FORT HOOD, Texas – Fort Hood today announces its 2026 series of events in celebration of Independence Day and America’s 250^th anniversary.

In alignment with America’s 250th celebrations in the region, Fort Hood will present a lineup of patriotically themed events, including a concert with fireworks display, our Freedom Ball, and other opportunities. We encourage the community to enjoy:

• June 26: III Armored Corps Fight Night 2026 – The III Armored Corps will host the III Armored Corps Fight Night 2026 with the doors opening at 5 p.m. June 26 at Abrams Physical Fitness Center. The event features eight bouts of boxing between service members from Fort Hood and Fort Bliss, highlighting the discipline and dedication of our military athletes. The evening serves as an excellent opportunity for the community to support our personnel. Concessions will be available.
• July 2: III Armored Corps & Central Texas Freedom Ball 2026 – This formal military ball occurring from 5 – 11 p.m. July 2 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center commemorates the historical anniversaries of both the U.S. Army and the nation. The Freedom Ball is dedicated to honoring military heritage while strengthening the enduring partnership and mutual support between our Soldiers, their families, and the citizens of Central Texas. Tickets are on sale now.
• July 2: Exchange 250^th Celebration – The Army and Air Force Exchange Service will be at the Fort Hood main Exchange parking lot 3 – 6 p.m. with giveaways, samples, food trucks, vendors and more. The first 250 families will receive a free “swag bag.”
• July 4: This year, on the Fourth of July, Fort Hood will be supporting not only Killeen’s Red, White & Blue Festival with the 1^st Cavalry Division Jazz Band, but also other municipal Independence Day events throughout our neighboring communities. The list of additional events is below. Fort Hood encourages the Central Texas community to take part.
• July 10: Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Mission Support Concert and Fireworks Spectacular – The III Armored Corps and Fort Hood will host Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band for a community concert, family activities, static displays, food and beverage sales and concluding with a fireworks display, beginning at 6 p.m. July 10 at Sadowski Field. This morale-building event is organized to demonstrate appreciation for the continued service and sacrifice of our military personnel and their families.
• July 18: Red, White and Bingo – In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Family and MWR is hosting a commemorative bingo event and community barbecue beginning at 3 p.m. July 18 at the Community Events and Bingo Center. This gathering provides service members and their families with a relaxed, family-friendly environment for recreation and community engagement. Advance tickets are available through July 15.

We encourage all Soldiers, families, and community partners to enjoy the various local municipal celebrations July 4 and join us during June and July for a summer of patriotism and appreciation. Fort Hood will additionally support the following events:

• July 3: Belton 4^th of July Military Appreciation Night – the 1^st Cavalry Division will provide a vocalist to sing the national anthem.
• July 4: Belton Patriotic Program and 4^th of July Parade – the 13^th Armored Corps Sustainment Command will provide a senior leader to speak, a color guard to march in the parade, and static displays of military equipment during the associated festival.
• July 4: Gatesville America 250^th 4^th of July Parade – the 120^th Infantry Brigade will provide an officer and NCO to serve as the parade grand marshal.