Gadsden, AL – 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.
“This year is a celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary, and we’re doing our part to recognize it in style,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. “This year, we’re bringing in hot air balloons along with all the great things people have come to expect from our Fourth of July events: live music, food trucks, free fun for the whole family and a fantastic fireworks show from Memorial Bridge!”
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 on July 3-4, 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.
Here is a schedule of events:
July 3
Hot Air Balloons
• 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tethered Rides are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
o Glow Rides are from 7:30 p.m. to 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 www.cityofgadsden.com/tickets
Music Lineup:
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Logan Bonds and Gage Cowart
5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. - Savannah J
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Mia Matthews and Jake Steed
7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Holmes St. Sessions
First Friday will be continuing as planned on Broad St.
July 4
Hot Air Balloons
• 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Details as previously listed
Music Lineup:
4:20 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. - Jesselyn James
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Irby & Player
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Black Jacket Symphony
Fireworks Show:
9:30 p.m. – Fireworks are launched from Memorial Bridge on Broad St.
