Freedom Fest 2026 — America's 250th birthday

Freedom Fest 2026 was a two-night Independence Day celebration themed around America's 250th birthday, with a veterans focus on July 3. New for 2026, the council competitively bid and awarded drone light shows for both nights — $22,000 to Dynamic Skies for July 3 and $50,000 to Glyphix Drone Shows for July 4, a combined $72,000 — in addition to traditional fireworks, concerts, food trucks and kids' activities. Admission was free both nights.

What it means: A free, two-night celebration of the nation's 250th birthday with new drone light shows added at Chisholm Trail Park and City Park.