News Summary
Laurens, South Carolina, is all set for its annual Freedom Fest. The event promises live music, local vendors, and a grand fireworks display. Scheduled for July 3, attendees can expect a celebration that emphasizes community ties with performances by local talents and headliner Bowling for Soup. Aiming to surpass last year’s attendance of 10,000, the festival will also focus on supporting local businesses while providing a memorable experience for all.
Laurens, South Carolina
Celebrations for Independence Day are set to soar in Upstate South Carolina as Laurens gears up for its annual Freedom Fest 2025 on July 3. This much-anticipated event will feature live music, local vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display, with organizers expecting attendance to surpass last year’s crowd of approximately 10,000 people.
The weather forecast for June 29, 2025, predicts mainly sunny skies with a high of 92°F, though attendees should remain alert for light winds and possible stray showers or thunderstorms during the festivities. Freedom Fest will take place at the Historic Laurens Square, a vibrant area with an emphasis on local businesses, extending outdoor seating to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
Event Details for Freedom Fest
Activities at Freedom Fest will kick off at 5 p.m., with musical performances from local talents including Jessica Ticko, Darby Wilcox & Catriona Sturton, Hard Candy Paranoia, and the Davidson Brass Band. The headliner for the evening, the popular band Bowling for Soup, known for hits like “1985” and the theme song from “Phineas and Ferb,” will take to the stage at 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks display scheduled for 10:30 p.m.
Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights Festival in Donalds
In addition to Freedom Fest, the surrounding area will also host the Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights Festival in Donalds on July 5. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities such as crafts, games, face painting, a watermelon seed-spitting contest, and a water balloon toss. Local vendors will also be present, offering refreshments and unique crafts.
The Dam Floatilla on Lake Greenwood
Also taking place on July 5 is the Dam Floatilla, a floating music festival on Lake Greenwood that attracts thousands of participants each year. Established in 2018 by local friends wanting to create a fun gathering, the event aims to celebrate community and Independence Day. This year’s headliner, Dalton Hicks and his band Southernly Proper, along with various other performers, are set to entertain festival-goers.
The Dam Floatilla is unique in that it is accessible only by boat, requiring proper anchoring of vessels for safety. Attendees are reminded to prioritize safety by using sunscreen, staying hydrated, and adhering to water safety measures. Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards replacing bridge lights on Lake Greenwood, enhancing safety during nighttime hours.
Community Impact and Support
Both events emphasize community ties, celebrating freedom, and revitalizing local businesses. Local town councils and mayors are supporting these activities, showcasing their commitment to building a community-oriented environment.
Mayor Nathan Senn has highlighted the importance of making Laurens a premier destination for July 4th celebrations, reinforcing the significance of these festive occasions in uniting families and friends while honoring the spirit of Independence Day. With the combination of music, food, and fireworks, the upcoming celebrations promise a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- GoLaurens: Freedom Fest Laurens Activities
- Wikipedia: Independence Day (United States)
- Index Journal: Independence Day Weekend Fun Rolls Into July 5
- Google Search: Independence Day celebrations 2025
- Newberry Observer: Bowling for Soup Coming to City of Laurens Freedom Fest 2024
- Google Scholar: Independence Day celebrations
- WYFF4: July 4th Events Greenville South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Independence Day
- Fox Carolina: Upcoming Fourth of July Events Upstate Western NC
- Google News: Fourth of July events
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
