Anybody who lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or northern Wisconsin — or simply loves unique July 4th celebrations — needs to make plans to be in Marquette on July 3 and 4.
On Monday, July 3, a traditional fireworks display will be synchronized with what’s billed by Travel Marquette as the largest architectural laser show in North America. Then, on Tuesday, July 4, the laser show will be presented again as a stand-alone event.
“Visitors and locals alike are invited to celebrate Independence Day in Marquette County and witness the night sky light up with red, white, and blue lasers at this first-ever event,” Travel Marquette, the Marquette County Convention and Visitors Bureau, told TravelAwaits in a statement.
“We wanted to bring a new and innovative way to celebrate the Fourth of July to Marquette that everyone will be sure to enjoy,” Susan Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette, told TravelAwaits. “Due to the outstanding success of our Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock spectacles, we thought bringing back the lasers for a patriotic Fourth of July display would be an imaginative, exciting, and special way for our area to celebrate the holiday.”
A Beautiful Display With A Special Purpose
The 1,200-foot-long and 50-foot-high Independence Day light show will be Marquette’s first summer laser show. It’s possible due to a partnership with Fresh Coast Light Lab, a Marquette-based company that uses laser and digital light processing (DLP) projections.
Importantly, the July 4 celebration focuses on accessibility so all residents and visitors — including children, veterans with PTSD, and individuals with sensory disorders — can participate in the festivities, Travel Marquette explains.
“We are excited to once again partner with the City of Marquette on another spectacular light show,” David Kronberg, founder and president of Fresh Coast Light Lab LLC, told TravelAwaits. “Set against Marquette’s beautiful location on Lake Superior, this Fourth of July display will be the largest architectural laser show in North America and is a true celebration of the community.”
The synchronized display, which will project over Lake Superior, will begin at 10:40 p.m. on Monday, July 3, at the Lower Harbor Ore Dock. The laser show on July 4 will also begin at 10:40 p.m. at the same location.
The shows are free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, and even picnic baskets.
Know Before You Go
Marquette, on the Lake Superior shore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has a strong maritime and mining history. Its historic downtown pays homage to those industries and also is home to numerous restaurants, craft breweries, and a thriving art scene.
You can learn more about the event, find a map, and even search for other things to do, places to stay, and where to eat in Marquette, at Marquette Fourth of July Laser Show.
While you’re thinking about a trip, be sure to read our content for Marquette and the nearby area, including: