(Seguin) — Seguin’s beloved Fourth of July celebration is entering a new chapter in 2026. While the name may be changing, organizers say the traditions that have brought families together for generations will remain at the heart of the event.
Formerly known as Freedom Fiesta, the community’s annual Independence Day celebration will now be known as the “Red, White & Seguin Festival.” The event was hosted for years by the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce. It has since been hosted by radio station KWED since 2014.
The rebranding comes as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, also known as the Semiquincentennial, and as organizers look to expand the event through a new partnership with the city of Seguin.
KWED General Manager Darren Dunn says this year’s celebration promises more food, more music, more vendors and more family-friendly activities, all while preserving the traditions that have made Seguin’s Fourth of July festivities among the most anticipated events of the year.
“I’m excited that we are able to partner with the city of Seguin to make this year’s celebration even bigger,” said Dunn. “It’s America’s Semiquincentennial. I’m old enough to remember what a big deal it was when we celebrated the Bicentennial year. I still remember collecting those quarters. We aren’t creating a specialized coin, but I think we are creating new memories for the people of Seguin. I hope that people will look back fondly at Seguin’s celebration of America 250.”
The day begins with many of the same traditions residents have enjoyed for decades, including the Flag Raising Ceremony and the Biggest Small Town Fourth of July Parade in Texas. This year, organizers are adding food and beverage options downtown to encourage visitors to spend more time enjoying the celebration earlier in the day.
“We’ve teamed up with the Seguin Main Street Program to bring food and beverage vendors down to Central Park before, during and after the parade. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of options. We think it’s just another way for people to enjoy what’s available that day in downtown Seguin,” said Dunn.
The evening festivities return to Central Park, where vendors will begin setting up at 4 p.m. on July 4. The official festival gets underway at 6 p.m. that night with the annual Kiddie Parade and Presentation of Colors.
Children are encouraged to wear their patriotic best, decorate their bicycles, scooters or wagons, and join Uncle Sam for a parade around Central Park. Organizers say the Kiddie Parade continues to be one of the event’s most cherished traditions, giving young families a chance to become part of the celebration.
Live entertainment will once again play a major role in the festival. DJ D’Trayne will provide music throughout the downtown area, while Clint Taft & The Buckwild Band return to headline the live music stage. Festival-goers will also find a variety of specialty entertainment, including giant dancing robots, fire spinners and other attractions.
Families can also enjoy the Red, White & Seguin Kids Kingdom, featuring bounce houses and activities designed especially for children. Adults will find plenty of options as well, including food vendors, specialty beverage vendors, mocktails and the return of the popular Beer Garden.
While the festival has a new name, Dunn says residents should not mistake the rebranding for a departure from the event’s history.
“I don’t want people to be confused by the name change. It’s a new name, but the tradition of Seguin celebrating the Fourth of July remains the same,” said Dunn. “Clydie Brodt came up with the name Freedom Fiesta for the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce. It was trademarked by the chamber, and we had a good working relationship for a number of years. But it was time to rebrand and to reflect that it wasn’t under the chamber’s umbrella any longer. I’m really excited for a chance for people to see what’s new at the Red, White & Seguin Festival.”
Organizers hope the combination of familiar traditions and new attractions will make this year’s event one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Seguin history.
The free Red, White & Seguin Festival will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 4, in Central Park. The event is presented through a partnership between KWED Radio and the City of Seguin as part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Sponsors are still being sought for the event. For sponsorship information, call KWED 830-379-2234 or send an email to darren@kwed1580.com.