1. Why has this event been moved to CoolToday Park?
- Freedom Festival has been quickly growing along with our community. We’re fortunate to have a beautiful facility in our City with CoolToday Park and it has been a pleasure working with the Braves to plan this event. We look forward to celebrating both our amazing community and our country together.
2. Why is the Address in Venice?
- CoolToday Park is in North Port so this event is still in North Port. Unfortunately, the zip code lists the area as Venice, which is incorrect. Zip codes are managed by the Postal Service and not local government. Zip codes are used by the Post Office for mail sorting and delivery only.
3. What is the address to the Stadium?
- Cool Today Park, 18800 West Villages Parkway, Venice, FL, 34293
Google search may bring it up as 18800 W Villages Pkwy, North Port, FL 34293
Both will get you to the same place!
4. When is this event?
- Friday, July 4, 2026, from 6-9:30 p.m.
5. When will the flyover take place and who is performing it?
- The flyover will take place immediately following the National Anthem, as part of the opening ceremonies. Opening ceremonies will begin promptly at 7 p.m. This year's flyover is provided by Gulf Coast Raptor Formation Flight Team.
6. When are the Fireworks?
- Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m.
7. Is there a charge or admission for parking?
- This is a free family event.
- Admission and parking are free
- There will be several free amenities available such as bounce houses, yard games, craft station, photo opportunity and live music
- There will be concessions and mobile food vendors for purchase
8. Will there be alcohol sales?
- Yes, the Braves organization will be selling alcohol at this event.
9. How do I become a vendor?
- Merchant and food vendors must submit an application for consideration to participate at this event. Applications can be found in the Food and Merchant vendor section of the website if available.
10. Will dogs be allowed?
- No. Please leave your pets at home. (Service animals only per stadium guidelines.)
11. What items are allowed/not allowed per CoolToday Park's entry policy?
- No coolers will be allowed in the Stadium or on the Event Lawn (Festival Area)
- Patron can bring coolers into the parking area.
- No personal fireworks, sparklers, pop caps, etc. are permitted.
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For your safety, metal detectors are installed at all entrances. Absolutely no guns, knives, weapons of any sort, cans, glass bottles, alcoholic beverages, hard sided coolers, bags exceeding 16″x16″x8″ or any other contraband shall be allowed into the ballpark from the outside. To ensure the safety of all guests and compliance with relevant laws and regulations, all individuals, bags, purses and similar receptacles will be subject to search prior to entry into the ballpark.
12. How do I become a sponsor?
- Contact Kimberly Lencki with Parks & Recreation at 941-429-7143 or email KLencki@NorthPortFL.gov.
13.What’s the traffic plan?
14.Do vendors or the stadium accept cash or credit?
- Most Festival Vendors accept cash or credits cards
- CoolToday Park is cashless
- There will be an ATM on site
15. What happens if it rains or there’s severe weather?
- This is a rain or shine event; In case of inclement weather, attendees will be asked to exit the event to their vehicles until the “all clear” is announce by City personnel.
16. Will there be accessible seating?
- Yes, CoolToday Park has accessible seating available.
17. Will there be seating on the field in the stadium?
- No, entertainment and fireworks can be viewed from the stadium seating inside CoolToday Park. Fireworks can also be viewed from the Event Lawn and the parking area.
18. Why are stickers/Pepsi products not allowed?
- The City is respecting the requests and contracts of the CoolToday Park.
19. What time can we arrive at the park?
- The Freedom Festival will begin at 6 p.m. There will be no access to the festival area prior to 6 p.m.