America's 250th Independence Day Celebration 1776-2026

Main Stage (located in the Panzer Main Parking Lot)

• 3 p.m. — DJ entertainment & Attractions begin
• 4:45 p.m. — Welcome & National Anthems
• 5:05 p.m. — Elvis Tribute Performance
• 5:35 p.m. — DJ entertainment & Announcements
• 5:45 p.m. — Watermelon Eating Contest
• 6:15 p.m. — Sounds Like Chicken Performance
• 7:15 p.m. — DJ entertainment & Announcements
• 7:30 p.m. — Trauma Bond Performance 
• 8:50 p.m. — DJ entertainment & Announcements
• 9:15 p.m. — Kashus Culpepper Performance

Fireworks

• 10:25 p.m. — Fireworks Show

Current as of April 22, 2026. Event schedule is subject to change.

🎇 Get ready for a spectacular fireworks show starting at approximately 10:25 p.m. The fireworks will illuminate the night sky, synchronized with enjoyable patriotic music. It's a moment you won't want to miss!

🍔🥤🍻 Stay refreshed with non‑alcoholic beverages and German and American beer at drink stations while enjoying a wide variety of food and drink options from food trucks, caterers, and food tents offering diverse cuisines, including:

Bella Swing Menu

COLD DRINKS

• Beer Benediktiner Hell 0,3l - €3.50​

• Beer Benediktiner Hell 0,5l - €5

• Beer Benediktiner Hefeweizen 0,3l - €3.50​

• Beer Benediktiner Hefeweizen 0,5l - €5

• Mineral Water 0,5l - € 3

• Water without gas 0,5l - € 3

• Coca Cola, Fanta, Sprite, 0,33l - € 3

• Apple spritzer, Black Currant Spritzer 0,5l - € 3

• Cocktails

• Ice Cream

  • Gelateria Italiana Handmade Eis: cones, cups - €5 - €11

Panzer Kantine/ Pizza Monte Cassino Menu

COLD DRINKS

• Water € 3

• Cola and various lemonades € 3.50​

• Aperol Spritz € 7

FOOD MENU

• Smashed burger € 10

• Ribs with fries € 14

• Grilled steak with fries € 17

• Brisket: € 18

• Steak sandwich € 5

• Pasta della casa € 10

Food Trucks and Stands

• Drayton Tex Mex
• African Flavor on Wheels
• Das Lieschen
• SPUDZ
• Hilly Billy Corndog/ MAC Cheese
• Bubble Waffeln
• Ambient Africa
• ALI DONER
• Thio's Inn
• American Food
• Al Chile
• Chief's American Tex Mex
• Greek Food 2 Go

AAFES Food Court* & Other Food Facility

(DoW ID Cardholders Only)

*The AAFES Food Court will remain open until 9 p.m.

• Dunkin' Donuts/ Baskin-Robbins 
• Panda Express
• Popeyes
• Pizza Hut
• Burger King
• ShaWINGz Bar & Grill (at Galaxy Bowling & Entertainment Center)

Current as of April 22, 2026. Vendor details are subject to change. 

• Military Vehicle Display
• Performances
• Art & Crafts Activities

🎪 Fun for All Ages! 

Purchase an Activity Wristband to enjoy a variety of fun premium activities for:

• Adults 
• Youth
• and Kids 

Activity Wristbands are optional and can be purchased for $15 USD at the MWR info Booth at the event. 

Kids aged 4 and under are free. All individuals aged 5 or older need a wristband for premium activities. 

💲 Presale Offer

• Buy 3 Wristbands, Get 1 Free! $45 for 4 wristbands available for DoW ID cardholders on base only.
• Available May 1-3 at the Spring Bazaar.
• Available Jun. 1 - Jun. 26 at:
  • Patch Fitness Center
  • Robinson Fitness Center 
  • Kelley Fitness Center 
  • Panzer Fitness Center
  • Galaxy Bowling & Entertainment Center, Panzer Kaserne

Premium Activities include:

• ADAC Jump house and Simulators
• Auto Scooter
• Football Throw
• Soccer Kick
• Inflatable Bounce Houses
  • Moon Bounce
  • Princess House
  • Prince House
  • Pirate Land
• Soccer House
• Jungle Zip-it
• Zip-it Obstacle Course
• Bungee Trampoline
• Rock Climbing
• Ninja Warrior Cage
• Surf Simulator
• Air Jump
• Bull Riding
• Carnival Games
• Big Waterslide
• Small Waterslide
• CYS Kids Zone
  • Power Paddle
  • Goldmining
  • Carousel 
  • Zwillingsrutsche
  • Wasserbaustelle
  • Circus Playground
  • Water Tubes

Current as of April 22, 2026. Event details are subject to change.

