Freedom Festival Redux—a Star-Spangled Summer Send Off!

Subject to change:

5:30 p.m.

• Gates open
• Kicks off Freedom Festival with Live music
• Patriotic Play Zone open until 8:15 p.m.
• Firecracker Lane Vendors open until 8:15 p.m.
• Food Vendors open until 8:15 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

• Opening Ceremonies on the Main Stage
• National Anthem, performed by Jennifer Montalvo
• Flyover by Gulf Coast Raptors Formation Flight Team
  
  

7:30 p.m.

• Second Set of Live Music

8:30 p.m.

• Fireworks Show Begins (weather permitting)

9 p.m.

• Event Conclusion

(PDF, 9MB)

Entrance Plan

(PDF, 87MB)

From North Port:
Vehicles traveling from City of North Port and from the East must use West Villages Parkway as the primary entry route. Additional access points include Mezzo Drive and Playmore Blvd., which also provide convenient entry to the event area. Playmore Blvd. will be closed from 9-9:30 p.m. for the fireworks show, weather permitting.

From Venice
Vehicles traveling from Venice and from the West must enter through Preto Blvd. and turn left onto Playmore Blvd. to access the event location. 

If Preto Blvd. road closure continues, vehicles may continue down US 41 and turn right onto W. Villages Pkwy.

Exit Plan

(PDF, 87MB)

To North Port: 
Travel north on West Villages Parkway and make a right at US 41.

To Venice:
Travel north on West Villages Parkway, make a left on Playmore Blvd., then make a right on Preto Blvd. and finally make a left on US 41.

If Preto Blvd. road closure continues, vehicles may continue down W. Villages Pkwy and turn left onto US 41 toward Venice.

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?

• Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 5:30-9 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 6:45 p.m.  This year's flyover is provided by Gulf Coast Raptor Formation Flight Team.
  
  

6. When are the Fireworks?

• Fireworks are scheduled for 8:30 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, and live music
• There will be concessions (food) and festival vendors

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. 

10.  Will dogs be allowed?

• No. Please leave your pets at home. – (Service animals only)

11.  Are coolers or fireworks allowed?

• No Coolers will be allowed in the Stadium or on the Event Lawn (Festival Area)
• If asked -Patron can bring coolers into the parking area. 
• No personal fireworks, sparklers, pop caps, etc. are permitted.

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?

• Visitors traveling from North Port or the East: Please use West Villages Parkway as the primary entry route. Additional access points include Mezzo Drive and Playmore Boulevard, which also provide convenient entry to the event area. Please note that Playmore Blvd will be closed from 8:30-9 p.m. for the fireworks show, weather permitting.

• Visitors traveling from Venice or the West: Please use Preto Boulevard, then turn left onto Playmore Boulevard to access the event location. This is the designatd entry route for traffic arriving from the west

14.Do vendors accept cash or credit?

• Most Festival Vendors accept cash or credits cards
• 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.
• There is no rain date for this event.

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 5:30 p.m. There will be no access to the festival area prior to 5:30 p.m. 

Our sponsorship program is structured into tiers to accommodate budgets of all sizes, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate in the City's events. Sponsors not only gain great visibility throughout the community but also receive exceptional marketing benefits.

For more information on how you can sponsor the Freedom Festival, please contact Kimberly Lencki, Community Partnership & Engagement Manager, at 941-429-7143 or email KLencki@NorthPortFL.gov.

If you are ready to become a sponsor Freedom Festival, please complete the online sponsorship application. We appreciate your support!