President John Adams envisioned the celebration of July 4 “to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and Illuminations.”
The city of Oxford is preparing to take Adams’ advice and, with a little revision, make the 2026 Freedom Festival held on the occasion of America’s 250th, one for the memory books.
Oxford Parks and Recreation promise a day that is “longer, brighter, and louder” than ever before and will have something for every member of the family to enjoy at the Oxford Civic Center and Oxford Lake Park.
The favorite traditions all return – senior adult ramble around the lake, the parade, the solemn opening ceremony at Liberty Park, the petting zoo, tricycle and bicycle races, pet show, free carnival games, and the city pool open and hosting swim races.
But, there’s more with arts, action, and appetite!
The youth of the area will display their artistic salutes to America at the Regional Student Art Display, located in Room 101 in the Oxford Civic Center. The display will be available for viewing from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
The Oxford Jump Track will celebrate its first-year anniversary and America’s 250th by hosting an exciting showcase of skills, perseverance, and talent by the sports’ very best students and adults from around the area beginning at 9:45 a.m.
Ten hearty folks get the chance to test their eating contest skills during The Piezilla Challenge! Five teams of two people will compete to eat a 28-inch, 64-slice, Pepperoni Piezilla from Cicis Pizza and a 2-liter soda in under an hour. The first slice gets cut by our friends at 97.9 VOK at 11 a.m.
The 2026 Fireworks Show, produced by the legendary PyroShows fireworks team, has been expanded for this historic occasion with more exploding shells, colors, and surprises than ever before! The show begins at 9 p.m.
Schedule of Events:
• 8:00 a.m. – Around the Lake Ramble for Senior Adults - Walk and get a ribbon!
• 8:30 a.m. – Parade Registration & Line-Up (Baseball Parking Lot); Cheaha Winds Community Band Performance in Liberty Park
• 9:00 a.m. – Freedom Festival Parade Begins
• 9:15 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies at Liberty Park
• 9:30 a.m. – Noon - Regional Student Art Display (Room 101 in Oxford Civic Center)
• 9:30 a.m. – Petting Zoo, Tricycle & Bicycle Races, and Pet Show
• 9:45 a.m. – Oxford Jump Track Showcase of Talent
• 9:45 –11:30 a.m. – Free Carnival Games & Prizes for Children (Gymnasium)
• 11 a.m. – The Piezilla Challenge pizza eating contest (featuring Cicis Pizza and 97.9 VOK)
• 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – City Pool Open ($2 Admission); Swim Races at 1 p.m.
To ensure a safe and fun day for everyone, the Oxford Police Department will enforce the following rules: NO drones, NO alcohol, NO personal fireworks, NO weapons, and CLEAR backpacks only.
For more information, contact the Oxford Civic Center at 256-831-2660.
The Oxford Civic Center and Oxford Lake Park are located at 401 McCullars Lane.