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Would you pay almost $500 to see fireworks with your family to celebrate the Fourth of July?
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The City of Hanford’s ‘Freedom Fest and Fireworks Show‘ has a limited number of VIP packages that can cost up to $475 for people “looking to elevate their Freedom Fest experience” in addition to the general admission tickets. Both options are now on sale online.
The city, which has not hosted a fireworks show for several years, is bringing back the fireworks show tradition to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States.
“The last time the City of Hanford had a firework show was like nine years ago,” said Brad Albert, Recreation and Community Services director.
The city approved $30,000 from its general fund to cover the cost of the 30-minutes fireworks show. The funding to cover the rest of the event would come from sponsorships, general admission tickets and VIP package sales, said Albert.
“The VIP areas are areas for people who want to reserve space for their family,” Albert said. “They’ll have picnic tables there; they do get preferred parking, which will be close to the facility,“
According to the city, VIP packages include premium viewing areas for fireworks, early access, reserved parking, dedicated seating area, and “exclusive amenities designed to make the evening even more enjoyable for families, groups, and organizations.“
The VIP package prices are:
- $159.15 for the Family Table Package with 6 guests and one vehicle VIP parking pass;
- $316.95 for the Group Experience Package with 12 guests and two vehicle VIP parking passes and;
- $474.75 for the Party Package with 18 guests and four VIP parking passes.
“We base those prices on some of the competitors around the valley,” Albert said. “We’ve actually already sold a few.”
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The VIP package can only be purchased online by July 3 at, eventbrite.com and prices include the site’s processing fees. There are a limited number of packages available. As of Thursday, none of the three VIP options were sold out.
While the prices for VIP packages might seem high for some, Albert said they have not seen a pushback when it comes to VIP package prices. “That is a choice that people make.”
He said the city worked hard to keep general admission prices low with seniors and under 18 free to make it affordable for families.
The event is expected to attract 1,500 to 2,000 people, he said.
General admission tickets can be purchased in person at the gate on the day of the event only for $5 or can be purchased online in advance for $6.62, which includes a $1.62 fee. Seniors and those under 17 are Free. People can bring water, blankets, lawn chairs, and umbrellas. Parking is free.
“We will have Freddie, the fire engine, shuttling people over from the parking lot to the front gate, if people want to ride,” he said.
The Freedom Fest and Fireworks Show, which takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4 at the Hanford Softball Complex, 1226 Centennial Drive, includes live music by In Kahootz and Travis Brooks, 21 local food and drink vendors, beer garden and a Kid’s play zone.
The 30-minute fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m.
This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 1:47 PM with the headline “Would you pay $500 to see fireworks in Hanford on July 4? Here are the details.”
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