Galva Freedom Fest

09/10/2026

Freedom Fest is so much more than fireworks. It’s about family, friends, neighbors, tradition, and the pride we share in calling Galva home. It’s about creating memories for our children and grandchildren that they will carry with them for years to come.
Our Galva Freedom Fest committee consists of the following people who deserve recognition:

Melissa Halsall Chairwoman
Lauren Heck Carshow Coordinator
Carolyn Raley Talent Show Coordinator
Annette Smith Soup & Chili Supper Coordinator
Christina Smith
Dustin Jaco
Rosemary Howell
Pat Raley

We as a group, are especially proud to give back to the community that makes this celebration possible.
On behalf of Galva Freedom Fest, our sponsors, our donors, and everyone who has contributed to making this celebration a success, we are honored to present the City of Galva with a check for $35,000.
This donation will pay for the 250th America Celebration Galva Freedom Fest fireworks display in full.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this effort. This would not be possible without the generosity, hard work, and hometown spirit of the people of Galva. Special thanks to Dan Moore, and the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Foundation for their generous sponsorship in the amount of $12,500, without it we would not have met our fundraising goal. Thank you for believing in Galva and for helping us keep this tradition alive.
Each year we look forward to seeing everyone coming together, looking up at the sky and celebrating not only our freedom, but the wonderful community we are so fortunate to call home.
This is what happens when a community comes together.
Thank you.

08/25/2026

A great day! See you next year on August 22, 2027!

08/15/2026

Spreading the word for our friends at The Back Road Music Festival!

Rain or shine, FESTIVAL DAY is here! Our incredible volunteers have been working non-stop to make sure everything is set for YOU. Gather your crew, bring the good vibes, and let’s make today amazing!

🌦️ We’re opening a little later than usual, so take your time getting to Galva—explore a back road, grab lunch somewhere new, or simply soak up the small-town charm of downtown Galva. See you soon!

Changes (PLEASE READ):

⏰ Gates open at 4PM—please note, only the MAIN GATE will be open today! The West Gate is closed. Box office opens at 3PM for in-person ticket sales.

🚗 Only those with PRE-PURCHASED Premier Parking passes can park on festival grounds. ALL other vehicles, including staff, must use off-site parking. There will be NO on-site parking available for those who did not pre-purchase.

🚌 Continuous shuttles will run starting at 2:30PM from the municipal parking lot in downtown Galva (S Exchange St & Market St, just west of Hathaway’s).

✅ Drop-offs are allowed at the main entrance for your convenience.

07/09/2026

The Galva Freedom Fest 5k is on Saturday July 4, 2026.

07/06/2026

OUR COMMUNITY IS AMAZING!!! AMERICA250 was done in Galva Freedom Fest fashion and it lived up to all expectations!!!

Thank you so much everyone…HONESTLY, I can’t do it alone. I have a really fantastic committee behind me, and their ideas and tenacity is what makes Galva Freedom Fest what it is. We build each year…looking to be better and better and bring more people to our sweet little city with each 4th of July. I truly believe everyone with me has the same passion for it as I do, and without all of you showing up every year it DEFINITELY wouldn’t be what it is, so THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, to those who enjoy our festival, and invite others to share in the fun, those who VOLUNTEER and their families, and those who do it all.

We can’t be Galva Freedom Fest without you! ❤️

-Melissa, Freedom Fest Chairperson

07/04/2026

The return of our Galva Freedom Fest Talent Show was full of great performances!! Thank you to all who participated, and those who helped them prepare. Another thank you to our judges, Ali Weston and Allison Trigg. Thank you to our committee member, Carolyn Raley for bringing the talent show back to life! It was a great event.

Our winners are…
Under 18:
1st Avery and Amelia Boss
2nd Elise Nance
3rd place tied Brynn Renner and Ayla Byers

18+: 1st Bryan Griem, 2nd Shane Garcia

07/04/2026

Pack a chair for the fireworks, the ground is a little wet!! Make sure you check out the free petting zoo and bouncy houses located near the ball diamonds with the kids or young at heart too.
Several food vendors are set up with lots of delicious options to choose from out at the Galva Park District!

07/04/2026

Can anyone help?

07/04/2026

There will absolutely be a show tonight so make sure to come to the park early, grab a meal and a free bounce in the bouncy houses!
Don’t forget to leave a donation on your way in, we need those to continue each year!
We HIGHLY recommend being in the park for this year’s display! You will NOT want to miss this!