Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – July 4, 2025 – The Freedom Fest Fireworks Display to be held Friday, July 4 at the Southside Softball Complex will be the biggest ever, according to organizers.
Freedom Fest, billed as Arkansas’ largest free fireworks show, will take place at 9:30 p.m. Synchronized music will accompany the fireworks broadcast on the six Jonesboro Media Group radio stations: EZ 92.7, 98.5 The Outlaw, 100.5 The Eagle, 104.9 The Fox, Mix 106.3 and Hot 107.5. Free admission parking at Southside Softball Complex opens at 6 p.m.
This year’s Freedom Fest display will include a huge finale to commemorate St. Bernards Medical Center’s 125th Anniversary.
“St. Bernards officially celebrates its 125th Anniversary on July 5,” said Trey Stafford, President/General Manager of Jonesboro Media Group, organizer of Freedom Fest. “St. Bernards leadership identified Freedom Fest as a way to showcase their landmark event. Together we’re putting several thousand dollars into an impressive finish to this year’s show. People love big finales!”
This is the 14th year Freedom Fest has been held at Southside Softball Complex. The event was held at the former location of the Northeast Arkansas District Fairgrounds from 2003-2011 and at Paragould High School (July Jam) 1987-2002.
Jonesboro Media Group and KAIT-TV together present Freedom Fest in cooperation with the City of Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Department. Several sponsors provide financial support which is used to fund the fireworks show.
“Freedom Fest doesn’t happen if businesses don’t recognize Freedom Fest as a worthwhile event and step-up to sponsor it,” Stafford said.
This year’s sponsors in addition to St. Bernards Medical Center include All Clean Restoration, Arvest Bank, Barton’s (also celebrating its 140th anniversary this year), Parish Automotive (formerly DNW Automotive), Right Fiber by Ritter Communications and Tommy’s Express Car Wash.
Food, beverage and frozen treat vendors for this year’s event include Tropical Sno, Lemonade 7, Vaughn BBQ, Miss Polly’s BBQ, Code Fusion, 4n1 Cafe, Chow Down, Hunter’s Loaded Lemonade, Kona – Ice and Tina’s Tasty Treats!
“The vendors will be located in the middle of the Southside complex,” Stafford said. “Fireworks fans can park and walk to enjoy what the vendors have to offer.” Portable restroom facilities will be available.
Parking assistance will be provided for those who attend Freedom Fest.
“Our parking team will safely direct parking,” Stafford said. “The intent is to provide a first-in, first-out process meaning those who arrive earlier should get out quicker.” He added that no matter where you park, the exit from the park happens quickly. “Each year we see the last taillights pull out of the park around 10:45.”
Crews from Vector Disease Control will “fog” Southside in the days leading up to the 4th of July, but you should prepare for mosquitos.
“It’s the 4th of July in Jonesboro. What would it be without mosquitos?” said Stafford. He encouraged those planning to attend to bring bug spray, chairs, blankets – but NO personal fireworks. “For the safety of all those attending we don’t allow personal fireworks to be shot within the park. Jonesboro Police will arrest anyone who shoots fireworks in the park. They have a no tolerance policy to protect those attending.”