Freedom Fest returns to the Met

Hoover residents are invited to the celebration of the summer. On Friday, July 4, the city will host the second annual Freedom Fest at the Hoover Met, a free event for the community to gather and celebrate Independence Day.

The festival includes a car show, kids zone, live entertainment and a fireworks show. Live entertainment will begin at 6 p.m., and the lineup features The Onlys, the Rhett Walker Band and Ryan Kinder. The ZOOperstars will provide entertainment between musical acts.

The Onlys are a local seven-piece band that started in 1980 while band members were in high school. Rhett Walker of the Rhett Walker Band is a rising young Christian musician who was raised in the South. Ryan Kinder is a Hoover native, currently on a nationwide tour promoting his debut single, “Kiss Me When I’m Down.” 

“This event is a time for our community to come together to celebrate Independence Day in a safe environment,” said Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey. “Residents of all ages will be able to enjoy some great entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show at no charge at the Met. The Met is a perfect location for a Fourth of July event with a large parking lot, comfortable seating and convenient restrooms and concession stands.”

Gates open and the event begins at 5 p.m. with a car show and children’s activities including inflatables, face painting, balloon twisters and more. Car owners who would like to participate in the car show are asked to arrive by 4:30 p.m. for placement. There is no charge to enter the car show. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.