Annual celebration honors military, veterans, and first responders with expanded festivities and star-studded country music lineup
GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Downtown Goldsboro transformed into a patriotic celebration on Saturday, as the NC Freedom Fest 2025 drew thousands of community members to honor military personnel, veterans, and first responders during the annual free festival.
The day-long event, held September 6, featured an expanded five-hour street fair followed by an evening concert headlined by award-winning country artist Ashley Cooke at Freedom Field.
Expanded Street Fair Draws Families
The festivities began at noon with an expanded street fair that ran until 5 p.m., offering families additional time to explore local vendors, admire vehicles in the car and bike show, and participate in free activities designed for all ages.
The extended timeframe represented a significant expansion from previous years, allowing the community more opportunities to support local businesses and connect with neighbors in a patriotic atmosphere.
Evening Honors Service Members
At 5 p.m., attention shifted to Freedom Field for the main tribute program, which began with a military awards ceremony and an inspiring art contest showcase. The evening’s most anticipated moment came with an F-15 flyover that organizers described as a “crowd favorite and thrilling tribute to service members.”
The musical portion of the evening featured Wayne County native Eli Winders, a rising country star who opened the show, followed by headliner Ashley Cooke, whose performance was described as “show-stopping.”
Community Response
The event drew praise from attendees for its combination of family-friendly activities and meaningful recognition of those who serve the nation and local communities. The free admission allowed families across economic backgrounds to participate in the celebration.
Looking Ahead
Event organizers maintained active communication throughout the day via the festival’s website at www.ncfreedomfest.org and social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
The NC Freedom Fest, which began as an annual tradition to celebrate military members and first responders in Goldsboro, will return in 2026. Details about next year’s event will be announced on the festival’s official channels.
The festival represents one of the largest free community events in Wayne County, combining live music, family entertainment, and meaningful tributes to honor those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
