Event Overview
Ignite the Night Youngstown
America 250 Celebration
Ignite the Night Youngstown is the Mahoning Valley’s newest signature Fourth of July celebration—bringing together music, community, and a spectacular fireworks display in the heart of Downtown Youngstown.
Set along the Mahoning River, this large-scale event celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with a powerful live performance by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, followed by a dazzling fireworks finale that will light up the city skyline.
Designed for families, friends, and visitors from across the region, Ignite the Night creates a shared experience that blends culture, energy, and community pride into one unforgettable evening.
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater & Wean Park
Community Activities
6:00 PM
Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences throughout the park, designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Youngstown
Symphony Orchestra
8:30 PM
A live performance set against the downtown skyline, delivering a powerful musical experience leading into the evening’s grand finale.
Fireworks Finale
9:50 PM
A spectacular fireworks display over Downtown Youngstown and the Mahoning River—synchronized to music for a truly unforgettable close to the evening.
Schedule of Events
Items marked with * are tentative and may change as the schedule is finalized.
6:00 PM
Doors Open
6:45 PM
Walk of Fame Inductee Presentation
Billy Beck & Rick Ward*
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Beck Ward Project Performance*
8:30 - 9:15 PM
Youngstown Symphony Orchestra Performance
9:15 PM - 9:30 PM
Intermission
9:30 PM
Youngstown Symphony Orchestra Performance
9:50 PM - 10:15 PM
Youngstown Symphony Orchestra Finale with Fireworks
Wean Park will feature free kite kits as part of the America 250 and Ohio Homecoming Picnic initiatives (while supplies last), along with a lineup of local food trucks. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the fireworks from either the amphitheatre or the park.
Visitor Information
Ignite The Night Youngstown is an ASL inclusive event
To help everyone arrive safely and efficiently, please review the recommended routes below based on your direction of travel.
Be sure to reference the accompanying Parking & Traffic Map.
- FREE Ignite the Night event parking is available in all parking lots highlighted in RED on the map.
- The GREEN parking lot is reserved for ADA parking and is located adjacent to the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.
- Free continuous shuttle service will operate before and after the event from the M70 Parking Lot (YSU) and the Stambaugh Auditorium parking lots.
Free Parking Locations
- Covelli Centre Parking Lots
- Freeman Court Parking Lot (Directly North of Wean Park)
- ADA Parking – Amphitheatre Parking Lot (adjacent to the venue)
Free Shuttle Service
Continuous shuttle service will operate from 6:00PM – 11:00 PM and after the event from:
- M70 Parking Lot (YSU Campus)
- Stambaugh Auditorium Parking Lots
Coming from Market Street (Northbound)
Due to road closures:
- Turn onto Williamson Avenue
- Continue to South Avenue
- Follow South Avenue to E. Front Street
- Continue downtown to the Covelli Centre parking lots.
Coming from Mahoning Avenue (Eastbound)
To Covelli Centre Parking
- Turn right onto Federal Street
- Make an immediate right onto Vindicator Square
- Turn left onto Front Street
- Turn right into the Covelli Centre parking lots.
To Shuttle Parking
- Continue straight on Mahoning Avenue, which becomes Fifth Avenue
- Follow Fifth Avenue to either:
- M70 Parking Lot (YSU), or
- Stambaugh Auditorium parking lots
- Board the free shuttle to the event.
Coming from US-422 Eastbound
- Take the Belmont Avenue exit to Madison Avenue
- Turn either right or left onto Fifth Avenue
- Continue to the M70 Parking Lot (YSU) or Stambaugh Auditorium parking lots
- Ride the free shuttle to the event.
Coming from I-680 Northbound
- Take US-62
- Exit at the Madison Avenue Expressway
- Turn right onto Albert Street
- Turn right onto Oak Street
- Continue as Oak Street becomes E. Raven Avenue
- Turn left onto Walnut Street
- Follow Walnut Street directly into the Covelli Centre parking lots.
Parking Reminder
If the lots near the Covelli Centre & Amphitheatre are nearing capacity, we encourage attendees to use the M70 (YSU) or Stambaugh Auditorium parking lots and take advantage of the free continuous shuttle service to and from the event. The ADA parking lot, highlighted in GREEN on the map, is reserved for accessible parking and is located immediately adjacent to the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.
Sponsors & Partners
Bonnie & Lee Burdman
Deanna & Gregg Rossi
Julius Oliver
Mike Ray
