Freedom Fest
This Independence Day, the City of Gadsden is holding Freedom Fest, a huge celebration with hot air balloon rides, glow balloons for photos, the biggest fireworks show in the Southeast, live music and more.
Freedom Fest will be held across two days on July 3 and 4, 2026. The hot air balloon rides will be held at Moragne Park, while glow balloons for photos will take place along Highway 411. Riverside Park will feature a Kids’ Zone.
Attendees can enjoy music on the banks of the Coosa River both days, culminating in the Winsouth Credit Union concert series presenting Black Jacket Symphony performing yacht rock on the stage, which will be located on Highway 411 near the Amp.
Gadsden’s signature fireworks show from Memorial Bridge on Broad St. will take place at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
Highway 411 will be closed from the intersection at S 3rd St. (at Chili’s) to Walnut St. starting at 6 a.m. Friday, July 3. It will reopen at 6 a.m. Sunday, July 5.
July 3
Hot Air Balloons
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tethered Rides 5 – 9 p.m.
Glow Rides are from 7:30 – 9 p.m.
$20 per person per ride
Up to six people in the basket
5-minute rides
Tethered Ride Passes must be bought online at City of Gadsden
Music Lineup:
4- 5:00 p.m. – Logan Bonds and Gage Cowart
5:15 – 6:15 p.m. – Savannah J
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Mia Matthews and Jake Steed
7:45 – 9:00 p.m. – Holmes St. Sessions
July 4
Hot Air Balloons
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Details same
Music Lineup:
4:20 – 5:20 p.m. – Jesselyn James
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Irby & Player
7:30 – 9:30 p.m. – Black Jacket Symphony
Fireworks Show:
9:30 p.m. – Fireworks are launched from Memorial Bridge on Broad St.
When:
Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 2026
Where:
Riverside Park (where Kids’ Zone will be)
Riverwalk at Coosa Landing
344 1st St.
Gadsden, AL 35901
For additional information:
Visit the city of Gadsden or Greater Gadsden or The Amp’s Facebook page.
