Sheila E. headlines Florence’s Freedom Fest, Queen Creek acts will also perform

Florence is going big this Fourth of July with Freedom Fest 2026.

This year’s celebration will be headlined by internationally acclaimed musician and performer Sheila E., bringing a major concert experience to Florence as the community celebrates 250 years of American independence.

“Freedom Fest is one of those special events that brings our whole community together, and this year is going to be bigger than ever,” Florence Mayor Keith Eaton stated in a press release. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we are excited to welcome residents, families and visitors from throughout Florence and the surrounding region for an evening filled with music, food, fireworks and community pride.”

Freedom Fest 2026 runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4 at the Florence Multipurpose Field and Aquatic Center, 174 W. 1st St.

The celebration will open at 5 p.m. with the National Anthem performed by Evelyn Errante, followed by The Blindsiders, a cover band from the Florence and Queen Creek area. The second annual Rib Eating Contest, presented in partnership with Your Behind BBQ, will take place at 5:45 p.m., followed by Honeygirl at 6:15 p.m.

Honeygirl, a Queen Creek-based country act fronted by singer-songwriter Kira Brown, will bring an Arizona-grown sound to the Freedom Fest stage. Blending country roots, rock influence, original music and crowd-favorite covers, Honeygirl adds a strong local and regional connection to this year’s entertainment lineup. The band also includes seasoned musicians such as Scotty Johnson of the Grammy-nominated Arizona band Gin Blossoms.

The evening’s headlining performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. with Sheila E.

Best known for hits such as “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre,” Sheila E. has built a career as both a solo artist and collaborator with some of the biggest names in music, including Prince, Ringo Starr, Beyoncé, Gloria Estefan, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and many others.

A five-time Grammy nominee and recent Grammy Award winner’s performance will cap off the evening before the big fireworks show.

Beyond the music, Freedom Fest will feature water slides, a 45-foot-long water obstacle course, sports inflatables, giant lawn games, a nine-hole mini golf course, a Stars & Stripes Sand Art Experience, and a Full Throttle RC Raceway, a custom remote-control car course operated by Jump ‘n Slide.

Families with young children can also enjoy a dedicated Toddler Soft Play Zone designed for little ones up to age 4.

Face painting and balloon animals will be located near the retail and resource vendor area.

The Florence Aquatic Center will be open from 1 to 10:00 p.m. with free admission. Guests are invited to cool off during the day and stay late to watch the fireworks while floating in the pool.

Food and refreshment vendors scheduled for the event include Chef on the Go, San Tan Hotdogs & Docs Dogs, Sunshine Funnel Cake, Maui Wowi Smoothies, Snowie Town, Cuties Lemonade, Copper Corn, and Udder Delights.

Event parking will be available at several designated locations, including Jason Lopez Memorial Park, formerly Heritage Park; the Florence Community Center and Aquatic Center; the dirt lot southwest of the Community Center; Downtown Florence side streets; and town hall for overflow parking, if needed.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating. Canopies are permitted within designated areas but must be taken down by sunset. Complimentary water will be available throughout the event.

Prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, glass containers and illegal substances. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of trained service animals. Parents and guardians are encouraged to keep a close eye on children throughout the event.

Vendor spaces are still available for Freedom Fest 2026. Food and retail vendors interested in participating are encouraged to contact the town of Florence directly for booking details.