FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 24, 2026) – The City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department (MAVD) invites the community to celebrate freedom, honor service, and commemorate America’s 250th birthday at Freedom Fest on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Friendship Fountain in Downtown Jacksonville.
This free, family-friendly celebration will bring together veterans, active-duty military personnel, military families, and community members for an evening of patriotic entertainment, live music, food trucks, family activities, community exhibits, and a spectacular fireworks display over the St. Johns River.
Photo Credit: City of Jacksonville
As one of Jacksonville’s signature celebrations, Freedom Fest serves as a tribute to the generations of Americans whose courage, sacrifice, and dedication have helped preserve the freedoms enjoyed today.
“Freedom Fest represents everything that makes Jacksonville one of America’s most military-friendly cities,” said Harrison Conyers, Director of the Military Affairs and Veterans Department for the City of Jacksonville. “As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, this event gives us an opportunity to honor those who have served, recognize the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms, and bring our community together in a spirit of patriotism and gratitude. We are especially proud to showcase the premiere of ‘America 250 Proof,’ a powerful anthem that reflects the resilience, unity, and enduring spirit of the American people.”
A centerpiece of the evening will be the live lyrical debut of “America 250 Proof,“ a new patriotic anthem created to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. The anthem was written and produced by Florida songwriter and America 250 Proof founder Dave MacCutcheon (MAC) and will be performed live by featured vocalist Brian Iannucci. The track also features acoustic and electric guitar performances by Mike Estes, formerly of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Serving as the musical foundation of the broader America 250 Proof initiative, the anthem helps launch an interactive educational and community engagement platform designed to celebrate America’s legacy through music, history, education, and service. Through the America 250 History Hunt™ and related programming, participants will be invited to explore the stories, people, innovations, and defining moments that helped shape the nation as America approaches its 250th anniversary.
“We created America 250 Proof to bring people together around our shared history and to honor the service, sacrifice, innovation, and perseverance that define the American story,” said Dave MacCutcheon, founder of America 250 Proof. “Jacksonville’s vibrant arts community and deep military heritage make it the ideal place to introduce both the anthem and the educational platform as our nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of freedom.”
The America 250 Proof initiative also recognizes the support of the Florida Creative Initiative and numerous Florida-based artists, musicians, educators, veterans, and community partners who have helped bring the project to life.
Freedom Fest attendees will enjoy a full evening of entertainment featuring performances by:
- Big Engine
- Navy Pride
- Bold City Brass
- Sal Gonzales
- Emily Mikus
- M-A-C featuring Brian Iannucci, performing the live premiere of “America 250 Proof”
Guests will also have opportunities to connect with local military organizations, veterans groups, and community partners dedicated to supporting service members and their families.
The celebration will conclude with a patriotic light and music show at Friendship Fountain followed by a fireworks spectacular over the St. Johns River.
Admission is free, and the first 1,000 attendees will receive a complimentary apple pie.
Event Details
Freedom Fest 2026
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Friendship Fountain, Jacksonville, Florida
Admission: Free
Special Giveaway: Free apple pies for the first 1,000 attendees
About the City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department
The City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department (MAVD) is dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families through free, compassionate, and comprehensive assistance programs. MAVD provides support with VA benefits and claims, career and employment services, housing and financial assistance, legal and tax resources, mental health and wellness referrals, and family and caregiver support.
As one of the most military-friendly cities in the nation, Jacksonville is committed to ensuring those who served receive the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve. Through advocacy, community partnerships, and direct services, MAVD works to restore dignity, empower lives, and ensure no veteran is left behind.
For assistance, visit MAVD at 117 W. Duval Street, Suite 175, Jacksonville, FL 32202, call (904) 255-5550, or email [email protected].
About America 250 Proof
America 250 Proof is a Florida-based patriotic initiative created to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary through music, storytelling, education, and community engagement. Anchored by its signature anthem, “America 250 Proof,” the platform provides an interactive destination where Americans can celebrate the people, milestones, and values that have shaped the nation’s history while inspiring future generations to carry forward its legacy.
For more information about America 250 Proof or to schedule interviews, contact Dave MacCutcheon at [email protected].
Contact:
Morgan Allen, Editor
Client Focused Media
[email protected]
(904) 232-3001
Keywords: America 250, Freedom Fest, Jacksonville, Veterans, Military, Patriotic Event, America 250 Proof, Anthem, Fireworks, Friendship Fountain, Independence Day, America 250 Celebration, Military Affairs and Veterans Department
