Lincoln’s Uncle Sam Jam to Debut at Haymarket Park July 3

Published on June 10, 2025

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today invited community members to the City’s free Uncle Sam Jam Independence Day Celebration Thursday, July 3, at Haymarket Park, 403 Line Drive Circle. The ballpark opens at 6 p.m., live music starts at 7:15 p.m., the flag lowering ceremony is at 8:20 p.m., and the fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m.

“We’re thrilled to bring Lincoln’s Uncle Sam Jam to Haymarket Park this year,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird. “This beautiful new setting offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere for a beloved tradition. We look forward to celebrating our nation’s independence together with music, community, and a spectacular fireworks show.”

This year marks the first time Uncle Sam Jam will be hosted by Haymarket Park.

“We’re proud to host this signature community event at Haymarket Park,” said Shane Tritz, General Manager of the Lincoln Saltdogs. “We’re excited to welcome thousands of Lincoln residents to enjoy an evening of celebration in one of the city’s premier venues. It’s an honor to support an event that brings people together and highlights what makes Lincoln such a special place.”

The fireworks display is sponsored by Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln and presented by Lantis Fireworks. The show will be set to music provided by NRG Media/Broadcast House and broadcast in the ballpark. Haymarket Park and the Saltdogs, the event’s venue sponsors, are generously providing the space for this year’s celebration. Food and drink, including alcohol, will be available for purchase from Haymarket Park concessions.

Soul Dawg, a horn-driven, funk rock band will perform at 7:15 and 8:30 p.m. The group’s dynamic sound is fueled by a seven-piece lineup of area music veterans. They play high-energy dance hits from bands such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Parliament, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder.

Haymarket Park can accommodate up to 8,500 guests for this event. Once capacity is reached, entry to the ballpark will close. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the fireworks show from surrounding parking lots, where food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Event parking:

Residents are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic delays. Beginning at 9:45 p.m., access to Sun Valley Boulevard from West “O” Street and Cornhusker Highway will be prohibited. A parking map is available at lincoln.ne.gov/unclesamjam. Parking areas include:

  • Unpaved lot northwest of Haymarket Park
  • Bowlin Stadium lot
  • Haymarket Park lot
  • Breslow Hockey Center lot
  • Nebraska School Activities Association lot
  • Pinnacle Bank Arena festival space south of the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center
  • Haymarket Garage, North Ninth and “Q” streets
  • Marketplace Garage, North 10th and “Q” streets

Free shuttle service:

StarTran will provide free public shuttle bus service from 5 to 11 p.m. between the main entrance at Haymarket Park and these locations:  

  • Haymarket Garage, North Ninth and “Q” streets
  • StarTran Transfer Center/Carriage Park Garage, 11th and “L” streets
  • County-City Building complex – northeast corner of Ninth and “H” streets and southeast corner of Ninth and “K” streets. Free parking is available in two lots – one bounded by Ninth, 10th, “G” and “H” streets and one bounded by Ninth, 10th, “K” and “L” streets.

Paratransit service is available for those eligible. Reservations can be made by calling StarTran at 402-441-7109.

Event and ballpark policies:

  • Haymarket Park implements a clear bag policy. Review their venue policies at haymarketpark.com/policies.
  • Minors (age 18 and under) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Outside food or drink is not allowed. Clear, empty containers may be brought in to fill up with water at the water stations located on either side of the concourse.
  • Residents are encouraged to use the StarTran shuttle as a sustainable transportation option.
  • The Haymarket Park pedestrian bridge will close at 9:30 p.m. and reopen after the conclusion of the fireworks display.

Visit lincoln.ne.gov/unclesamjam for the concession menu, parking map and more information.

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