OXFORD, AL — The City of Oxford will mark America’s 250th anniversary with its annual Freedom Festival on Saturday, July 4, featuring a full day of family-friendly activities, patriotic celebrations, and an enhanced fireworks display at Oxford Lake Park and the Oxford Civic Center.
Organized by Oxford Parks and Recreation, the event has become one of the city’s signature summer traditions. Activities throughout the day will include a parade, live entertainment, carnival games, contests, swimming, food vendors, a petting zoo, and community showcases.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with the Around the Lake Ramble for senior adults, followed by parade registration and lineup at 8:30 a.m. The Freedom Festival Parade will start at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies taking place shortly afterward in Liberty Park.
Additional morning activities include a petting zoo, tricycle and bicycle races, a pet show, and the Oxford Jump Track Showcase of Talent, which will highlight riders and participants from around the region as the jump track celebrates its first anniversary.
Children can enjoy free carnival games and prizes in the Civic Center gymnasium from 9:45 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
One of the festival’s featured events is the Piezilla Challenge, beginning at 11 a.m. Five two-person teams will compete to finish a 28-inch, 64-slice pepperoni pizza and a two-liter soda in under an hour. The competition is sponsored by Cicis Pizza, with local radio station 97.9 VOK participating in the event kickoff.
The city pool will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a $2 admission fee, and swim races are scheduled for 1 p.m.
The celebration will conclude with an expanded fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m. City officials say the 2026 display has been enhanced in recognition of the nation’s semiquincentennial, featuring additional shells, colors, and special effects. The show will be produced by PyroShows.
To help ensure public safety, the Oxford Police Department will enforce several event rules, including prohibitions on drones, alcohol, personal fireworks, and weapons. Clear backpacks will be required.
Oxford Lake Park and the Oxford Civic Center are located at 401 McCullars Lane. For additional information, residents may contact the Oxford Civic Center at 256-831-2660.
