Fort Benning's Freedom 250 Independence Celebration

At Fort Benning, we celebrate Independence Day a little early! Our annual Independence Celebration on June 27 provides Soldiers, their families, and our surrounding community with a safe environment to enjoy a free concert, children's activities and a fantastic fireworks show!

Two multiplatinum acts, Gavin DeGraw and the Plain White T’s are set to coheadline Fort Benning’s Freedom 250 Independence Celebration. Black Rhino Sound, the electrifying Texas DJ, will kick off the evening and energize the crowd.

The 2026 celebration, presented by the Russell County Commission, will also include a Kids’ Zone sponsored by Fort Benning’s Qualified Recycling Program, 34-foot jump towers and a variety of food vendors. New this year is an entire field dedicated to celebrating 250 years of freedom with static military displays and demonstrations.

The Maneuver Center of Excellence Band concludes the evening with a patriotic score choreographed to a large fireworks show.

The 2026 Fort Benning Freedom 250 Independence Celebration starts at 4 p.m. on York Field, located on Eckel Avenue in front of McGinnis-Wickam Hall, Building 4. The public is invited to join our Soldiers and their families for a free concert, fireworks and more! Stay tuned to this page for more information on gate access procedures.

The Fort Benning 2026 Freedom 250 Independence Celebration is sponsored by the Russell County Commission, Fort Benning Qualified Recycling Program, the Gary Sinise Foundation, USAA, Goodwill Industries of Southern Rivers, Stars & Strikes, Groome Transportation, First Command, Wounded Warriors Project, Flint Energies, PMB Media, IHG Army Hotels.

(Sponsorship does not imply endorsement).

Gavin DeGraw, the GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum singer and songwriter renowned for his signature fusion of pop, soul, country, folk, and funk, first captured hearts with his 2003 Platinum-certified debut album, Chariot, which delivered the Gold single “Follow Through” and Platinum hits “Chariot” and the iconic “I Don’t Want To Be.”

Since emerging in 1997, the Chicago quartet Plain White T's have made a lasting impact with their catchy pop rock anthems. Their iconic single "Hey There Delilah" reached quadruple Platinum status, held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and garnered two GRAMMY® nominations in 2008. Known for their infectious melodies and engaging performances, Plain White T's continue to be a dominant force in the music scene

Schedule of Events

Coming Soon

Field Layout

Coming Soon

Gate Access Information

This event is free and open to the public. Here are the steps to enter the installation!

Critical Security Rules for Everyone

Age Requirement: Everyone 18 and older must present a valid state or federal ID.
Vehicle Checks: All vehicles are subject to random search.
Prohibited Items: No weapons are allowed on the installation.

Step 1: Check Your ID Status

Find your category below to see entry requirements:

If You Have: DoW / Military ID(CAC, PIV, MIL, VHIC, or current AIE)
Your Access Process: Proceed directly to any gate after 3:30 p.m.

If You Have: REAL ID (Riding with a DoW ID cardholder)
Your Access Process: Proceed directly to any open gate with that cardholder. Your REAL ID will be scanned as your digital pass.

If You Have: Standard State ID / No DoW ID
Your Access Process: You must be vetted to receive an event pass. (See Step 2)

If You Have: Foreign Nationals (No DoW ID)
Your Access Process: You must go to the Lindsey Creek Visitor Control Center (VCC) to be processed on the day of the event.

Step 2: Get Vetted (Choose Option A or B)

Option A: Pre-Vetting (Recommended to Save Time)

Apply Online: Pre-apply for your pass
1. Event Code: TC6VDG43
Pick Up Your Pass: Collect your physical pass at the Lindsey Creek Visitor Control Center (Open 24/7, located on I-185) before midnight on June 26.
Entry: Use any open gate on June 27 after 3:30 p.m.

Option B: Day-Of Vetting (Expect Delays)

If you do not pre-vet, you must enter through one of these two gates on June 27 after 3:30 p.m. to be processed:
Grange ACP: Located on Legacy Boulevard, just past the National Infantry Museum.
Childers ACP: Located off Alabama Highway 165.

Sponsorship Opportunities

More than 20,000 people attended the 2025 Independence Celebration, making this event the single largest opportunity we offer our sponsors to reach the Fort Benning community. If you would like to learn more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities, email chaiane.d.jackson.naf@army.mil today!

Vendor Prices

We will have over 30 food vendors selling a variety of foods! From Hawaiian & German, good ole’ Southern fried chicken, to festival favorites like burgers, hotdogs, barbeque and sweet treats! There is something for everyone!

All vendors will take cards and cash! NO TOKENS will be used at this event.

Become a Food Vendor

We have thousands of mouths to feed, y'all! MWR is looking for Food Vendors who are interested in supporting our annual Independence Celebration on June 27! If you or someone you know would like to participate, contact Lisa-Marie Mardis at lisa-marie.mardis.naf@army.mil. Be sure to include the name of your business, food menu, prices and insurance. Vendors who sign up to join us for Independence Day will also have the opportunity to come to other MWR-facilitated Special Events for THREE years!

Frequently Asked Question

Gate access?

This event is free and open to the public. If you don't have a Department of Defense (DoD) ID, you will be vetted. You can save time and pre-apply for a pass.

This event is free and open to the public. If you don't have a Department of Defense (DoD) ID, you will be vetted. You can save time and pre-apply for a pass.
Once you're approved, you can pick up your event pass at the Lindsey Creek Visitor Control Center prior to the Plumley Access Control Point on I-185 through midnight on June 26.
See Gate Access information above.

Will food and beverages available for purchase?

YES! Food trucks will sell a variety of food for all your cravings...especially the FUNNEL CAKES!

Coolers are allowed, but there will be plenty of food and beverage vendors available.
No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.
All vendors will accept cash and cards.

Where can I park?

Parking will be available in designated areas around McGinnis-Wickam Hall, at Smith Fitness Center, Building 6, and near designated ranges along Ralph Puckett Parkway.

Can we bring pets?

No. For safety and sanitation reasons, please leave your pets and emotional support animals at home. Certified service animals are permitted.

Kids’ activities?

Of course! We will have a Kids Zone - sponsored by Fort Benning’s Qualified Recycling Program - an area set up for youth of all ages to enjoy inflatables, crafts, crazy hair, face painting, rock climbing wall, and more...plus it is all FREE! The Kids Zone closes at 8:30 p.m.

Can we use MWR tokens?

Food vendors accept cash and cards. Admission is free, as well as the entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks and parking. If you have leftover MWR tokens, you can turn them in for a refund at MWR Headquarters, Building 85, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. prior to June 23. Token refunds will not be available at the event.

Will there be an ATM available?

Yes, there is an ATM located in McGinnis-Wickam Hall, Building 4.

Will there be trainees?

No, soldiers in training will have their own celebration at a later date.

Can we bring coolers, lawn chairs, blankets, and canopies?

Yes! Coolers are allowed but no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed, and small canopies are permitted in designated areas. No grills are allowed.

Prohibited Items:

No guns, knives, or weapons of any kind are allowed. No professional cameras or glass bottles. No pets or emotional support animals allowed. No grills. For security reasons, please be prepared for 100% security checks at all entrances to the event venue. Small unenclosed canopies are allowed in designated areas only. Smoking allowed in designated areas only.