📍 MLK Park at Lake Silver
📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
⏰ Event begins at 5:00 PM, Ski Show at 6:00 PM, Fireworks at Sunset
ROCKIN' FREEDOM FEST
America is turning 250, and we’re celebrating in true Winter Haven style: on the shores of Lake Silver with live music, water skiing, food, family fun, and an extra-special fireworks finale!
Join us for Rockin’ Freedom Fest:
- Friday, July 3
- Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Lake Silver
- Fireworks at sunset
Arrive early to secure a great spot and bring your own chairs or blankets. Tents and large umbrellas are not permitted.
Bring your family, invite your friends and get ready for an unforgettable evening featuring:
- Live music from the Bay Kings Band
- A special performance by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team
- An extra-special America 250 fireworks show at sunset
- Food trucks serving plenty of festival favorites
- Free face painting
- Free giveaways
- A watermelon-eating contest for adults and children
- Limited-edition Fireworks, Friends & Freshwater T-shirts available for purchase
A variety of food trucks will be on site serving all evening!
- Dell A Souls Loaded Potato and More
- DonutNV
- Just Smoke & Things BBQ
- K&E Little Smokers
- Mzzkingzwingz&thingz
- Taco Riendo Food Collective
- Tony's Italian ICE
- Wicked Pizza
Ready to take on the watermelon challenge?
Sign up at the City tent when you arrive! The first 10 adults and first 10 children age 12 and younger to register will compete to see who can east the most watermelon (no hands!).
Veterans, please stop by the City tent!
We want to recognize the men and women who have served our country. Veterans are invited to pick up a special button to wear during the event so members of our community can thank you for your service.
Snag a one-of-a-kind Winter Haven America 250 T-Shirt for Only $10!
Shirts will be on sale, along with stickers, magnets, and a limited supply of hats at the City's tent. Youth and Adult sizes available!
Third Street is closed due to construction, but we've got you covered!
Before heading downtown, review the event parking map and choose your parking area. When you arrive:
Look for the Rockin’ Freedom Fest signs directing you to parking.Park in one of the designated free lots.Follow the directional signs along the sidewalk to reach the event.
From the parking areas, you can:
- Follow the trail and enjoy a shaded stroll to the park, or
- Walk to Second Street, where free shuttles will run throughout the event and after the fireworks.
Please do not rely on your usual route to Lake Silver. Follow the posted parking and pedestrian signs to avoid the Third Street construction closure and find the easiest path to the celebration.
Plan to arrive early to allow time to park, walk or ride the shuttle, and choose your spot before the festivities begin.
A special thank-you to BayCare for allowing us to use its parking lots for this community celebration!
PACK FOR THE FUN!
DO BRING:
- Chairs and blankets for relaxing by the lake
- Sunscreen and hats for the Florida sunshine
- Water to stay hydrated
- Dancing feet for the Bay Kings Band
- Taste buds ready for amazing food from eight food trucks
- Smiles, friends, family and plenty of patriotism
- Your excitement for an extra-special America 250 fireworks show
PLEASE DO NOT BRING:
- Tents or large umbrellas. These can block the view for others.
- Drones. Drones are not permitted at the event.
- Jet skis, boats or other watercraft on Lake Silver. The lake must remain clear so the fireworks barge can be safely moved into position.
- Alcohol or illegal substances.
- Cigarettes or vapes. City parks are smoke-free and vape-free.