🚘🔨Smash Stress. Shatter Steel. Wreck it at the Car Smash Zone! 

Unleash your inner beast as you wreck it like you mean it! Better Opportunity for Single Servicemembers (BOSS) is having a little stress relief corner for you during the event hours. Come out, relieve your stress, and engage with our BOSS representatives.

• Age limit: 18+
• Cost: $5/€5 per 2 minutes (Only Cash Accepted)

Get ready, USAG Stuttgart — Kashus Culpepper is taking the stage!

Born and raised in Alabama, Kashus Culpepper has been turning heads across the country with his powerful blend of country, soul, and blues. His breakout singles “Jenni” and “After Me?” propelled him into the spotlight, and he’s since toured with fan‑favorites like Charles Wesley Godwin and Charley Crockett.

The industry has taken notice too. Culpepper has been named a GRAMMY.com Artist to Watch (2025), selected for Apple Music Zane Lowe’s 25 Artists for ’25, and recognized as a 2025 Artist to Watch by Amazon Music Bonfire, Pandora Country, and the Opry NextStage Class of 2025.

Kashus Culpepper is performing live at USAG Stuttgart — and you won’t want to miss this rising star!

Check out Kashus Culpepper on his website!

🎸 Keep on rockin' the night away with a special live performance by Trauma Bond! 

Trauma Bond - Bio

Trauma Bond is what happens when you throw a bunch of American military musicians and one German musical theater actress/ballet teacher into a rehearsal room and say "Make some noise." Formed just over a year ago, this international cover band mash-up has been defying genres, expectations, and probably a few noise ordinances ever since. 
Covering everything from 2000s pop punk to thunderous German metal to those guilty pleasure pop songs you pretend not to know the words to, Trauma Bond adds their own alternative twist to every song - because why play it safe when you can play it loud, weird, and awesome?! 

On bass is Stephan "Scriv" Scrivner, a Service Member from the USAG Stuttgart Community since 2021. Scriv has been shredding the bass and guitar since his childhood and loves performing as part of a band. Scriv's passion for metal music can be heard in some songs bringing a new and unique listening experience to popular songs. But don't let the metal band t-shirt fool you, Scriv isn't afraid to surprise the crowd and show a little comedy relief.

If one bass is good, two is obviously better. Holding down the groove and probably your WiFi signal is Bryan on the second bass guitar who is also a Service Member from the USAG Stuttgart Community. In addition to playing bass, he also moonlights as the band's sound technician. When he's not on the stage with the band, he's usually the one running around with a tablet finding a way to make everything balanced and louder! 

Ripping the strings of the guitar like it owes him money is Nick, also a Service Member of the USAG Stuttgart community. Nick has played in bands for the majority of his life and like the other members of the band, truly loves performing. What most don't see backstage and in between performances is Nick at the head of this committee of chaos, trying his best to keep them all on track with an astounding 20% success rate. 

Laying down the law and beat on drums is Nile, also a Service Member from the USAG Stuttgart community. After a long break, Nile rediscovered his love of music two years ago and found a new passion for performing in a band for anyone who'll listen. Nile will look for any opportunity to play a heavy beat as loud and as fast as the band will allow him and maybe a little more, his saying is "Louder and faster!". 

Part rock front woman, part theater queen, part ballet teacher, and all power is Kitty leading the charge on vocals. A proud native of Germany and member of the USAG Stuttgart Community, Kitty has been in the performing arts her entire life but kicks off her ballet shoes for her black leather boots, to bring a powerful voice and presence to the band together. While Nick keeps everyone on task behind the scenes, there's no question that Kitty does it on stage. 

Together, they are known as Trauma Bond. Their name isn't just a clever nod to psychology -it's what happens when you survive band practice together, especially with this lineup. Whether you catch them in a club, at an event on USAG Stuttgart, or crashing your cousin's wedding, one thing is for sure: you'll laugh, you'll rock out, and you'll probably wake up the next day humming a metal version of Brittany Spears. 

🍉 Watermelon Eating Contest

Think you can eat a watermelon faster than the rest in USAG Stuttgart? Step up to the stage at our famous Watermelon Eating Contest! 

• Time and Location
  • Watermelon Eating Contest at 5 p.m. at the Main Stage.

Eating Contest Registration & Rules

✅ Registration

• Free and open to anyone to participate (U.S. or Local National) for either contest.
• Participating age limits:
  • Kids (ages 6-13) 
  • Adults (age 14+)
  • Parents and/or guardians need to sign off for participants 17 and younger.
• Participants must sign up at least 30 minutes prior to contest at the Main Stage. 
• Deadline is TBD for the Watermelon Eating Contest.

