America 250
America 250
On July 4, 2026, our nation will proudly commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking a historic milestone in America’s journey. As we celebrate America 250, the Village of Niles is also honoring our local history as an "All-America City", a recognition of the strong civic spirit that continues to shape our community today.
The Village is honored to be officially recognized as an Illinois America 250 Community, participating in the statewide initiative that encourages residents to reflect on our nation's history, celebrate our shared values, and look toward the future. Illinois America 250 is an inclusive statewide effort that brings together Illinoisans' diverse perspectives about our history and our future as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Throughout the year, our community events will proudly celebrate both America 250 and Niles' All-America City heritage. We invite residents and visitors alike to join us as we commemorate this historic occasion and celebrate the people, traditions, and values that make our community special.
Please join us at the following events and help us celebrate America 250 together. Admission is free for all events, and everyone is welcome!
4th of July Parade
Celebrate America's birthday at our annual Fourth of July Parade! Join friends, family, and neighbors as we come together for a festive display of patriotism, community spirit, and hometown pride.The parade will feature colorful floats, marching bands, community organizations, local businesses, and special guests, all decked out in red, white, and blue. Line the parade route, wave your flags, and enjoy a morning filled with music, excitement, and patriotic celebration.Saturday, July 4, 20268:45 AM - Parade steps off at Notre Dame College Prep to Grennan Heights10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Post Parade Celebration by the Niles Park DistrictFor full parade route, click here.
Military Vehicle Tribute Night
Join us for a special one-night Military Vehicle Tribute Night at the Niles Monday Night Car Show featuring historic military vehicles, interactive displays, and hands-on experiences for all ages.Monday, August 3, 20265 PM – 8 PMLocated at Golf Mill Mall (west of the AMC Theatre)
Enjoy great food trucks, music from our live DJ, and family-friendly fun throughout the evening. Best of all, admission is FREE!Military Vehicle Owners: Participation is FREE! Reserve your spot today by registering through the Military Vehicle Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KXRHZZL
Founders Day
Join us for a star-spangled Founders Day celebration! Enjoy food, drinks, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and more as we come together to celebrate our community.
Enjoy great food, refreshing beverages, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories with friends and neighbors. Admission is FREE!
Saturday, August 29, 20264 PM – 8 PM6:00 PM - Live concert by Brass From The Past8:00 PM - A spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the sky in honor of America 250Located at Golf Mill Park
Leaning Tower Illuminated in Red, White and Blue
Throughout the month of July, the iconic Niles Leaning Tower will be illuminated in red, white, and blue as a visual tribute to America's 250th anniversary, serving as a beacon of community pride and patriotism.
Niles Celebrates America 250 Proclamation
Mayor George D. Alpogianis and the Board of Trustees were proud to pass a Proclamation as The Village of Niles Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America at the June 23, 2026 Board of Trustees Meeting. View the Proclamation here.
Village of Niles Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary with Summer of Community Events
Village of Niles Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary with Summer of Community Events
NILES, IL – Mayor George D. Alpogianis announced the Village of Niles is proud to join communities across the nation in celebrating America250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
Mayor Alpogianis and the Village Board of Trustees will formally recognize this significant anniversary through a Proclamation anticipated to be presented at the June 23, 2026, Village Board Meeting.
"As an All-America City, Niles has long celebrated patriotism, civic pride, and community engagement that define not only our Village but our nation, as well,” Alpogianis said. "America's 250th anniversary provides a unique opportunity to honor our past, celebrate our present and inspire future generations."
As part of this historic milestone, the Village is honored to be officially recognized as an Illinois America 250 Community, participating in the statewide initiative that encourages residents to reflect on our nation's history, celebrate our shared values, and look toward the future.
Illinois America 250 is an inclusive statewide effort that brings together Illinoisans' diverse perspectives about our history and our future as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
To mark the occasion, the Village of Niles will host several community events throughout the summer featuring an America 250 theme:
Annual Fourth of July Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 4, 2026
On July 4, 2026, our nation will proudly commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking a historic milestone in America's journey. This year's Annual Fourth of July Parade will be dedicated to honoring our nation's independence while celebrating Niles' rich history as an All-America City and recognizing the strong civic spirit that continues to shape our community today.
