Florence, AZ – The Town of Florence is going big this Fourth of July with Freedom Fest 2026, a community celebration packed with live music, family fun, food, activities, and the Town’s biggest fireworks show yet. The event will take place Saturday, July 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Florence Multipurpose Field and Aquatic Center, located at 174 W. 1st Street.
This year’s celebration will be headlined by internationally acclaimed musician and performer Sheila E., bringing a major concert experience to Florence as the community celebrates 250 years of American independence.
“Freedom Fest is one of those special events that brings our whole community together, and this year is going to be bigger than ever,” said Florence Mayor Keith Eaton. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we are excited to welcome residents, families, and visitors from throughout Florence and the surrounding region for an evening filled with music, food, fireworks, and community pride.”
Freedom Fest will feature an evening of live entertainment leading up to the fireworks, with a lineup that brings together local talent, Arizona-grown country energy, and a nationally recognized headliner.
The celebration will open at 5:00 p.m. with the National Anthem performed by Evelyn Errante, followed by The Blindsiders, a high-energy cover band from the Florence and Queen Creek area. The second annual Rib Eating Contest, presented in partnership with Your Behind BBQ, will take place at 5:45 p.m., followed by Honeygirl at 6:15 p.m.
Honeygirl, a Queen Creek-based country act fronted by singer-songwriter Kira Brown, will bring an Arizona-grown sound to the Freedom Fest stage. Blending country roots, rock influence, original music, and crowd-favorite covers, Honeygirl adds a strong local and regional connection to this year’s entertainment lineup. The band also includes seasoned musicians such as Scotty Johnson of the Grammy-nominated Arizona band Gin Blossoms.
At 7:00 p.m., Mayor Eaton will deliver remarks and a proclamation recognizing the occasion, followed by a message from the presenting sponsor, Florence Copper.
The evening’s headlining performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. with Sheila E., an internationally acclaimed musician, singer, songwriter, drummer, and percussion icon. Known for her unmistakable sound, commanding stage presence, and career spanning funk, pop, R&B, jazz, Latin, and salsa, Sheila E. will bring star power, rhythm, and energy to Florence’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Best known for hits such as “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre,” Sheila E. has built a legendary career as both a solo artist and collaborator with some of the biggest names in music, including Prince, Ringo Starr, Beyoncé, Gloria Estefan, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, and many others. A five-time Grammy nominee and recent Grammy Award winner, Sheila E. remains one of the most celebrated and influential performers in the music industry today. Her performance will cap off an evening of live entertainment before Florence’s biggest fireworks show yet.
The live music and entertainment schedule includes:
- 5:00 p.m. – National Anthem by Evelyn Errante
- 5:00 p.m. – The Blindsiders
- 5:45 p.m. – Your Behind BBQ Rib Eating Contest
- 6:15 p.m. – Honeygirl
- 7:00 p.m. – Mayor’s remarks, proclamation, and Florence Copper sponsor message
- 7:30 p.m. – Headliner Sheila E.
- 9:15 p.m. – Fireworks Show
Beyond the music, Freedom Fest will feature a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages, including water slides, a 45-foot-long water obstacle course, sports inflatables, giant lawn games, a nine-hole mini golf course, a Stars & Stripes Sand Art Experience, and Full Throttle RC Raceway, a custom remote-control car course operated by Jump ‘n Slide. Families with young children can also enjoy a dedicated Toddler Soft Play Zone designed for toddlers and little ones up to age 4.
Face painting and balloon animals will be located near the retail and resource vendor area.
The Florence Aquatic Center will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with free admission. Guests are invited to cool off during the day and stay late to watch the fireworks while floating in the pool.
Food and refreshment vendors scheduled for the event include Chef on the Go, San Tan Hotdogs & Docs Dogs, Sunshine Funnel Cake, Maui Wowi Smoothies, Snowie Town, Cuties Lemonade, Copper Corn, and Udder Delights. Retail and resource vendors will include M and J Toys, Adventure Threadworx, Renewal by Andersen, and additional vendors to be announced.
The Town of Florence would like to thank Freedom Fest’s sponsors and community partners for helping make this celebration possible, including presenting sponsor Florence Copper, community sponsor Explore Pinal County, and event partners such as Your Behind BBQ. Their support helps the Town continue providing memorable community events for residents and visitors alike.
Event parking will be available at several designated locations, including Jason Lopez Memorial Park, formerly Heritage Park; the Florence Community Center and Aquatic Center; the dirt lot southwest of the Community Center; Downtown Florence side streets; and Town Hall for overflow parking, if needed.
To stay comfortable during the celebration, attendees are encouraged to bring portable chairs or blankets for seating. Complimentary water will be available throughout the event. Canopies are permitted within designated areas but must be taken down by sunset.
Please follow all posted guidelines and staff instructions. Prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, glass containers, and illegal substances. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of trained service animals. Parents and guardians are encouraged to keep a close eye on children throughout the event.
Vendor spaces are still available for Freedom Fest 2026. Food and retail vendors interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Town of Florence directly for booking details.
For more information about Freedom Fest 2026, visit www.florenceaz.gov/specialevents/ or follow the Facebook event page at https://bit.ly/4dozmgj.