HERMANN – Hermann-area residents will take two days to celebrate this year’s Independence Day, the nation’s 250th birthday. FreedomFest 2026 is sponsored by the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce.

The traditional marking of the holiday with a parade, food and fireworks will be on Friday while Saturday’s events are dedicated to the kids with activities at the Eitmann-Messmer Amphitheater.

The celebration kicks off Friday evening at 6 with the FreedomFest Parade. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Heritage and Horizons” and will wind through downtown streets ending at Riverfront Park. This year the parade is being coordinated by Hermann City Administrator Patricia Heaney. Anyone interested in entering the parade should contact Heaney at 573-486-5400.

At 7 p.m., the Hermann Municipal Band will perform a concert at the Amphitheater. That’s also the time the food vendors open for business in Riverfront Park. Vendors include the Hermann Lions Club and the Hermann Troop 116 of the Boy Scouts of America.

At dark, the fireworks display is scheduled to begin. After years of watching fireworks launched from a site across the Missouri River, those attending FreedomFest this year will see fireworks set off a lot closer – from the grassy area at the eastern end of Riverfront Park. The city of Hermann is helping fund the cost of the fireworks display.

On Saturday, a 5K run and walk benefiting the Hermann Veterans of Foreign Wars post. That event is set for 8 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be Ring the School Bell at the historic Hermann Museum.

At 2 p.m. kids activities will be taking place at the Amphitheater along with food trucks offering their products. A popular event will be the Kiddie Tractor Pull. Sign-ups for the tractor pull can be made at 3 p.m.

At 7 p.m. on Saturday, a showing of “National Treasure” will be presented at Showboat Theatre.