Fort Belvoir Freedom Fest

Free festival at Fremont Field with fireworks (9:30pm), food vendors and live entertainment from The Route 66 Band and The Phil Vandel Band!

The 4th of July tops the list when it comes to uniquely American holidays.  It celebrates our nation's founding, it's a time to commemorate and honor our military, and then, there's the fun of spending time with family and friends while experiencing the thrill of fireworks. Freedom Fest is Fort Belvoir's annual 4th of July celebration! This event is a great alternative to dealing with the large crowds, congested traffic, and parking problems in downtown DC. After all, this is a day that should be enjoyable for the entire family. The event is open to eligible Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons to include Soldiers, families, DoD civilians, military retirees and affiliated contractors.

July 4th festivities begin 5 p.m. on Fremont Field (P-2 Field) adjacent to Route 1.  This gives families time to enjoy the day at the Officers' Club pool, the air-conditioned Bowling Center, go to the Nationals baseball game with Outdoor Recreation, or to attend the Golf Course's Family Day Celebration. Beginning at 6 pm on the field, enjoy the sounds of "Route 66", playing a variety of classic and oldies rock and roll, followed by Nashville recording artist "The Phil Vandel Band".  The band plays a mixture of country rock as well as their original songs and classic cover songs. This popular band has made numerous visits to troops in Iraq and will release a new album which Soldiers and their families can download for free.   

       What is a fest without food? Choose from a variety of traditional fest foods such as hot dogs, corn dogs, hamburgers, cheese steak sandwiches and a few non-tradition items such as Caribbean items, fried fish, potato cakes and kabobs. Beverages for sale include soda and beer. Please remember to bring a designated driver if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages. There will be a 100% ID check for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.   

      Make sure to stick around for Belvoir's Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza!  The show begins at approximately 9:30 pm so come early, bring a blanket, and relax under the stars. Admission and parking are free but no vehicles will be admitted on the festival grounds. Those attending without Belvoir vehicle stickers may enter through Tulley Gate, off of Route 1, during the fest hours of 5 - 9:30 pm. For everyone's safety, personal fireworks, sparklers, grills and glass bottles are prohibited at the event.  Call (703) 805-3714 with any questions.

We also want to thank our generous for their support: Belvoir Federal Credit Union, AUSA, USAA, USA Discounters, University of Phoenix, Villages of Belvoir, Boxe Designs and AT&T.


TRAFFIC INFO UPDATE:

Parking and Traffic during Freedom Fest

To provide the safest and most efficient traffic plan, Fort Belvoir Directorate of Emergency Services has provided the following guidance for Freedom Fest parking and exiting:

Parking

1. Due to construction on or near Goethals, Meade and Constitution roads, available parking around Fremont Field is greatly reduced. Limited parking is available for those who arrive early.

2. Parking is also available on Franklin Road; adjacent to the Center for Army Analysis; Woodlawn Chapel; at the reserve center on Gunston Road; the commissary and main post exchange; Fort Belvoir Elementary School, and the Community Center.

3. People who park at the community center will be able to cross Route 1 at the intersection of Belvoir Road and Route 1 and a police escort will be provided.

4. Parking at the new hospital is not allowed.

5. VIP and parking for disabled can be accessed at the entrance to the field on Goethals Road.


Leaving Freedom Fest

1. At the end of the event the following gates will open for outbound traffic: Meeres; J. J. Kingman; Lieber, south bound Route 1 only; Pence; Walker; and Tulley.

2. Vehicles parked on or near Meade Road will be directed to leave by exiting out Lieber Gate or southbound on Gunston Road. Travel toward the post PX will be denied.

3. Vehicles parked on or near Goethals Road will be directed to leave by exiting northbound on Gunston Road. Travel toward Route 1 overpass will be denied. Vehicles will be able to exit by using Kingman or Meeres gates.

4. Vehicles parked on or near Franklin Road/ Woodlawn Chapel will be directed toward Gorgas Road to exit at Kingman or Meeres gates.

5. Residents who live south of Route 1 are advised to park on or near Meade Road or the Community Center to ensure an easier return home.

6. Tulley Gate will be the only gate open for inbound traffic.