The parade steps off from Notre Dame College Prep at 8:45 a.m. and follows the traditional route through the Village, concluding at Grennan Heights. Following the parade, residents are invited to continue the celebration at the Post-Parade Celebration hosted by the Niles Park District.
Military Vehicle Tribute Night
Monday, July 27, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Golf Mill Shopping Center – AMC Parking Lot
This special one-night showcase will feature historic military vehicles, interactive displays, and hands-on experiences for all ages. The event serves as a tribute to the men and women who have served our country while providing an educational and engaging experience for families.
Niles Founders Day
Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Golf Mill Park, 9101 N. Greenwood Avenue
Join the Village of Niles for an evening packed with free entertainment and fun for all ages. The celebration will include food trucks, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, fireworks, and a special America 250 theme as the community comes together to celebrate both our nation's history and Niles' proud heritage.
Leaning Tower Illuminated in Patriotic Colors
Throughout the month of July, the iconic Niles Leaning Tower will be illuminated in red, white, and blue as a visual tribute to America's 250th anniversary, serving as a beacon of community pride and patriotism.
The Village of Niles invites residents, businesses, and visitors to participate in these celebrations as we honor 250 years of American history and the enduring values that unite us.
For additional information about America 250 events and celebrations in Niles, visit the Village website at www.vniles.com.
About America250
America250 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The commemoration celebrates the nation's history, achievements, and aspirations while encouraging Americans to reflect on the past and look toward the future.
Summer 2026 Focus On Niles Newsletter
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Last Call Before Fall 2026
Last Call Before Fall - Art & Music Fest
Sunday, October 11, 2026
12:00 - 5:00 PM
Niles Civic Center Plaza
1000 Civic Center Drive
The Niles Arts & Culture Council presents a celebration of art, music, food, and community in the heart of our Village Hall Plaza! This event features talented local artists and makers, live music throughout the day, delicious food trucks, and interactive activities for all ages. Guests can stroll the plaza, shop unique handmade work, enjoy seasonal festivities, and connect with the community in a welcoming outdoor atmosphere. We're seeking artists who want to be part of a fun, engaging event that highlights creativity and brings people together.
Free entry and open to all ages!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
Artist Applications Are Now Open
Interested in showcasing your work? Apply here.
Application deadline: September 1, 2026
Niles Plein Air Event
NILES COMMUNITY OPEN PAINT DAY!
More information regarding Niles Plein Air 2026 coming soon!
What is Art En Plein Air? It's the act of creating art in open air for all to view and a popular fun way to create local images with fellow artists. Artwork is created onsite during the designated timeframe. Once completed, artwork is turned into a panel of judges. Six winners will be chosen to have their artwork showcased in the NVision Art Gallery and will receive a certificate along with a gift card. This event is free and open to the public to participate or stop by and check out the event and artists. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to join. Beginners encouraged!
To register Click Here
PRIOR TO THE EVENT:
Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Interested artists will need to register in advance to ensure space availability.
Location: Golf Mill Park, 9101 Greenwood Avenue, parking is available on Church Street. We encourage you to use the Davis St. parking lot.
There will be a Public Arts and Culture Council member onsite to assist with check-in and direction.
PREPARING FOR THE EVENT:
Artists will need to bring their own supplies including materials, a canvas, chair, table, easel and clean up materials. Artists can choose their own medium: acrylic, watercolor, oil, pastels, pen, colored pencils etc. Canvas, paper, cardstock or like materials are all acceptable. Artwork should be no smaller than 10x12 inches. No restrictions on larger measurements as long as it can be completed in the allocated time. There will be limited water available for working. Artists are welcome to bring food or snacks. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own drinking water.
DAY OF EVENT - TBD
Check in between 9:00 - 9:30 AM. Artists have the allocated time of 9:00 AM-1:00 PM to complete their work. Pre-sketching is not allowed. Artists are responsible for cleaning up their area when they are done. There is very limited water for working. No onsite brush or equipment cleaning will be available. Artwork will be judged on site at Golf Mill Park and judges panel will view and announce winners at 2:00 PM. Six winners will be chosen to have their artwork showcased in the NVision Art Gallery and will receive a certificate along with a gift card.
In case of inclement weather on Saturday, the event will be held Sunday, June 22nd. An email will be sent to all registered artists in advance of 8:00 AM on Saturday.
