SHREVEPORT, La. – Happy birthday, America! And thank you, Mother Nature, for not completely spoiling all the fun.
Some across the ArkLaTex on Saturday did experience some downpours, gusty winds, and lightning. There were some rain delays and cancelations, but despite that, the celebrations continued.
For 18 years, KTBS/KPXJ and generous sponsors have brought the Freedom Fest Series to the ArkLaTex. This year, the celebration was bigger and better than ever and celebrated God & Country.
The KTBS 3 Freedom Fest 2026 is brought to you by these presenting sponsors — the City of Shreveport, Shreveport Downtown Development, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, and the Caddo Parish Commission. Special thanks to Herbert’s Town & County, the Simple Church, Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath, and SWEPCO for making the many fireworks shows possible.
As forecast by the KTBS MEGA 3 Storm Team, it was hot out there, but not as hot as in some other parts of the country. Some said it was still hot as a firecracker in the afternoon as family and friends gathered, some seeking shade and cool refreshments in an effort to beat the heat, before some storms rolled through.
KTBS/KPXJ fanned out across the ArkLaTex to provide live coverage from multiple locations.
As always, organizers capped off the big night with multiple massive fireworks displays. The rocket’s red glare could be seen for miles in Shreveport, South Bossier, Blanchard, Lake Claiborne, Cypress Lake, Jefferson, and Longview.
Of course, the best seat in the house for the fireworks shows was right in your own home, watching on-air or streaming on KTBS+.
DOWNTOWN SHREVEPORT
If you were looking for some live music, one of the top spots to be was in downtown Shreveport. It was an unforgettable evening of festivities even though threatening clouds rolled in.
Partiers were moved into Riverview Theater for safety reasons. But overall, it was a good evening with live entertainment and a colorful fireworks display. The extravaganza at the Riverview Park Amphitheatre and Plaza went above and beyond the fireworks. Folks honored the community and celebrated our independence in grand style along the Red River.
The ever-popular Victory Belles had their performance delayed because of the weather but they still took the audience on a musical journey into the past with a patriotic performance inside Riverview Hall. The Victory Belles are a vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans and across the globe. Just this week, they performed ahead of the special naturalization celebration at The Strand Theatre.
Carla Heard, the winner of the inaugural Caddo’s Rising Star talent competition, wowed the crowd with her performance shortly before the fireworks were launched.
There was plenty to do for the entire family thanks to the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s efforts in putting the event together.
SOUTH BOSSIER PARK
Once again, one of the most popular places to enjoy the Freedom Fest Finale was at South Bossier Park just off Caplis Sligo Road.
Thousands poured into the park after 5 p.m. when it opened to take advantage of the food trucks and live music before the fabulous fireworks display.
Open Road Fellowship Church had an expanded family area this year with a large tent featuring worship teams playing music, bounce houses, and cornhole boards.
Organizers say the goal is to bring the community together to honor the greatest country in the world.
It took weeks of planning to make sure everything was all set for the big family-friendly event.
BLANCHARD
The Town of Blanchard and Northwood Hills Golf Club hosted a community celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Fourth of July. The event featured live music from the Jake Williams Band starting at 6 p.m., although the set was cut short. Attendees enjoyed food vendors and family activities designed for all ages throughout the evening.
The weather did force everyone indoors for safety when the high winds, rain, and lightning started.
A spectacular fireworks display was launched at 9:30 p.m. Everywhere you looked, you found families with blankets and lawn chairs settled in for the festivities.
LAKE CLAIBORNE
The Claiborne Parish Watershed District hosted its celebration at Lake Claiborne. A planned patriotic boat parade at the entrance to the Lake Claiborne State Park cove near the dam was canceled due to the weather. The boats were to travel across the water and end at Pleasure Point and Kel’s Kove area, but that didn’t happen. Pleasure Point Marina also hosted a golf cart parade.
The fireworks soared into the sky from the Lake Claiborne dam. Spectators found great viewing locations all around the lake, including the state park and local marinas.
CYPRESS LAKE IN BENTON
Those headed to Cypress Lake in Benton were wise to pack their sunscreen, swimsuit and a beach towel — and an umbrella.
This was another family-friendly spot, which meant no alcohol allowed. The park opened at 8 a.m. for normal operations, with everything kicking into gear at 5 p.m. The free event featured live entertainment.
The main viewing location was on the beach. Open Road Fellowship Church provided inflatables and entertainment. There was also a flotilla on the water, which offered a unique fireworks viewing experience.
RIVERFRONT IN JEFFERSON
It wasn’t just the Freedom Fest Finale in Jefferson, Texas. It was also the 33rd Annual Jefferson Salutes America Festival at Otstott Park with fireworks over Big Cypress Bayou. The festival benefited area youth organizations and the historic Jefferson Carnegie Library’s children’s programs.
Activities began at 10 a.m. with a wreath laying and a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Park. The event is sponsored by the Martha McCraw Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Jefferson’s America 250 Parade, sponsored by The Jeffersonian Institute, followed at 11 a.m. through historic downtown Jefferson.
A formal welcome, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of active service members and veterans began at 6 p.m. There was a children’s parade, ice cream championship judging, and a cake and pie auction.
Musical entertainment featured a patriotic concert by the Shreveport Metropolitan Concert Band. The evening ended with the ringing of church bells, followed by the massive fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
MAUDE COBB CONVENTION CENTER IN LONGVIEW
The Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview was the place to be in Gregg County for the Fireworks and Freedom Celebration. The event was scheduled to feature a concert by the Longview Symphony Orchestra on the Zippy J’s outdoor stage alongside a headliner band The Peterson Brothers. Both performances were canceled due to the weather.
Attendees also enjoyed a Cruise Night and Patriotic Car Show, family-friendly performances by Theatre Longview and ArtsView Children’s Theatre, a hot dog eating contest, BINGO, and a petting zoo.
There was some rain early in the evening before the fireworks that forced people to take cover.
CELEBRATING GOD AND COUNTRY
Celebrating God and Country is what Freedom Fest is all about — thanking God we live in a free country and honoring the men and women who serve in our military to keep it that way.
SHARE YOUR VIEW OF THE RED, WHITE & BLUE
As always, we want to see your celebration. Share Your View of the Red, White, and Blue. Send us your photos to pics@KTBS.com or post them to our Facebook page, and to get more eyes on your pictures, be sure to use #KTBSSalutes on social media.
Once again, the KTBS 3 Freedom Fest 2026 is brought to you by these presenting sponsors — the City of Shreveport, Shreveport Downtown Development, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, and the Caddo Parish Commission. Special thanks to Herbert’s Town & County, the Simple Church, Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath, and SWEPCO for making the many fireworks shows possible.
Until next year, happy birthday, America!
