KTBS 3 Freedom Fest 2026 celebrates America 250

SHREVEPORT, La. — KTBS 3 is preparing for a landmark Independence Day season as Freedom Fest 2026 joins the nationwide America 250 celebration. This year's festivities honor the spirit of patriotism while marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Freedom means different things to different people. It could mean freedom of speech, freedom of religion, or the right to bear arms. We are truly blessed to live in the United States and enjoy the American freedoms that come with it. We invite you to focus on our freedom as we celebrate Independence Day this year.

Once again, it's all about God and country, and of course, those amazing fireworks. We hope you'll join us and recommit to the principles that sustained us in history. There will be no shortage of patriotism this year. Like every year, there will be multiple locations across the ArkLaTex to view the spectacular fireworks shows, courtesy of Pyromania and our generous sponsors.

“America’s 250th birthday is one of the most important milestones of our lifetime, and at KTBS, we believe it deserves more than a single day of celebration. That’s why we began celebrating in early May and will continue through July 4th with our biggest fireworks show ever," said KTBS 3 Station Manager George Sirven.

The KTBS 3 Freedom Fest 2026 is brought to you by these presenting sponsors -- the City of Shreveport, Shreveport Downtown Development, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, and the Caddo Parish Commission. Special thanks to Herbert’s Town & County and the Simple Church for making the many fireworks shows possible.

As always, the festivities will culminate on Independence Day with spectacular fireworks displays across the region, simultaneously lighting up the sky in seven locations across the ArkLaTex beginning at 9:30 p.m. – all broadcast live on KTBS 3 and KTBS+ for those watching from home.

FIREWORKS LOCATIONS & EVENT DETAILS

• Blanchard, LA
• Held at the Northwood Country Club.
• Live music from local bands kicks off at 6 p.m.
• Attractions include local food trucks.
• The fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.
• Cross Lake (7/3)
• Features a special early kickoff celebration on July 3.
• Offers waterfront viewing for the evening fireworks display.
• Cypress Lake
• Features a family-friendly viewing area for the synchronized regional fireworks show.
• The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.
• Downtown Shreveport
• Sponsored by Margaritaville and scheduled in partnership with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the City of Shreveport.
• Features a musical performance by members of the Shreveport Symphony.
• Includes a performance by the winner of Caddo's Rising Star, Carla Heard.
• Features a performance by the Victory Belles, a vocal trio from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans performing songs from the 1940s and 1950s in period uniforms.
• Jefferson, TX
• Activities begin at 4 p.m. at Otstott Park on North Vale Street.
• Attractions include a Children's Parade and local food trucks.
• Fireworks launch over Big Cypress Bayou by the downtown bridge at 9:30 p.m.
• Lake Claiborne
• Features lakeside viewing for the fireworks display.
• The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.
• Longview, TX
• Hosted at the Maude Cobb Convention Complex, with festival grounds opening at 4 p.m.
• Attractions include local food and artisan vendors.
• Live musical entertainment runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• The fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m.
• South Bossier
• Gates open at 5 p.m. at South Bossier Park on Caplis Sligo Road.
• Attractions include food trucks, inflatable bounce houses for children, and live music under a tent.
• The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.

BLANCHARD, LA - The Town of Blanchard and Northwood Golf Course will host a community celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Fourth of July. The event will feature live music from the Jake Williams' Band starting at 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy food vendors and family activities designed for all ages throughout the evening. A spectacular fireworks display is scheduled to begin at dark. Organizers encourage visitors to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets for seating. The celebration is designated as a firearm-free zone, and no electioneering will be allowed on the property.

CYPRESS LAKE - One of the seven KTBS July 4th Freedom Fest Professional Fireworks display sites will be Cypress Lake in Benton. Get ready for the biggest fireworks display on Cypress Lake at 9:30 p.m. on July 4th. Viewing will be from the beach area at Cypress-Black Bayou Recreation Area or on the lake from your boat! Enjoy the day and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from the lake or the park. The park will open at 8 a.m. for regular operations, with festival activities beginning at 5 p.m. The free event will include live entertainment and activities provided by Open Road Fellowship Church, including inflatables for children.

DOWNTOWN SHREVEPORT - SRAC in partnership with the City of Shreveport is scheduling the event in Downtown Shreveport. The evening will include a performance from part of the Shreveport Symphony. The winner of Caddo’s Rising Star, Carla Heard, will also perform. Also at this location, the Victory Belles will perform. The Victory Belles are a trio from the World War II Museum in New Orleans, and dress up in uniforms from the 40’s & 50’s, singing songs from that Era. Margaritaville is the sponsor for this fireworks location.

