JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS — To honor 250 years of U.S. Army history, Joint Base Langley-Eustis announced that gates to the base will be open to the community to attend a special Army 250th Birthday Festival on June 13 at Fort Eustis.
“This is the first time Fort Eustis has opened its gates to the public since 2018, so we are excited to invite our neighbors back as we celebrate this historic milestone with a day full of fun, entertainment and music,” said U.S. Army Col. Laura Hutchinson, 733rd Mission Support Group commander. “Opening our gates is our way of thanking the community for their continued support and offering them a unique glimpse of the great things our Soldiers do every day.”
All events and activities are free and open to the public.
The gates will open at 2 p.m., kicking off an afternoon of family-friendly activities including live music, laser tag, a bounce house, a petting zoo, pony rides, axe throwing, food and interactive displays of Army vehicles, helicopters, watercraft and gear. The festival will conclude with a 6 p.m. concert by The Nashville Nights Band and a fireworks display at 8 p.m.
“As we commemorate 250 years of Army service and sacrifice, we honor the soldiers and families who continue to serve something greater than themselves,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Altman, JBLE Installation commander. “We’re proud to partner with U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command to host this open house and invite the community to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion.”
A REAL ID is not required for entry to the event. Visitors can enter the festival with any valid state or government-issued photo identification. Additional event and entry information, including a complete list of prohibited items, is available on the Joint Base Langley-Eustis website.