Coming soon.

This event is free and open to the public. If you don't have a Department of Defense (DoD) ID, you will need to be vetted. All non-DoD ID cardholding attendees 18 and older require vetting.

Here are the ways to be able to access the installation on the day of the event:

1. PRE-VETTING: All non-DoD ID cardholding attendees 18 and older require vetting. You can request a pass online in advance at... coming soon.
   • Once you're approved, you must pick up your visitor pass prior to the event, no later than midnight on June 28. Passes can be picked up at the Lindsey Creek Visitor Control Center located just prior to the Plumley Access Control Point on I-185. Each person that needs a pass will have to be present at pickup to verify their ID. Pre-vetted visitors with passes may use any gate on June 29 after 3:30 p.m. The event venue opens at 4 p.m.
2. DAY-OF VETTING: Visitors who are not pre-vetted must use the Grange Access Control Point on Legacy Boulevard just past the National Infantry Museum on June 29 after 3:30 p.m. Everyone 18 and older will need to present a valid state or federal ID.
3. TRUSTED TRAVELER: Visitors who arrive in the same vehicle driven by a DoD ID cardholder will NOT need to obtain a visitor pass; all passengers 18 and older will need to present a valid state or federal ID. 100% ID checks will be in effect at all gates on June 29.

More than 20,000 people attended the 2023 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!

We will 50 different food vendors on the field with a variety of different foods. There is something for everyone! From Hawaiian, German Food, to good ole Southern fried chicken; Turkey Legs, Barbeque, Burgers, Hotdogs, and of course – all kinds of sweet treats: Ice Cream (real Italian Ice cream), Shaved Ice, Freeze-Dried candies, Funnel cakes, and more!

Please find below an estimate on what our food vendor’s prices will be:

• Beverages: 1-4 Tokens
• Specialty Beverages: 3-5 Tokens
• Combo Meals (meat plus sides): up to 20 Tokens
• Sandwiches/Wraps: 5-16 Tokens
• Hotdogs/Sausages: 4-10 Tokens
• BBQ: up to 15 Tokens
• Pizza: 14-15 Tokens
• Turkey Legs: 17 Tokens
• Hawaiian and German Food: up to 20 Tokens
• Sweets: 3-6 Tokens
• Specialty Fries: 12 Tokens

Tokens are used to pay for all food and beverages. Admission is free, as well as the entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks, and parking.

MWR uses tokens at large events to speed up the process of ordering and paying for food and beverages. The vendors appreciate the ease of not having to return change. BUT don’t wait in line! 

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 29! If you or someone you know would like to participate, contact Carolyn Shelton at carolyn.h.shelton.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!

Gate access?  Please see information above under Gate Access Information tab.

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.

Food and beverages available for purchase?  YES! Food trucks will sell a variety of food for all your cravings...especially the FUNNEL CAKES and TURKEY LEGS! Check out the section for “VENDOR PRICES – HOW MANY TOKENS DO I NEED?”

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

Kids activities?  Of course!  We will have the Headquarter Nissan Kids Zone - an area set up for youth of all ages (including the adults!) to enjoy inflatables, crafts, crazy hair, face painting, rock climbing wall and more...plus it is all FREE!

Can we bring pets?  No. For safety and sanitation reasons, please leave your pets at home. Service dogs are permitted.

What are tokens for? I thought this was a free event?  Tokens are needed to pay for all food and beverages. Admission is free, as well as the entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks and parking.

MWR uses tokens at large events to help speed up the process of ordering and paying for food and beverages. The vendors appreciate the ease of not having to return change. BUT don’t wait in line! Pre-sale of tokens will begin June 17 – check out the section “WHAT ARE TOKENS, WHY DO I NEED THEM AND WHERE DO I GET THEM?”

Do I need cash to pay for tokens?  No, we can accept debit and credit cards, but cash is the quickest way to get through the line.

Will there be an ATM available?  Yes, there is an ATM located in McGinnis-Wickam Hall and at Kinetic Credit Union.

What if I have tokens left at the end of the night?  You can return your tokens for a full refund at the token tent/trailer OR starting July 1, swing by MWR Headquarters, 6850 Barron Avenue, Building 85, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and receive your refund.  But your best choice is to keep those tokens for our next big event: Oktoberfest, October 18-20, 2024, at Uchee Creek! (Save the date!)

Will there be a shaded area?  Yes! A large shade tent will be set up with fans. 

Can we bring coolers, lawn chairs, blankets, 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. 

Will there be trainees?  Yes, we love our trainees and like to give them a break to celebrate with us.

Prohibited Items:  No guns, knives, or weapons of any kind are allowed. No professional cameras or glass bottles. For security reasons, please be prepared for random security checks. No pets allowed. Small canopies (no sides or enclosed) in designated areas only. No grills.  Smoking allowed in designated areas only.

What if it rains?  The rain date for the FIREWORKS ONLY is the following day, June 30. No vendors, entertainment, etc. will be set up. Stay up to date on our Facebook page.