Orange County Freedom Fest

It's not the Fourth of July, but it's the closest we could get with a really GREAT fireworks display.

We can't speak to all the activities at this event, except for the fireworks display which we can guarantee will be spectacular!

This free, family-friendly community event is a vibrant celebration of what makes Orange County great, our residents, our talent, and our appreciation of the service of our local veterans. The evening includes a special veterans’ salute. Stick around as the sky comes alive with a fireworks display set to music, plus a dazzling drone light show, a modern twist on a classic tradition that’s sure to leave you in awe.

Date: Friday July 18, 2025 (Rain Date Friday, July 25, 2025)
Time: From 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Vendors will be set up by 3:00 PM
(Fireworks will start around 8:00-8:10 PM)
Place: Thomas Bull Memorial Park

Approximately 4,000 spectators attended in previous years since original 2018 Freedom Fest.

“Freedom Fest brings out the best of Orange County including our patriotism, our gratitude for our veterans, and our strong sense of community,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “It’s always a fun, meaningful, and memorable evening, and we’re proud to host it again this year.”

Kids’ Zone:
We’re going all out for the little ones this year! The Kids’ Zone will feature:
- Bounce houses
- LEGO building opportunities with LEGOLAND New York Resort
- Face painting
- Sensory play activities, games, giveaways and community resources, presented in collaboration with Orange County Tourism & Film, Think Differently, and the Orange County Department of Health
- Hands-on sensory games & giveaways
- A performance by magician The Great Charlini at 6 p.m.
- The reveal of our new County Tourism mascot, Hudson the Hound – don’t miss your chance to meet him in person!

Live Music:
Fan-favorite Black Dirt Bandits take the stage at 6:30 p.m. with their signature blend of modern country covers and homegrown originals that will have you singing and dancing along.

Before that, rising local star Julia Roome will kick off the evening with a stirring performance of the National Anthem.

Orange County has partnered with the Committee for the Families of War Veterans to bring the show to residents. The Committee for the Families of War Veterans is a non-partisan, 501c3 not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2007 to raise funds for returning veterans, current soldiers as well as soldiers wounded in combat and their families.