RAPID CITY, SD — The United States Air Force Academy Band has released its 2026 summer tour. Entitled “Freedom 250”, the tour will include a concert to kick off Rapid City’s America 250 Birthday Bash.

The Air Force Academy Band’s concert is scheduled for Rapid City’s Memorial Park Band Shell Wednesday, July 1 at 7 p.m. The event is part of Rapid City’s Real America Birthday Bash of events July 1-5.

“We are extremely excited to kick off the multi-day Real America Birthday Bash with the US Air Force Academy Band,” said Visit Rapid City CEO Ally Formanek. “The concert will set the patriotic tone to several days of celebration in Rapid City and we are pleased the group is making Rapid City a part of their summer tour.”

The US Air Force Academy Band’s summer tour includes stops at Colorado Springs, CO, Broomfield, CO, Casper,WY, Belle Fourche, Rapid City and Mount Rushmore. 

The USAF Academy Band is made up of 60 premier active-duty musicians. Audiences will enjoy a vibrant musical program to honor America from the Revolution to the 21^st century and beyond featuring patriotic favorites, American classics and modern selections across genres – including jazz, pop, country and beloved film scores – all performed by world-class musicians.

Admission is free and concerts are open to the public.  No tickets are required but early arrival is strongly encouraged. Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music.

In addition to the academy band concert, the “Real America Birthday Bash” will also include a patriotic drone show, community parade, downtown festival spanning multiple days, a Mount Rushmore fireworks display viewing party from Main Street Square, a performance by country singer Chancey Williams, events in Memorial Park, the City’s fireworks display, a Kids’ Zone, a 5K Freedom Run, interactive exhibits, performances by local and regional bands, historical reenactments and patriotic readings.

To learn more about this summer’s “Real America Birthday Bash” events, visitwww.realamericabirthdaybash.com or contact Visit Rapid City at 605-718-8484/800-487-3223.