ARLINGTON, TX — This Independence Day, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation invites families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the return of Freedom Fest. During this two-day celebration, the Museum will become a place to explore the stories, ideals, and acts of service that have helped define our nation since 1776. 

Held Saturday, July 4 through Sunday, July 5, Freedom Fest will treat guests to a live performance by the 1st Cavalry Division Band, a front-row view of Arlington's annual fireworks show, access to a limited-time guided tour, special menu offerings at the 1861 Café Restaurant, and a special screening from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. 

“Throughout America's 250-year story, generations of Americans have answered moments that called for courage, integrity, commitment, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism. Freedom Fest offers a special opportunity to come together in celebration of these values and those who defend them,” said Cory Crowley, NMOHMF Executive Vice President. “What better way to spend this special Fourth of July than gathering with family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy classic American traditions while discovering how Medal of Honor values continue to shape our nation today.” 

Event Highlights: Freedom Fest at the National Medal of Honor Museum 

1st Cavalry Division Band Concert: Experience a live performance honoring the service, sacrifice, and enduring spirit that has shaped our nation since its founding. The 1st Cavalry Division Band will perform a mix of traditional military music, vocal performances, and contemporary selections. 

When: 

• Sunday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. 

Where: 

• Upper Museum Terrace (outside) 
• National Medal of Honor Museum, Arlington, Texas 
• 1861 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 

Fireworks Viewing Party: Celebrate Independence Day weekend with a front-row view of Arlington's annual Light Up Arlington fireworks show above Mark Holtz Lake. Gather in the Museum's amphitheater for an evening of community, reflection, and summer tradition. Food, water, and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening as visitors enjoy the festivities and fireworks display. Seating opens at 5:30 p.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis 

When: 

• Sunday, July 5 at 9:30 p.m. 

Where: 

• Museum Amphitheater 
• National Medal of Honor Museum, Arlington, Texas 
• 1861 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 

Foundations of Freedom: 1776 and the Medal of Honor: Experience a limited-time guided tour exploring how the Medal of Honor has helped shape American identity through shared traditions, national symbols, remembrance, sacrifice, and service. 

When: 

• Saturday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. 
• Sunday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m.—7:30 p.m. 

Where: 

• National Medal of Honor Museum, Arlington, Texas 
• 1861 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 

Dine at 1861 Café Restaurant: Enjoy special menu offerings, including hot dogs and hamburgers, throughout the holiday weekend. 

When: 

• Saturday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. 
• Sunday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m.—7:30 p.m. 

Where: 

• National Medal of Honor Museum, Arlington, Texas 
• 1861 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 

The Spirit of Service in The American Revolution: In partnership with PBS, KERA, and the Daughters of the American Revolution, experience a special excerpt from Ken Burns' The American Revolution, exploring how volunteerism, civic engagement, and service have shaped American identity since our nation's founding. Following the screening, guests are invited to continue the conversation through self-guided activities and reflection experiences in the Lincoln Lobby.  

When: 

• Sunday, July 5 at 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. 

Where: 

• Neel Kearby Theater 
• National Medal of Honor Museum, Arlington, Texas 
• 1861 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 

Freedom Fest is made possible in part through the support of USAA, Choctaw Nation, and Minky Couture.  

The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. The elevated exhibit deck, held aloft by five concrete mega-columns representing branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, features 31,000 square feet of immersive exhibits, powerful multimedia experiences, and never-before-seen artifacts, chronicling the lives and legacies of those who have received our country's highest award for valor in combat. A visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. 

The National Medal of Honor Museum is proud to offer discounted admission for all veterans and free admission for active-duty military. For more details and to reserve tickets, visit mohmuseum.org. 

### 

About the National Medal of Honor Museum, Monument and Griffin Institute   

The National Medal of Honor Museum, Monument and Griffin Institute inspire individuals by honoring and preserving the history of the highest military decoration awarded for valor in combat. 

The Museum, which opened on March 25, 2025, and was voted as the Best New Museum in America and one of the world’s most beautiful museums, serves as a national landmark located in America’s heartland in Arlington, Texas, and provides an unrivaled, interactive visitor experience that commemorates the historical thread of sacrifice, patriotism, and courage that connects members of the United States military service past and present. It is the Museum’s mission to tell the stories of Medal of Honor recipients in a dynamic and interactive setting that will inspire visitors to recognize the potential for the extraordinary that resides in us all.    

Through dynamic and far-reaching curriculum and programming, the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute is bringing to life the core values inherent to the Medal of Honor in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities around the country.   

In 2021, The National Medal of Honor Monument Act was signed into law, paving the way for the monument’s placement in Washington, D.C. Soon, Americans and visitors of every nation will have the opportunity to reflect on the values represented by those whose selfless and courageous actions have served to safeguard freedom and democracy the world over.   

For more information please visit the National Medal of Honor Museum website or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.