GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Downtown Goldsboro will be filled with live music, family activities, patriotic displays and thousands of visitors Saturday as NC Freedom Fest returns for its annual celebration honoring military personnel, veterans and first responders.
The free, family-friendly festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, with activities stretching throughout downtown Goldsboro. The Street Fair runs from noon until 6 p.m., followed by the main evening celebration at Freedom Field from 5 to 9 p.m.
The annual event brings the community together with service members and their families, including those from nearby Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, for a day centered on appreciation, patriotism and community.
This year’s festivities come just one day after the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, adding special significance to a weekend dedicated to honoring those who serve.
Ashley McBryde Headlines Freedom Stage
Country music star Ashley McBryde will headline this year’s NC Freedom Fest, taking the Freedom Stage at 7 p.m.
Before McBryde arrives in Goldsboro, listeners can hear from the headliner herself during a special interview with Megan Marie, host of the WZKT Katie Country Morning Show.
McBryde will talk with Megan Marie about her music, career and upcoming appearance at NC Freedom Fest as Goldsboro prepares to welcome the country singer to Freedom Field.
The Freedom Stage entertainment begins at 5 p.m. with the USAF Flyover, followed by T. Davis at 5:25 p.m. Military and First Responder Art and Sports Awards are scheduled for 6:45 p.m., followed by McBryde at 7 p.m. The evening concludes with the Night Flyover at 8:30 p.m.
Live Music Throughout Downtown
Music will begin hours before the main stage opens.
The Patriot Stage at Freedom Field runs from noon until 5 p.m., with DJ C-Rai emceeing and DJing between performances. The lineup includes Matt Livingston at noon, 581 South at 12:45 p.m., Shelby Rae at 1:45 p.m., Ricky Boyce at 2:30 p.m., Clayton Blackman at 3:30 p.m. and Kyden Jones at 4:30 p.m.
The Praise Stage, located at the Walnut Street traffic circle, also runs from noon until 5 p.m. and features Adam Thompson, Lydia Williams, Northbound Worship, Church Alice, Voices of Hope and Encore.
Street Fair Offers Something for All Ages
The NC Freedom Fest Street Fair will take over Center Street from Mulberry to Chestnut from noon until 6 p.m.
Activities include craft vendors, food trucks, the Princess Tiana character from The Princess and the Frog, a roaming Spider-Man character and other attractions.
The Kids Zone at The Hub will feature food trucks, a bounce house, arts and crafts, kinetic sensory activities, Paw Patrol characters, yard games, a hula-hoop activity and more.
A Teen Zone on East Mulberry Street will offer a game-on-video gaming trailer, USAF fitness and sports trailer and yard games.
The festival will also feature a Car & Bike Show from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Center Street from Ash to Mulberry, with registration beginning at 9 a.m.
Static displays will be located along Center Street from Chestnut to Spruce from noon until 6 p.m., while the Mount Olive Pickle Train and Waynesborough Model Railroad Club will be featured along West Mulberry Street.
Field of Honor Part of Freedom Fest
The 6th Annual Field of Honor will once again be part of NC Freedom Fest, with American flags displayed along Center Street from Ash Street to Mulberry Street, across from Goldsboro City Hall.
The display honors service and sacrifice and provides a fitting backdrop for a festival dedicated to America’s military, veterans and first responders.
With the festival taking place the day after the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this year’s Field of Honor carries an added reminder of the first responders, military personnel and families whose lives were forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001.
A Celebration of Service and Community
NC Freedom Fest has grown into one of downtown Goldsboro’s signature community celebrations, combining entertainment and family activities with its central mission of recognizing the men and women who serve.
From the Field of Honor and military displays to three stages of live entertainment and a headlining performance from Ashley McBryde, Saturday’s festival will offer activities throughout downtown before the celebration moves into the evening at Freedom Field.
And best of all — admission is free.
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