2026 Red, White, and Boom!

London’s Independence Day celebration is back with a new date and a brand-new home. Red, White, and Boom will take place Friday, July 3, at the newly constructed Wilderness Road Event Center at the Laurel County Fairgrounds, marking a shift for the long-running event.
After more than 20 years at the Somerset Community College campus, Red, White, and Boom is relocating due to the construction of the college’s new Career & Technical Education Training Complex. As co-hosts of the event for decades, the College asked that the event be moved during construction, which is set to begin this summer. While the move marks a change, it also signals exciting progress for the community.
This year’s celebration will showcase one of London’s newest assets at the 45,000-square-foot pavilion at the Wilderness Road Event Center, which officially opened this past May. The facility has already welcomed major events such as the Daniel Boone National Jeep Takeover and the Archery Shooters Association, and will host the inaugural Southeast Kentucky Fair later this summer. Designed to serve as a regional hub for events, trade shows, and large-scale gatherings, the center represents a major investment in the future of London and Laurel County.
The fairgrounds themselves carry an even deeper meaning. After being directly impacted by the devastating 2025 tornado that destroyed previous structures, the site now stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, growth, and community strength.
In 2026, there’s even more reason to celebrate. This year’s Red, White, and Boom marks London’s 200th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, making it one of the most significant celebrations in the event’s history. Organizers promise a bigger and better experience than ever before.
Festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. with a petting zoo, train rides, food trucks, inflatables, games, skydivers, and the DAV’s Presentation of the Colors. Additionally, to help commemorate America250 and London200, the City of London and Laurel County Fiscal Court are sponsoring a drone show prior to Southeastern Kentucky’s largest fireworks display, which will begin at dusk.
Live music will take center stage beginning at 6 p.m., closing with New Orleans’ own Bucktown All-Stars, a multi-award-winning group whose set is scheduled to span 2 hours.
“I hope that we can get a good crowd out there and put on a good show for the people of London,” said Bucktown All-Stars band member Kenny Kerth. “We’re looking forward to bringing a little New Orleans flair.”
Kerth lived in London for 15 years, deepening his love for music by studying it under locally-beloved Music Director and Conductor Jack Walker. Walker will be recognized for his commitment and influence in the community at the event, receiving a Legacy Award.