SPIRIT OF FREEDOM CELEBRATION
JULY 4th, 2026
McFarland Park, Florence, AL
Event Details
Join us for the 43rd Annual Spirit of Freedom Celebration on Sat, July 4th, 2026 at McFarland Park. This is an awesome all day event to celebrate America’s 250th year of Independence right by the Tennessee River. There will be food trucks, activities, live music, and an amazing fireworks show. This is a fun, free, family-friendly event!
Proudly presented by WLAY, the City of Florence, & One Louder
History
The Spirit of Freedom Celebration was started in 1981 by Kevin and Mitchell Self and Dave Morrow as a way to bring the community together to celebrate our nation’s independence. Since then it has continued to grow with crowds of over 20,000 people gathered at McFarland Park, the bluff, and on the bridge to watch fireworks over the river.
Music Lineup
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Mark Wills
7:30PM
It was "19(90) Somethin'" when Grand Ole Opry member Mark Wills went from singing at Atlanta's infamous Buckboard to releasing 19 Billboard-charting singles across seven albums. Along the way, he earned Gold and Platinum albums and recorded some of Country Music's most enduring hits, including "Jacob's Ladder," "Wish You Were Here," "I Do (Cherish You)," "Don't Laugh at Me," and the RIAA Gold-certified, six-week No. 1 hit "19 Somethin'." His early chart success earned him the Academy of Country Music Top New Male Vocalist Award in 1998, and his music has remained a staple of country radio for more than 25 years. Today, Wills continues to hit the road with his high-energy show, performing the songs that became the soundtrack to so many people's lives.
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Bay Simpson
6:00PM
Bay Simpson is a singer-songwriter from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, carrying on the rich musical tradition of the Shoals with a sound that blends rock, country, & Southern soul. Raised in a family deeply rooted in music, Bay first gained recognition as a songwriter when Kid Rock recorded his song “Never Enough.” After years performing with the country-rock band Outlaw Apostles, he has stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist, earning national attention through Season 29 of NBC’s The Voice. With authentic storytelling, powerful vocals, & deep Alabama roots, Bay continues to represent the Muscle Shoals music legacy on stages across the country. -

Brody Gravitt
5:00PM
He is an Alabama singer-songwriter bringing an authentic voice & a fresh perspective to country music. Influenced by his faith & everyday life, he writes songs that tell real stories & connect with real people. Along with performing some of his favorite cover songs, he enjoys sharing his own music & the stories behind it with audiences wherever he goes. His faith remains at the center of his journey, shaping both his music & his purpose. Through every song he writes & every stage he steps on, his goal is to create music that means something, connect with others, & give glory to the One who gave him the opportunity to do it. -

Meagan Allen
4:00PM
She is an independent red dirt country artist & songwriter based in Nashville with a distinct Texas flair, & has been steeped in classic country music her whole life. An accomplished songwriter & touring fiddle player, her original songs have been honored on the Grammy Long List, by Tennessee Songwriters Week, as a grand prize winner in NSAI’s 25th anniversary song contest, a first place winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, & featured 3 times in American Songwriter.
Vendors
Free Yoga Class
Led by Empowered Fitness
July 4, 2026
Starts at 8AM
McFarland Park
Bring a mat & a water bottle
Disc Golf Tournament
Hosted by SInging River Disc Golf
July 4, 2026
Flex Start
McFarland Park
Thank you to our hole sponsors Saved By Faith Discs, Teed Up Golf, & Bacon Alignment!
Thanks to Our 2026 Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
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Once you get into the park, there will be people directing you to available spots.
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Yes! You can bring a cooler in.
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Please do not set up a tent in the main area close to the stage and food trucks. You are welcome to set up a tent around the pavilions further into the park. If a tent is close to the stage, you will be asked to take it down.
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The fireworks show starts around 9PM.
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No, parking is free and event entry is free!