Ft. Benning to host Independence Day celebration featuring free concerts, fireworks display

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning will host an Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 28, from 4:00 – 11:00 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public and will include concerts, food vendors, a children’s entertainment area, and aerial demonstrations by the Silver Wings. 

The performing artists are Maddie & Tae, Eric Paslay, and DJ Black Rhino Sound. The evening will finish with a performance from the Maneuver Center of Excellence band with a choreographed large fireworks display.

Event organizers say the celebration “provides an exceptional opportunity for our military and  local communities to come together in celebration of our Nation’s independence in a safe and family-friendly environment.” 

Where: York and Gardner Fields at McGinnis-Wickam Hall, Building 4, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Schedule of Events:

• 4:00 p.m.: Venue OPENS to the General Public on York Field & Gardner Field
• 4:00 p.m.: Food trucks on York Field are open
• 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Headquarter Nissan Kids’ Zone open on Gardner Field
• 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: DJ Black Rhino performs on the Floor & Decor stage
• 5:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Performance by MCoE Rock Band
• 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Eric Paslay performs on the Floor & Decor stage
• 8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Silver Wings aerial demonstration; Welcome remarks by CG
• 8:30 – 10:00 p.m.: Maddie & Tae perform on the Floor & Decor stage
• 10:00 p.m.: MCoE Band Performance and Fireworks Show sponsored by the Russell County Commission

Artists’ Bios:

• Maddie & Tae:
  • Maddie & Tae took country radio by storm in 2013 with the Platinum-selling smash, “Girl In A Country Song.” Longtime friends and collaborators, Maddie & Tae bring honest songwriting and tight harmonies to the stage. In 2022, Maddie & Tae took home Group/Duo Video of the Year (“Woman You Got”) at the CMT Music Awards and were nominated for Duo of the Year at the 59th ACM Awards in 2024.
• Eric Paslay:
  • Special guest Eric Paslay is a Platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated songwriter, artist, and performer. With five number one hits, including his smash lead single “Friday Night,” the country artist has earned numerous songwriter award nominations including Grammy’s Best Country Song, ACM’s Song of the Year (twice), and CMA’s Song of the Year. 
• DJ Black Rhino Sound:
  • Black Rhino Sound, the electrifying Texas DJ, returns this year to kick off the evening and energize the crowd from the Floor & Decor stage.