JEFFERSON, TX - The City of Jefferson will host a series of community events on July 4 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America. Activities will begin at 10 a.m. with a wreath laying and a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Park. The event is sponsored by the Martha McCraw Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Jefferson's America 250 Parade, sponsored by The Jeffersonian Institute, will follow at 11 a.m. through historic downtown Jefferson. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., a field day requiring an entry fee will take place at The Schluter House. The celebration will shift to Otstott Park for the evening schedule, starting with the children's parade lineup at 5:45 p.m. A formal welcome, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of active service members and veterans will begin at 6 p.m. The children's parade and judging will start at 6:05 p.m., followed by the ice cream championship judging at 6:15 p.m. A cake and pie auction benefiting the Jefferson Carnegie Library Children's Department is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Musical entertainment will feature a patriotic concert by the Shreveport Metropolitan Band starting at 7:30 p.m. A brief intermission will occur at 8 p.m. to present trophies to the ice cream winners before the concert resumes at 8:15 p.m. The evening will conclude with the ringing of historic Jefferson church bells for the Bells of Liberty at 9:25 p.m., followed by the massive fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

LAKE CLAIBORNE - The Claiborne Parish Watershed District will host its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show and Independence Day Celebration at Lake Claiborne. The festivities will feature a patriotic boat parade starting at 5 p.m. at the entrance to the Lake Claiborne State Park cove near the dam. The parade will travel across the water and conclude upon exiting the Pleasure Point and Kel's Kove area. Pleasure Point Marina will also host a golf cart parade earlier in the afternoon at 2 p.m. The annual fireworks display will launch from the Lake Claiborne dam at dusk. Organizers note that the public will not be permitted on the dam or its slopes for viewing, as these areas are reserved for authorized emergency personnel and fireworks technicians. Spectators are encouraged to find viewing locations around the lake, including the state park and local marinas. The community events are free and open to the public.

LONGVIEW, TX - The City of Longview will host its annual Fireworks and Freedom Celebration at the Longview Convention Complex to honor the 250th anniversary of America. The event will feature a concert by the Longview Symphony Orchestra on the Zippy J's outdoor stage alongside a headliner band. Attendees can also participate in a Cruise Night and Patriotic Car Show with front-row parking for participating vehicles. Indoor entertainment at the Maude Cobb Convention Center will include family-friendly performances by Theatre Longview and ArtsView Children's Theatre. The Longview Public Library will host bingo games, and Hot Dog Express will sponsor the annual hot dog eating contest. Food and beverage vendors will operate throughout the evening. Admission and parking are free for all attendees, and organizers recommend bringing a lawn chair for the concert and fireworks show. The full event schedule and headliner announcement will be released closer to July 4.

SOUTH BOSSIER PARK - South Bossier Freedom Fest takes place at South Bossier Park on Caplis Sligo Road. Gates open at 5 p.m. with food trucks, inflatable bounce houses, live music, and family-friendly activities before fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. (Bossier Parish, Free)

The celebrations began early with the annual Flag Day Giveaway starting June 1. KTBS 3 and sponsors will be distributing free American flags to viewers across the region. This initiative encourages residents to display their patriotic pride leading up to the July 4 holiday.

Flag giveaway locations

LOCATIONS

Barksdale Federal Credit Union - OUT OF FLAGS

• 1560 E. 70th St., Shreveport
• 2321 Airline Dr., Bossier City

Chasing Aces (June 9 only) sponsored by Shreveport Coca-Cola United - OUT OF FLAGS

• 1111 W. 2^nd St., Bossier City

Classic Chevrolet benefiting Harvest Regional Food Bank

• 640 S. Constitution Ave., Ashdown, Ar

Classic Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram benefiting Harvest Regional Food Bank

• 1102 Walton Dr., Texarkana, Tx

Classic Kia benefiting Harvest Regional Food Bank

• 902 Walton Dr., Texarkana, Tx

Columbia Park -100th anniversary (June 13 only, 1 p.m. through 5 p.m.)

