business
Killeen's Red White and Blue Festival expected to draw up to 15,000 as downtown businesses feel the boost
By Mariah Williams at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
Downtown Killeen is gearing up for the Red White and Blue Festival this weekend, one of six festivals in 2026 and local business owners say the impact on their bottom line is hard to overstate.Watch the story here: Killeen's Red White and Blue Festival expected to draw up to 15,000 as downtown ...
Key takeaway I hope people understand that when they come down for these events, like they are really helping the small businesses," Shields said.
Why this matters in The Waco
The Red White and Blue Festival's anticipated draw of up to 15,000 attendees is a significant boon for downtown Killeen's small businesses, which rely heavily on these events to stay afloat. As the city continues to revitalize its downtown area, the success of festivals like this one will be crucial in sustaining the momentum. Local business owners like Aisha Shields and Allen Felix are not just benefiting from the increased foot traffic, but also contributing to the community through initiatives like community drives. The festivals' impact on downtown Killeen's transformation is evident, with noticeable changes in the area. As Killeen's main street coordinator Kira Baskett noted, the community's support for local businesses is essential in creating a thriving downtown area that residents can be proud to call home. The festival's potential to draw a larger crowd than previous events will be a key indicator of the city's progress in revitalizing its downtown.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Downtown Killeen is gearing up for the Red White and Blue Festival this weekend, one of six festivals in 2026 and local business owners say the impact on their bottom line is hard to overstate.Watch the story here: Killeen's Red White and Blue Festival expected to draw up to 15,000 as downtown ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mariah Williams at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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