Apple Valley Freedom Days Turns 60 — Here's the Full 2026 Schedule
TLDR
Apple Valley Freedom Days celebrates its 60th year in 2026.
It runs June 26 through July 4, with a rain date of July 5 for fireworks.
The Kiddie Parade is back after about 20 years away.
The council approved the full schedule on June 11.
Apple Valley's biggest summer tradition just got the green light. At the June 11 council meeting, the city approved the full Freedom Days schedule — and this one's special. It's the 60th year.
The volunteer committee that runs it has more than 100 years of combined experience pulling this off. As one longtime volunteer joked, it's the hardest unpaid part-time job you'll ever have. Here's everything they've got planned.
The full schedule
Car Show — Friday, June 26, 5–9 PM Kicks off the whole week at the Apple Valley American Legion, with cars angle-parked on the surrounding streets. Last year drew about 180 cars, and some years have hit 200.
Casting with the Cops — Wednesday, July 1, 5:30–7:30 PM A fishing event that's been a hit with kids.
Kiddie Parade — Friday, July 3, 5–7 PM The big comeback. After roughly 20 years gone, the Kiddie Parade returns. It starts at Scott Highlands and heads to Johnny Cake Ridge Park. You need to pre-register — find the link on the city or Freedom Days website. Big thanks to the Rotary Club and Cub Foods for bringing it back.
Carnival — July 2, 3, and 4 Three days of rides and games. Times are still being set.
Family Fun Night — Friday, July 3 Paired with the Kiddie Parade. Expect a petting zoo, pony rides, knocker ball, food vendors, and a vendor fair.
Fun Run — Saturday, July 4 (morning) Hosted by the Parks and Recreation department.
Parade — Friday, July 4, 1 PM The main event. Crowds usually start grabbing spots around 11 AM. This year's grand marshal is Tom Goodwin. The committee was still taking parade applications as of the meeting, so call if you want in.
Pre-Fireworks Party — Friday, July 4, 6–9:30 PM A DJ and dance party up at the gazebo, plus food vendors (who shut down at 9:30 to clear the way).
Fireworks — Friday, July 4, 9:30 PM The grand finale. Rain date is Sunday, July 5, at 9:30 PM.
What's new (and what's back)
The headline is the Kiddie Parade's return after two decades. That's the kind of thing that gets longtime residents grinning.
The other fun note: Tom Goodwin as grand marshal. Council members called it a great pick. If you've followed Apple Valley city government for a while, the name will ring a bell.
Looking for even more to do this summer? The city's Music in Kelley Park series runs alongside Freedom Days, and there's a whole slate of park upgrades opening this summer too.
A 60-year milestone
Sixty years is a long run for any community event. The committee thanked the city, the American Legion, and dozens of local and area businesses for keeping it going. Without the sponsors and the volunteers, they said, none of it happens.
There was a tender moment, too. Pat Sichel, who usually leads the presentation, couldn't be there — her husband had a stroke about a month ago and just made it home from rehab that day. The committee sent their good wishes from the council table.
The Bottom Line
Mark your calendar: June 26 through July 4, with fireworks capping it off on the Fourth (or July 5 if it rains). Pre-register for the Kiddie Parade if your kids want in, and call the committee soon if you'd like to join the parade. For exact times and registration links, check the city's website. Sixty years in, this one's still the heart of an Apple Valley summer.
FAQ
When is Apple Valley Freedom Days 2026? Events run June 26 through July 4, with a July 5 rain date for the fireworks.
What time are the fireworks? 9:30 PM on Friday, July 4. If it rains, they move to Sunday, July 5, at 9:30 PM.
Is the Kiddie Parade really back? Yes — after about 20 years. It's July 3 from 5–7 PM, starting at Scott Highlands. You have to pre-register first.
When's the big parade? July 4 at 1 PM. People start claiming spots around 11 AM.
Who's the grand marshal this year? Tom Goodwin.
