Celebrate America Returns to Wild Adventures

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Monday, June 16th, 2025

Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga., will once again host its Celebrate America Festival from June 21 through July 6, a patriotic two-week event honoring military service and bringing families together through fireworks, concerts, family picnics, and summertime thrills. The festival includes free admission for military personnel, performances by world famous entertainers, rides, animals, and waterpark fun.

“Celebrate America is our way of giving back to the brave men and women who serve our country and providing families with a place to come together and celebrate,” said Adam Floyd, director of sales and marketing at Wild Adventures. “From free military admission and amazing fireworks to concerts, picnics, and relaxing in Splash Island Waterpark, we’re packing this festival with ways to make lasting memories.”

All active duty, retired, disabled, and honorably discharged veterans receive free admission every day of the event, from June 21 through July 6, with a valid military ID or DD Form 214. This offer is available at the park entrance and requires no advance registration.

The festival kicks off with a performance by Ashley McBryde, GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM Award-winning country artist, on Saturday, June 21 at 8 p.m. Known for her powerhouse vocals and fearless songwriting, McBryde’s hits include “One Night Standards,” “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega,” and the award-winning duet “Never Wanted to Be That Girl.” Guests can enjoy a full day at the park before settling in for an unforgettable night of music. Concert admission is included with a 2025 Season Pass, and Reserved Concert Seats can be purchased at a discount. Single-day visitors can add General Concert Admission for $10 or secure Reserved Seating starting at $15.

From Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29, Wild Adventures will welcome back The Original Harlem Globetrotters, bringing their signature blend of athleticism, comedy, and jaw-dropping trick shots to the stage.

Each performance of Trick Shots & Challenges features fan favorites Moose, Ace, and Wham, along with the beloved mascot Globie. The show delivers a high-energy experience filled with incredible basketball skills and family-friendly entertainment. Guests can arrive early to participate in the Magic Pass, an exclusive pre-show event where they’ll have the chance to meet the Globetrotters, try their own skills, and get autographs and photos.

The Celebrate America Fireworks Spectacular will light up the sky at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5. Choreographed to a patriotic musical soundtrack, the show is designed to honor America’s history and those who serve.

Guests are encouraged to gather around the lake in the all-new Water’s Edge area for the best views of the show. Alternatively, guests visiting Splash Island Waterpark on July 4 can take part in Splash Island Nights, an evening event that transforms the waterpark with extended hours, glowing lights, and high-energy entertainment. The fireworks can be seen from the wave pool, creating an unforgettable experience of fun and celebration under the stars.

Families can also come together for a Celebrate America Family Picnic on July 4, 5 and 6, available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the park’s open-air dining area. Guests can enjoy a menu of classic backyard cookout favorites, including grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, watermelon slices, cookies, and soft drinks.

The picnic is priced at $12.99 for Season Passholders, $14.99 for all other guests, and $10.99 for children ages 9 and under. Children 3 and under eat free. Seating is first come, first served at the park’s Backstage Catering venue.

Each day from Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6, guests can take part in the Watermelon and Popsicle Eating Contests held at 2 p.m. in Splash Island Waterpark. These light-hearted competitions invite the first 10 guests to sign up each day to go head-to-head in timed eating challenges. Winners receive a prize pack and bragging rights, while spectators can enjoy the friendly competition.

There are multiple ways to join the fun of the Celebrate America Festival:

  • The $25 After 5 p.m. Ticket is available for July 4 only and grants evening access to Splash Island Waterpark starting at 5 p.m., including the Splash Island Nights event and fireworks.
  • The Summer Wild Card, available for a limited time, provides unlimited admission to Wild Adventures and Splash Island through September 1, excluding Saturdays.
  • The Celebrate America Sale Ticket is a special discounted one-day admission ticket available now for a limited time.
  • 2025 Season Passes remain the best value, offering unlimited visits during Celebrate America and throughout the Season, including the park’s fall and winter events: Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright. Season Pass prices are on sale now, and prices will increase after July 6.
  • July 6 is also the final day to get a free 2025 Pre-K Season Pass, which provides complimentary admission for children ages 3 to 5. Parents must register online and process the pass in person at the park by that date.

Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy the all-new Water’s Edge, a vibrant themed area inspired by a festive lakeside village. The expansion features three new rides: the soaring Wing Swinger, the whimsical Boat Parade, and the 68-foot-tall Horizon Wheel, which offers panoramic views of the entire park.

 

In addition to the rides, Water’s Edge includes a new reptile house, a shaded comfort zone for families, colorful décor, and a brand-new live entertainment stage featuring local and regional performers daily.

“Water’s Edge brings new life to the park,” said Floyd. “It’s an exciting place for families to cool off, ride together, and enjoy the festivities during Celebrate America.”

For complete event details, concert seating, and Season Pass information, visit WildAdventures.com.