In recent years, the celebration has grown in scale, placing added demands on city resources and infrastructure. In response, City of Covington City Council initiated changes to the previous format and City Staff adapted this year’s event design to better manage the flow of visitors and improve overall event operations.

This year’s program will feature a single live performance by “September in the Park,” a popular band from Covington’s 2023 Summer Concert Series. The group is known for its faithful musical tributes to Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire, offering a polished and nostalgic experience that resonates across generations. The concert will begin at 8:00 p.m., followed by Covington’s traditional Independence Day fireworks show at 9:45 p.m.

Vehicle traffic around the Covington Square will close at 4:00 p.m. on July 3rd to allow for event setup and crowd control. Public safety will be a top priority. The Covington Police Department and Newton County Sheriff’s Office, who are responsible for security during the event, will implement an enhanced security plan, similar to the successful measures used during the 2024 Lighting of the Square. Attendees can expect a strong, visible law enforcement presence throughout the evening to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.

“We have made adjustments to our program that will enhance our visitors’ security while still allowing everyone to enjoy that wonderful small-town, patriotic feel Covington is known for,” said Ken Malcom, Director of Tourism and Downtown Development and organizer of the event.

City officials and staff are proud to continue the tradition of gathering the community in celebration of Independence Day and look forward to an evening of music, fireworks, and shared pride in the heart of downtown Covington. 

For specifics regarding the July 3rd Independence in the Park event, please see below:

• MUSIC:  "September in the Park" (Earth, Wind, & Fire + Chicago Tribute Band) starts at 8:00 p.m. on the Square

• FIREWORKS: Fireworks show will start at 9:45 p.m.

• SQUARE CLOSURE: Clark Street will be closed to inbound traffic the morning of Thursday, July 3, 2025 for construction of the stage. The Square will close to traffic at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025 and all cars must be removed from the Square closure by 5:00 p.m. BUSINESSES WILL BE OPEN and multiple restaurants on the Square will be open during part of or all of the celebration. There will be no additional food vendors this year.

• PARKING: For a map of road closures and public parking suggestions,  please see map here.

• REMINDERS

1. Please do not set chairs on the sidewalks as those must stay open for walking.
2. No pop up tents allowed.
3. Juvenile Curfew is 9:30 PM in the city limits of Covington Monday through Thursday so anyone (16) years or younger MUST be accompanied by an adult to watch the fireworks: It shall be unlawful for any minor sixteen (16) years of age or younger to remain in or upon any public place, establishment, vacant lot or any place unsupervised by an adult having the lawful authority to be at such place, between the hours of 9:30 p.m. on any day and 6:00 a.m. of the following day. To read the complete ordinance, please select here.

• TRAFFIC: At the end of the evening's celebration, expect traffic delays when leaving the area. Traffic flow exiting the city will be handled by traffic signals with the exception of a few manned intersections that will be limited to travel in certain directions. Traffic will not be allowed to turn southbound (back towards the Square) at the below intersections. Please note the flow at the below intersections when choosing where to park:

1. Emory Street at Hwy. 278: Traffic allowed to travel northbound on Emory Street or westbound on Hwy. 278.
2. Pace Street at Hwy. 278: Traffic cannot turn southbound on Pace Street.
3. Elm Street at Hwy. 278: Traffic allowed to travel northbound on Elm Street or eastbound on Hwy. 278.
4. Mill Street at Hwy. 278: Traffic allowed to travel northbound on Mill Street or eastbound on Hwy. 278.
5. Turner Lake Road at Hwy. 278 AND Hwy. 142 at Hwy. 278: Traffic will operate as normal with the traffic signal.

*If lights are switched to flashing, please follow all officers directions or if not manned, treat as four-way stop.

*All events are weather permitting. Decisions to cancel are based on information from weather service predictions 24-hours to current weather conditions depending on the time of cancellation. Events or portions of events may not be rescheduled due to logistics, staffing, contractual obligations, and/or availability. Community partner events may be cancelled/rescheduled/moved by the community partner due to the aforementioned.*

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