cannon Rd. Traffic will be diverted through Pimpewaug Rd. until the fireworks have ended and the parking lots have been cleared. No through traffic will be allowed except for tractor trailers, residents who live within the closed portion of the roadway and parking pass holders.
In the event of inclement weather for these events, call the Parks and Recreation hotline at 203.454.5188 for updates. The rain date for the fireworks will be Friday, July 5 at 9:30 p.m. Notifications will be made on the town’s website.
Ambler Farm is closed for the 4th of July Fireworks. Officials there said the farm is closed for safety reasons, as the fields and parking lots are not illuminated. Parking is prohibited there and on Hurlbutt St.
Wilton Parks and Recreation Live Summer Music
June 30: The Present Company Band showcases its classic rock prowess with a setlist that’s suitable for everyone in the family. (Merwin Meadows park, 5 p.m.)
July 21: The Tom Duffy Band, supported by the department’s own Mike Pirre, plays an eclectic mix of classic hits and deep cuts. (Merwin Meadows park, 5 p.m.)
Aug. 4: Picnic at the 4th of July Band, a southwest CT string band featuring traditional, bluegrass, folk, Americana, jazz and blues, performs. (Merwin Meadows park, 5 p.m.)
Aug. 11: One Bad Oyster’s ska-surf style music, a sure hit for all ages, will wrap up the summer concert series. (Merwin Meadows park, 5 p.m.)
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information regarding road closures and rain date for July 4th events in Wilton.