Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com — The countdown is on.
This Saturday night, July 4, thousands of people are expected to gather on the campus of Arkansas State University for America 250 Freedom Fest, Jonesboro’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday and the largest Independence Day event in Northeast Arkansas.
For the first time, Freedom Fest moves from the Southside Softball Complex to the Arkansas State University campus, creating a celebration featuring family activities, food, and the biggest Freedom Fest fireworks spectacular ever produced.
The professional fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
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“We’ve been producing community fireworks celebrations for forty years, first in Paragould and now in Jonesboro, and this is without question the biggest production we’ve ever undertaken,” said Trey Stafford, President and General Manager of Jonesboro Media Group. “We’ve increased our fireworks budget by thirty percent for America’s 250th birthday. We wanted this to be a celebration our community will remember for years to come.”
Admission is free, and there is no charge for parking.
Visitors will be able to enter the Arkansas State campus from several directions, including Red Wolf Boulevard, Johnson Avenue, Aggie Road and other campus entrances.
Jonesboro Police officers, Arkansas State University Police officers and numerous event volunteers will direct traffic before and after the fireworks display.
“We know many people are wondering how traffic will work at our new location,” Stafford said. “With multiple entrances into campus and officers directing traffic, we expect vehicles to move efficiently. We simply ask everyone to be patient both arriving and leaving. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience.”
The fireworks will be launched from the middle of the Arkansas State football practice field.
For everyone’s protection, a safety barrier will surround the practice field throughout the evening.
“We ask everyone to respect the safety perimeter,” Stafford said. “Federal fireworks safety regulations prohibit us from firing the show if spectators enter that protected area. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation so we can present the show safely.”
Organizers also remind attendees that personal fireworks are strictly prohibited anywhere on the Arkansas State campus.
Jonesboro Police and Arkansas State University Police will patrol the event, and violations may result in citations or arrest.
“This policy is simply about protecting the thousands of families who will be gathered together enjoying the celebration,” Stafford said.
America 250 Freedom Fest is more than fireworks.
The celebration begins at 4 p.m. with the America 250 Show & Shine outside First National Bank Arena.
Classic cars, trucks, Jeeps, motorcycles, street rods, race cars, bicycles, go-karts and specialty vehicles will be on display. Participation and admission are both free, making it a perfect way for families to begin their Independence Day celebration.
Inside First National Bank Arena, competitors from around the region will battle for cash prizes during the America 250 Cornhole Tournament. Players may compete in Advanced and Beginner divisions while spectators enjoy the air-conditioned venue.
At 7 p.m., the Delta Symphony Orchestra presents “An Orchestral Ode to 250 Years of America” inside the Fowler Center.
The patriotic concert celebrates America’s 250th birthday through music that reflects the nation’s history, pride and spirit. Tickets are just $10, allowing attendees to enjoy the concert and still return outside in time for the 9:30 fireworks spectacular.
Food trucks will be located throughout portions of campus. Restrooms and concession stands inside First National Bank Arena will remain open during the evening, and Hedges Portable Toilets will be available throughout the viewing areas.
This year’s fireworks production is once again being presented by Premier Pyrotechnics.
Veteran chief pyrotechnician Scott Berry returns for his eleventh consecutive Freedom Fest production in Jonesboro, while nationally recognized fireworks designer Casey Helfrich has choreographed the show specifically for America’s 250th birthday celebration.
The fireworks will once again be synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack broadcast simultaneously on all six Jonesboro Media Group radio stations:
104.9 The Fox
100.5 The Eagle
Mix 106.3
Hot 107.5
98.5 The Outlaw
EZ 92.7
The music soundtrack was produced and edited by Jonesboro Media Group Production Director Ben Blankenship who has produced twenty fireworks soundtracks in his career. “This one was special to produce,” said Blankenship. “Knowing that you’re creating a music soundtrack to help citizens observe our country’s 250th anniversary as a country makes me feel proud to be asked to do it again.”
Stafford credited Craig Rickert and the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission for helping make Arkansas State University the centerpiece of Jonesboro’s America 250 celebration.
He also praised Arkansas State University leadership for their cooperation and thanked Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott and Arkansas State University Police Chief Randy Martin for their departments’ support of the event.
“This celebration belongs to the entire community,” Stafford said. “We’re grateful for everyone who has worked together to create this special celebration.”
America 250 Freedom Fest is made possible through the generous support of All Clean Restoration Service, Arvest Bank, Barton’s, Hytrol Conveyor, Parrish Automotive and DNW, RightFiber, and the Tommy’s Express Car Wash America 250 Grand Finale.
Hatton Weeks, Vice President and General Manager of KAIT, said the event reflects what can happen when community organizations work together.
“We’re proud to partner once again with Jonesboro Media Group to present this celebration,” Weeks said. “America’s 250th birthday deserves something special, and we believe families from throughout Northeast Arkansas will experience an unforgettable Fourth of July together.”
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AMERICA 250 FREEDOM FEST
Saturday, July 4, 2026
4:00 p.m. – America 250 Show & Shine (Free)
4:00 p.m. — America 250 Cornhole Tournament (Free)
7:00 p.m. – Delta Symphony Orchestra: An Orchestral Ode to 250 Years of America ($10 Fowler Center)
9:30 p.m. – America 250 Freedom Fest Fireworks Spectacular (Free)
Location: Arkansas State University Campus
Parking: Free