The City of Sanford invites the community to Kiwanis Family Park on Friday, July 4, 2025, for Freedom Fest, an evening of live music, food, and family fun that concludes with a fireworks display.
Freedom Fest kicks off at 5 p.m. with a performance by JM Phillips, followed by headliner Caroline Keller at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin shortly after 9 p.m. with the best views from the park’s great lawn. The event wraps up at 10 p.m.
“We can’t wait to celebrate at Freedom Fest with the community,” says Caroline Jeffries, Parks and Grounds Administrator and event organizer. “Based on the feedback from last year, we’ve made sure the fireworks will be visible from all over the park and added a transportation option, so we think it will be the best festival yet.”
The new transportation option is free trolley service from downtown to the festival. “We are excited to work with the Sandhills Trolley Company to offer attendees this complimentary shuttle to the festival,” Jeffries says.
Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. A wide selection of food vendors will be on-site offering savory bites, sweet treats, and cool desserts for purchase, including Cash’s Smokin’ BBQ, Poppy’s Backyard Grilling, Chillz Intergalactic Donuts, and Gabby’s Fancy Funnels.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and coolers. The splash pad will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and restrooms will remain open throughout the event. As a reminder, Kiwanis Family Park is an alcohol-free environment.
Trolley Schedule and Parking Locations
Parking at Kiwanis Family Park is limited, with 70 accessible spaces and 150 general spaces. Under no circumstances should attendees park along Wicker Street.
The free trolley will shuttle attendees from Depot Park in downtown Sanford to Kiwanis Family Park. The first ride will depart from Depot Park at 3:30 p.m. and the last ride will depart from Kiwanis Family Park at 11:15 p.m.
Festival-goers can park in the City lots located on Carthage Street, Chatham Street, Cole Street, Horner Boulevard, and North Steele Street for convenient access to Depot Park. View a map of downtown parking here.
Attendees may also park in the upper area of the Riverbirch Shopping Center, located off of Spring Lane, and walk to the park via the Endor Iron Furnace Trail. Directional signs will be posted.
Along with the Public Works Transportation Division, the Sanford Police Department will provide traffic control for the festival. Drivers should stay alert and use caution at all times.
To stay up to date on Freedom Fest, follow the Sanford Parks and Grounds Department on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.sanfordnc.net/freedom-fest.