KILLEEN, Texas (April 24, 2023) – The annual Celebrate Killeen Festival will be held this Thursday through Saturday (April 27 – 29) in Historic Downtown Killeen. The free, three-day event is one of the city’s largest celebrations and provides a variety of family-friendly entertainment.
On Thursday and Friday, the festival is open from 6p.m. - 9:30p.m. and on Saturday, it will run from 10a.m. - 9:30p.m.
The Celebrate Killeen Festival is a celebration of the city’s history, diversity and culture. It will feature live entertainment, a step show competition, a poetry showcase, a car show, a kid zone w/mini carnival rides and more. There will also be nearly 100 arts, crafts, food truck and service-based vendors from which to choose.
The highlight of the three-day event is a live performance from International Hip Hop artist YelloPain at 8:45 p.m. Saturday. The 28-year old Ohio-based artist has been on the rise in the music industry. His music has been featured on Grammy.com, Hype Magazine and more. He has 12 videos on YouTube with over a million views each. His music is deeply rooted in his own experiences and he has been described as, “a motivational rapper who takes on real world issues.”
While the festival, entertainment and shows are absolutely free to attend there will also be food trucks and arts and craft vendors selling items, as well as to mini carnival rides and Inflatables for kids provided by The Train Quest. There will be a nominal fee for most rides, which include a mini roller coaster, a barrel of fun, a swing, parachute ride, laser tag, trains and more.
Here’s a brief overview of each day’s entertainment and events:
Thursday (kick off)
-Opening ceremonies include remarks from Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King, Fort Hood officials and colors presented by Ellison High School Color Guard
-Radio Personality David “Big Eazy” Johnson (St8 Lounge’n Radio) as emcee
-Performances: Comunidad Nuestras Raices, a folklorico dance group, and the 1st Calvary Division Band.
*Highlight: The Voice finalists / Killeen resident, Jershika Maple.
Friday
-David “Big Eazy” Johnson as emcee
-Performances: Ray Mynarcik (local singer), Melinda Adams (country rock artist) Elijah Zane (Blues Band)
*Highlight: KTX Poetry Showcase featuring Kas Poetess, Jack of Hearts, Courtney Rose and Joe Brundidge
Saturday
-Mr. Redd Daundadawg as emcee
-Car show competition: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
-Step Show competition: 4-6 p.m.
-Cultural Acts: All Day
-Performances: Lara Latin band and African musician Bolton Sserunjogi
*Highlight: Yellopain (International Hip Hop artist) at 8:45p.m.
Attendees should remember to bring their own chairs, sunscreen, umbrellas for shade and water, if needed. For more information visit www.KilleenTexas.gov/DowntownEvents.