• 600 Columbia St., Shreveport

Eagle Truck Center - OUT OF FLAGS

• 1301 Ockley Dr., Shreveport

Forsythe Tractor

• 6909 Westport Ave., Shreveport
• 655 E Loop 281, Longview

Gregg Orr Auto Collection benefiting Harvest Regional Food Bank

• Classic Auto Park, 4333 Mall Dr, Texarkana, Tx 

Gregg Orr Marine & RV benefiting Harvest Regional Food Bank

• 3115 E, 54^th St. Texarkana, Ar

Johnson’s Furniture & Mattress Gallery

• 2001 Airline Dr., Bossier City
• 921 Westgate Dr., Bossier City
• 1215 W. Loop 281, Longview, Tx
• 1403 E. 70^th St., Shreveport

Kroger Marketplace (June 12 at 4 p.m.) sponsored by Shreveport Coca-Cola United

• Airline Dr., Bossier City

Lander’s Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram - OUT OF FLAGS

• 2701 Benton Rd., Bossier City

Lux Modular Homes by Tilley’s - OUT OF FLAGS

• 4110 E. Texas St., Bossier City

Pioneer Comfort Systems

• 1030 E Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport

Word of God Ministries (Bossier) - OUT OF FLAGS

• 1760 Swan Lake Rd., Bossier City

Boating safety awareness

With many residents expected to take to the water this summer, Freedom Fest includes a focus on boating safety thanks to sponsor Barksdale Federal Credit Union. Representatives will share vital information and tips to ensure that everyone enjoying the lakes and rivers of the ArkLaTex can do so safely during the busy summer months.

United We Give blood drive

This summer, when the need for blood is greatest, our community comes together. Neighbors helping neighbors. Friends showing up for friends. Because when you give blood, you give life. The United We Give blood drive is an annual summer campaign hosted by LifeShare Blood Center to boost community blood supplies during seasonal shortages. Give July 1 through July 3 and receive a $25 gift card PLUS an exclusive t-shirt. Schedule your donation today.

Naturalization ceremony

In a powerful display of the American dream, a special naturalization ceremony is scheduled for July 2. New citizens will take the Oath of Allegiance on stage at The Strand Theatre, officially joining the nation as part of the Freedom Fest events. The ceremony highlights the heritage of freedom that defines the country. Another treat on July 2 will be special performances by the incredible Victory Belles, who are returning to Shreveport for Freedom Fest. This charming vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s has serenaded countless audiences at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans and across the globe.

“We want the entire community to join us in celebrating America 250 by flying their flags, attending the naturalization ceremony at The Strand on July 2nd, and participating in the many fireworks celebrations planned across the ArkLaTex on July 4th,” Sirven said.

During the Freedom Fest Finale, if you're watching us on television or on a mobile device, sit back and enjoy traditional patriotic performances by area church choirs and hear messages of faith, hope, and patriotism from local clergy.

“KTBS is proud to be working closely with ABC as they present a 24-hour America 250 celebration beginning July 3rd at 10:30 p.m. and continuing through July 4th. This historic anniversary deserves national attention and local pride,” Sirven added.

The live programming schedule for such a monumental event is tricky at best. After months of careful planning, the America 250 and Freedom Fest Finale schedules are set, though subject to change.

ABC & KTBS 3

• Friday 10:35 p.m. - ABC national coverage begins with live events, including New Orleans.
• Saturday Morning/Day: Good Morning America in 50 States and the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on ESPN.
• Saturday 7 p.m. - Live primetime musical special and fireworks from Nashville.
• Saturday 10 p.m. - Live local news coverage from across the ArkLaTex.
• Cut-ins - Live local news windows air twice per half hour from Friday night through Saturday night.

KPXJ & Sports Schedule

• Saturday 3:30 p.m. - NASCAR race coverage.
• Saturday 7 p.m. - Live Freedom Fest Finale coverage begins.
• Saturday 9:30 p.m. - The largest fireworks show in the ArkLaTex from multiple locations.
• Saturday 10 p.m. - KPXJ coverage concludes and begins on KTBS 3 until 11 p.m.

Remember, when you're on the go, KTBS+ is your connection with KTBS 3 and KPXJ CW 21.

For more information and for a schedule of events, go to KTBS.com/FreedomFest. Once again, the series is brought to you by the City of Shreveport, Shreveport Downtown Development, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, and the Caddo Parish Commission. Special thanks to Herbert’s Town & County and the Simple Church for making the many fireworks shows possible.

As always, we want to see your celebration. Share Your View of the Red, White, and Blue. Send us your photos to pics@KTBS.com or post them to our Facebook page, and to get more eyes on your pictures, be sure to use #KTBSSalutes on social media.

“Patriotism doesn’t have to wait until the Fourth of July. America’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-generation celebration, and now is the perfect time for all of us to proudly show what this country means to our families and communities,” Sirven said.

Happy birthday, America!