Fort Carson Hosts Front Range Freedom Fest to Celebrate Independence Day
Fort Carson, Colorado – On June 28, 2025, the serene surroundings of Iron Horse Park transformed into a vibrant celebration space as over 10,000 service members, their families, and residents from Colorado Springs gathered for the Front Range Freedom Fest. This annual event serves as a prelude to Independence Day and is designed to foster a sense of community and patriotism among military families and locals alike.
Ryan Noble, the director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) at Fort Carson, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “We do this event annually because it brings a little bit of home from everywhere. Whether they are stateside or worldwide, it brings a good sense of home to the entire community.” Freedom Fest stands out as one of the rare events hosted by Fort Carson that is free and accessible to the public. This year, the event was made possible through a collaborative effort with Shriever Space Force Base and the United States Air Force Academy, further enhancing its community-oriented spirit.
The celebration featured an impressive array of activities and attractions, including over 20 food trucks and 10 vendors. Families were delighted with free bounce houses and entertainment for children. Opening the festivities was the 4th Infantry Division band, which provided a musical backdrop to the day’s activities. Notably, attendees were given the opportunity to vote on the musical genre they wished to enjoy, culminating in a decision for alternative rock over traditional country music.
The evening’s entertainment was marked by performances from popular bands, starting with Vertical Horizon, followed by the co-headliner Anberlin, and concluding with the Canadian rock band Default. Noble remarked on the event’s purpose, saying, “We wanted to provide a variety of free activities during this event to celebrate freedom, while also honoring the 4th Infantry Division, the garrison, and our external partners for their ongoing commitment to enhancing the resilience and readiness of our community.”
The celebration culminated in a traditional cannon salute and a spectacular fireworks display, bringing the festivities to a memorable close. This year’s Front Range Freedom Fest not only celebrated the Fourth of July but also reinforced the bond between military families and the broader community, promoting a spirit of unity and gratitude.
For those interested in future events organized by the Fort Carson MWR, further details can be found on their official website at carson.armymwr.com.
As Independence Day approaches, events like Freedom Fest play a pivotal role in enhancing community ties and honoring the dedication of military personnel and their families.
