FORT KNOX, Ky. — The countdown to Fort Knox’s Freedom Fest has begun!

Fort Knox’s annual July 4 celebration event will kick off at 6 p.m. at Brooks Parade Field on post.

The event, which celebrates the nation’s 248 years of independence, will feature bounce houses, family activities, festival-style food and drinks, and live music from cover band Grafenburg.

The Salute to the Nation ceremony, which will begin at 9 p.m., will include the traditional firing of 51 cannon rounds – one for each state and one for the six U.S. territories.

The day’s activities will culminate with a fireworks spectacular at 10:15 p.m., courtesy of Fort Knox’s Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for festival-style seating. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. All events are open to the public. Visitors coming from off post should enter through the Chaffee (Main) Gate and follow direction signs to Brooks Parade Field.

Those who do not possess a military ID should visit the Fort Knox Visitor Center located adjacent to the Chaffee Gate to obtain a visitor pass. Patrons may also visit https://visit.gvt.us/?b=usa&i=knox&t=v to obtain a 5-day Fast Pass. For more information about gate access, visit https://home.army.mil/.