Friday, July 3rd, 2026
River’s Edge Park – North
4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Fireworks show begins at 9:30 PM
Music & Fun Zone

Free and family-friendly, there will be inflatables, face painting, 5-minute portraits, and more! City of Roanoke Public Libraries will be offering Story Walks, giveaways, crafts, and more. Fun Zone is open from 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Free Activities
Bounce Houses provided by AAA Entertainment
  • Combo Moonwalk
  • Vertical Rush Obstacle
  • Rock Wall
  • Mechanical Bull
  • Lumberjack Axe Throw
  • Adrenaline Rush Slide
Face Painting
5 Minute Portraits
Themed Photo Booth with Unlimited Prints
Free Activities Provided by Roanoke Public Libraries
Mobile StoryWalks: Roanoke Baby and Celebrating 250 Years
Free Patriotic Coloring and Activity Books
Children’s Books
Glow-In-The-Dark Bracelets
Plus: Paid Activities with Chaos Corner – Hydro Dip Body Art
 

Updates/Alerts

Stay informed on any updates (due to weather, etc.) by texting “FREEDOM26” to 67283.

More details on the text alert system can be found here. You can also follow @playroanoke on Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Quicklinks:

Fireworks

Music

Food Trucks

FAQs

Fireworks Display

Starting at 9:30 PM

Did you know? By hosting this event on July 3rd, the City of Roanoke is able to offer a more impressive fireworks show than would be possible on the 4th?

Live Music
5PTS Outdoors @ Freedom Fest

5 Points Music Sanctuary is bringing an All-Star lineup of local and regional musicians to Freedom Fest 2026!

4:00-5:45pm: Bryan “Harvest Blaque” Hancock
6:00-7:30pm: Empty Bottles featuring a Roanoke All-Stars Jam Set 1
7:45-9:15pm: Empty Bottles featuring a Roanoke All-Stars Jam Set 2

5PTS Outdoors @ Freedom Fest will also have beer and wine for sale to those age 21+.

Freedom Fest 26 Info

Food Trucks at Freedom Fest 2026

A wide selection of food trucks will be available for food purchases, and beer and wine will be available for purchase through 5PTS Outdoors at Freedom Fest.

Empanada Nirvana
Saigon Street Eats
Grandpa Ike’s Mini Donuts
Copper Dog & Co
Bootleg BBQ
El Gordos Kitchen
Mountain Grille
Countryman Jamaican Grill
Charlee Tropical Italian Ice
Two Roosters Kettle Corn

Photos and Video

Festival and Concert Information

Location: River’s Edge Park – North
Where can I park?
FF26 parkingThere will be 3 designated parking areas:
  1. Carilion Parking Garage at 2001 Crystal Spring Avenue⁠
  2. Gravel parking lot at 1802/1814 Jefferson St (a.k.a. The Launch at Reserve)⁠
  3. Carilion Riverside Parking Garage at 6 Riverside Circle (This is directly across Reserve Ave from the festival location). The entrance to this garage is through the northside during construction, with access from Reserve Ave or Jefferson St. ⁠
    🚫 NOTE: There is no other parking allowed on the Riverside campus. You may only park in the garage.⁠

Additionally, ADA Parking ONLY will be available on Reserve Ave (with access from Jefferson St). Please be aware that this road will be CLOSED to other traffic.

🚫 NOTE: There is NO PARKING at the Carilion Riverwalk Parking Garage, at any parking lots within River’s Edge Park, along Wiley Drive, or along Reserve Ave (except for ADA parking, see above).⁠

 

Road & Parking Closures

FF road closuresThe following locations will be closed to parking:

  • Reserve Ave (after 3pm) ADA parking only along Reserve Ave
  • River’s Edge North parking lot (all day)

The following roads will be closed:

At 5 pm: 

  • Reserve Ave between the hotel and the corner of Jefferson/Reserve

At 9:00 pm

  • Jefferson from Reserve Ave to the Hospital will be closed

10:00 pm (ish): All Roads will re-open after an all clear from the fire marshal

 

What can I bring to the concert?
  • Chairs and blankets are strongly encouraged!
  • This event is rain or shine. No tents are allowed inside the park.
  • Outside food and water is permitted, but no outside alcohol. There will be food trucks and alcohol beverages available for purchase through 5 Points Music Foundation.
Misc Concert/Festival Information
  • Food and beverages including beer will be available for sale from 5 Points Music Foundation inside the park. Everyone wanting to purchase beer must be 21+ and will be ID’d so please bring your ID.
  • Beer & Wine sales – Cash and card accepted!

Fireworks Details

Fireworks will be set off from River’s Edge Park – North
Festival attendees and fireworks watchers can watch in designated areas of River’s Edge Park: North. See additional details below.
Viewing Spots

The show will be approximately 150′ above River’s Edge Park North. 

Please select your viewing spot in a designated area at River’s Edge Park North. We recommend getting set up by about 8:30 for the best experience.

Prevent hazards and unsafe situations. You may not pull-over on major roads or park in non-designated areas during the show.

*Please note: there will be NO shuttles this year.

What if it rains/How can I get updates?

If it is safe to have the show, it will happen. In the event of severe weather, the show may be cancelled or postponed to later in the evening. Updates will be shared via social media @playroanoke on Instagram and Facebook.

You can also sign up to receive automated updates for this event only. Text “FREEDOM26” to 67283 to sign up for event notifications.

✨ Text messages are sent periodically as needed.
📱 Message frequency may vary.
🚫 Text STOP to 67283 to cancel anytime (note: canceling stops all messages).
📅 Opt-in expires automatically on 7/7.

Standard message and data rates may apply. We do not charge for this service, however your mobile phone company may charge for text messages. Please refer to your mobile phone’s service plan for more information. This service is provided per the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

For support, text INFO or HELP to 67283.