✅ Rules

• Hands are allowed for the watermelon contest.
• Participants will be standing.
• Watermelon must be eaten to the rind.
• Winner determined by who eats the provided food the fastest!

🎪 Pop-up Tent Areas are allowed within the designated areas only:

• Main Stage just behind the Dance Area.

           or

• MWR Special Events Ground behind Building 2915 on the Grass Field.

Find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the festivities.

• Herdweg will be closed past the Panzer main gate.
  • The Panzer Housing main gate will be open to pedestrians only. The Panzer Housing back gate on Waldburgstrasse will be open for vehicles.
  • The Panzer Commissary gate will be open for DoW/DBIDS ID cardholders (parking is not expected to be available).
    • 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.: INBOUND ONLY
    • 9 p.m. - event end: OUTBOUND ONLY
    • Schedule may be subject to change.

• People conducting business at the Main Exchange on Jun. 26, should expect less parking than normal, due to a majority of the parking lot being closed. 

• No parking will be available in the Panzer Main Parking Lot by the Main Exchange on Jun. 27.

Current as of April 22, 2026. Event schedule is subject to change.

🚧 Safety is a top priority. Security measures will be in place, such as bag checks, enhanced security personnel, and emergency protocols. Please ensure you have a form of identification when you enter the event at the main entrance. 

All attendees should report any suspicious activity or concerns to event staff or security personnel immediately.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• The fest grounds will be considered off post. This means to leave the designated area for the Independence Day Celebration and continue further onto the post, all Patrons must present a DoW ID at the security checkpoints.
• Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: fireworks, weapons, drones, or BBQs/cooking units, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters are not allowed.
• Service animals are always welcome, but please note that pets or other animals are not permitted.
• Be prepared: remember to bring sunscreen, water, pop-up tents, hats, and other comfort and safety measures to ensure an enjoyable experience.
• Coolers, chairs, and pop-up tents are allowed within designated areas.
• Guests must follow all instructions and announcements made by event staff for the safety and enjoyment of everyone.
• Respect the environment and dispose of trash and recyclables in the designated bins provided throughout the event area.
• Use designated walkways and paths when moving between different areas to ensure pedestrian safety.
• No unauthorized solicitation or commercial activity is permitted.
• Attendees are responsible for the safety and supervision of their children at all times.
• Lost and found items should be reported to event staff or turned in at the designated lost and found area.
• Be mindful of your personal belongings and valuables. The event organizers are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
• Guests must comply with any additional security measures or screenings implemented for the safety and security of all attendees.
• Any violations of event rules or disruptive behavior may result in removal from the premises.

We encourage the use of public transportation and duty buses as there will be limited to no Independence Day Celebration event parking available on Panzer Kaserne. 

Duty buses will follow the standard Weekend schedule until 3 p.m., at which point they will begin making ongoing direct trips between Panzer and each of the other residential installations (Kelley, Patch, Robinson) without a specific schedule. Buses will be available to take ID cardholders back to the other installations following the fireworks.

Duty Bus Schedule on June 27th, 2026

Duty Bus Stop Location on Panzer Kaserne on June 27th, 2026

Anyone without a DoW-ID, including Americans without installation access and local nationals, are asked to use public transit, walk, bicycle, or get dropped off by a friend/taxi. Bicycles are not allowed in the event and leaving them outside of the installation is at your own risk.

The closest S-Bahn station to Panzer Kaserne is the Goldberg station. However, the Böblingen station often has more frequent connections toward Panzer Kaserne. There is a bus stop directly in front of the main gate called Panzerkaserne and two nearby in Böblingen called Waldorfschule and Eichendorf-Schule. These are serviced by the 723, 725, and 734 on different schedules. Confirm with your mapping app of choice or use the VVS or Deutsche Bahn apps for schedules.

Visitor sign-in will be suspended at Panzer Kaserne effective noon (12 p.m.) on Jun. 27.

Visitor sign-in is NOT required for Local Nationals or Non-DoW ID card holders entering the event area starting at 3 p.m. on Jun. 27 on Panzer Kaserne.

DoW ID cards must be shown to access parts of Panzer Kaserne outside of the event area, such as the Bowling Center, chapel, and shuttle drop off/pickup point. Please remember to have your ID card on you.

 🌦️ The event will take place rain or shine. However, in the case of severe weather conditions, event closure may occur.

Stay updated through our social media platforms (Facebook) and website for any announcements or guidance leading up to the event.

Event staff can assist in case of any changes at the event.