Post: FREEDOM FEST WEEKEND RETURNS TO OPELIKA NOV. 7-8 WITH CONCERT, PARADE AND MEDAL OF HONOR HEROES
AUBURN-OPELIKA, Ala. — Patriotism, community pride and live music will fill downtown Opelika Nov. 7-8, 2025, as Freedom Fest Weekend returns with two days of tributes honoring America’s veterans. The event is hosted by the City of Opelika in partnership with Flags for Vets, IS4S and ESPN, with support from the Gary Sinise Foundation, Auburn-Opelika Tourism and the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, November 7, with the Freedom Fest Concert on First Avenue behind Red Clay Brewing Co. Gates open at 6 p.m. The music begins at 7 p.m. with the Blane Rudd Band and headliner Ryan Waters Band. The concert is presented by Flags for Vets and the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl. A small admission fee applies for the Friday concert.
On Saturday, November 8, the Veterans Breakfast begins at 8 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Opelika, followed by a public Veterans Program at 9 a.m. The inaugural Veterans Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. from Avenue C and Ninth Street and proceeds to South Railroad Avenue. Medal of Honor recipients will join local veterans, families and community groups along the route. The weekend concludes with a Medal of Honor meet and greet at 12:30 p.m.
“This year’s Freedom Fest promises to be better than ever,” said Jamie Popwell, founder and president of Flags for Vets. “We’re welcoming five of the 61 living Medal of Honor recipients to our beautiful community to show our deep appreciation for their unbelievable heroism and sacrifices to protect our freedoms. Flags for Vets, along with our presenting sponsors, IS4S, ESPN, the Gary Sinise Foundation, Auburn-Opelika Tourism, the City of Opelika and the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, are proud to play a small part in such a historic event.”
Freedom Fest Weekend is free and open to the public, except for the small admission fee for the Friday concert.
For more information about Freedom Fest, contact Jamie Popwell at jamie@flagsforvets.us.
About Flags for Vets
Since January 27th, 2017, Flags for Vets has gifted 725 flagpoles/flags to veterans from 28 states (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Idaho, South Dakota, Utah, Michigan, Oklahoma, Missouri, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana, Montana and Kansas). Our Goal was to reach 200 within our first year and we accomplished it. We are committed to our mission and strive to reach as many veterans in all 50 states as possible.
About Auburn-Opelika Tourism
Auburn-Opelika Tourism is a non-profit service organization driving economic impact and improving the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel. For more information, visit aotourism.com.
