By Margarita Cambest
USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
USAG Stuttgart’s annual Independence Day celebration is coming up soon and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Duty bus times, road closure information, transportation/parking impacts, and answers to your frequently asked questions are summarized below.
Event Info and FAQs for DOD-ID cardholders (English Version) | Deutsche Version folgt unten
Who can access the installation for the event?
All are welcome!
Department of Defense ID cardholders, their guests, and members of the general public are invited to join the festivities.
What is there to do?
Join us to enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, including a watermelon eating contest, DJs, and music by country rising star Kashus Culpepper. a military vehicle display, multiple performances, arts and crafts, food and beverages, water slides, trampolines, a rock climbing wall, car smash and more— all before a spectacular fireworks finale.
Note: The Independence Day celebration is cashless. No cash is accepted.
Visit the Stuttgart Family & MWR website for more event details and updates!
When can we enter?
Entry begins promptly at 3 p.m. and is available exclusively through the Main Gate on Herdweg.
How do we get there?
DOD-ID cardholders and their authorized guests are strongly encouraged to take duty buses from other USAG Stuttgart installations to access Panzer Kaserne. The duty bus will run on a special schedule on June 27 and pick up and drop off on Panzer Kaserne near the Panzer CYS Gym/Building 2917. NO OTHER STOPS ON PANZER WILL BE SERVICED. See the map below.
Individuals with installation passes, when escorted by their sponsor, will be authorized to access the installation using the duty bus. Download the schedule for DOD-ID cardholders and their authorized guests here. Duty buses from Panzer Kaserne after 10:30 p.m. will not depart until the bus is full or until no more passengers are waiting.
Panzer Housing residents are asked to enter the event using the pedestrian bridge. Vehicle entrance and exit to Panzer Housing during the celebration will be restricted to the back Panzer Housing gate.
Anyone without a DOD-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 into 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 three nearby in Böblingen called Böblingen Kreiskreankenhaus, Waldorfschule and Eichendorf-Schule. These are serviced by the 708, 723, 721, 725, and 734 routes on different schedules. Please confirm your route with your mapping app of choice or use the VVS or Deutsche Bahn apps for schedules.
Can I park on post?
There will be no designated parking areas outside of Panzer Kaserne and parking on post for DOD-ID cardholders will be extremely limited. Parking restrictions for the event across the installation begin on June 24 and end on June 28. We strongly encourage DOD-ID cardholders to use the duty bus. Anyone without pre-authorized installation access must arrive on foot at the Main Gate.
What do I need to get in?
You may present your DOD-ID, valid passport, or Ausweis at the Main Gate for entry. Individuals without regular access to Panzer Kaserne may only enter the event on foot.
Can I bring medication or dogs?
Prescription medication and service animals are allowed. Cannabis and pets are not permitted on the premises.
Can I bring a cooler or other comfort items for a day in the sun?
Coolers, chairs, and pop-up tents are allowed within designated areas.
Can I bring a water bottle?
Yes. Please remember to stay hydrated. Sunscreen and hats may also enhance your experience.
What security measures are in place?
For the safety of all visitors, all bags will be inspected prior to entry. Knives (and other weapons) are prohibited. Personal fireworks, drones, BBQs/cooking units, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters are all prohibited.
Additional security measures, such as enhanced security personnel and emergency protocols will be in place. All attendees should report any suspicious activity or concerns to event staff or security personnel immediately.
Is the PX open during the event?
Yes. The Main Exchange is open with an adjusted schedule. Additional details to follow.