Freedom Festival 2024

Everything you need to know about Cedar Rapids' 3-week celebration!

Check out what hundreds of thousands of visitors already know, Cedar Rapids is the place to be for safe, affordable and patriotic events for the whole family. Get your $10 Freedom Festival Button for discounts or free entry at all the events! For more information, visit www.freedomfestival.com.

Friday, May 3rd

  • 11 a.m - 7 p.m.: Freedom FEASTival, Green Square Park
    A feast for the senses! At this free event, attendees will explore a celebration of local culinary delights from food trucks and community vendors. Learn More.

Saturday, June 8th

  • 10 a.m - 3 p.m.: Cardboard Boat Regatta, Robbins Lake
    After a 14 year hiatus, the Freedom Festival’s Cardboard Boat Regatta is back and will take place during the Ellis Family Fun Fest. This unique competition challenges teams to construct seaworthy vessels entirely out of cardboard and approved materials. With creativity and craftsmanship on full display, participants navigate the course, hoping to outmaneuver their rivals and cross the finish line victorious. Learn More.

Friday, June 14th

  • 7 - 9 a.m.: Tribute to Heroes Breakfast, DoubleTree by Hilton
    One of the Freedom Festival's long standing signature events is the Tribute to Heroes. This event recognizes the amazing heroes and individuals that have made positive contributions to our community! Learn More.
  • 9 -10 a.m.:Flag Raising, Veterans Memorial Building
    Kick off the festival with a flag raising at the Veteran’s Memorial Colosseum. Learn More.

Sunday, June 16th

  • 6 - 8 p.m.: 34th Army Band Father’s Day Concert, Lowe Park
    Celebrate Father's Day with a night of fun at Lowe Park. This event is FREE, and 34th Army Band takes the stage at 6:30 p.m.! Bring along your lawn chairs, a soft-sided cooler with refreshments, and the entire family for a night of dancing and memories! Learn More.

Wednesday, June 19th

  • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Rock N Bowl, SpareTime Entertainment
    Now in its 9th year, the accessible Rock N Bowl is set to unfold with a day of complimentary (with Freedom Festival button) bowling in the exclusive Elite Suite! The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is proud to offer this event for people with disabilities, their friends, and family to enjoy time together. Learn More.

Saturday, June 22nd

12 - 10 p.m.: Balloon Glow, Jones Park
Watch the sun go down and the balloons light up with family and friends in this full-day event. Learn More.

  • 12 - 9 p.m.: Bohemian Betty Flea Market
  • 1 - 6 p.m.: Volta Youth Music and Arts Festival
  • 7 p m : Live Music: BirdChild and other local performers
  • Dusk: Hot Air Balloon Glow (**weather depending)

Sunday, June 23rd

  • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Freedom Bike Ride, Ely City Park
    This year’s Freedom Bike Ride will kick off in downtown Ely for a long ride north, short ride north, and a family fun day with a ride to the south included. There will be food trucks at the event providing food and drinks and establishments in the Ely area will provide music and merriment to enjoy after the ride!! Learn More.

Thursday, June 27th

  • 5 - 8 p.m.: Try DockDogs, Kingston Stadium
    Ever wondered if your dog could compete in DockDogs? Returning again in 2024 is “Let’s Try DockDogs.” (Pre-registration required) Learn More.

Friday, June 28th

  • 12 - 8 p.m.: DockDogs - Dueling Dogs, Kingston Stadium
    Multiple days of DockDogs and Dueling Dogs (a series of competitive dog jumping events held around the world each year) kick off on Friday, June 28th. DockDogs and Dueling Dogs consists of three main aquatic events: big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieval). Learn More.

Saturday, June 29th

  • 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.: DockDogs, Kingston Stadium
    Enjoy multiple days of DockDogs (a series of competitive dog jumping events held around the world each year). DockDogs consists of three main aquatic events: big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieval). Learn More.
  • 10 - 11 a.m.: Freedom Festival Parade, Downtown Cedar Rapids
    What’s better than candy, friends, and music? Nothing! So, don't miss the 2024 Parade celebrating Cedar Rapids' 175th Anniversary! Learn More.
  • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Imagination Square by Tanager Place, Greene Square Park
    IMAGINATION! Square returns in 2024, powered by Tanager Place! This event provides FREE family-friendly, educational interactive booths, hands-on activities, fan favorites like a bouncy house, face painting, the Freedom Festival trackless train rides, and freebies from area businesses and organizations! Learn More.

Sunday, June 30th

  • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: DockDogs, Kingston Stadium
    Enjoy multiple days of DockDogs (a series of competitive dog jumping events held around the world each year). DockDogs consists of three main aquatic events: big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieval). Learn More.

Thursday, July 4th

  • 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Pancake Breakfast, ImOn Ice
    Start your July 4th festivities with a delicious breakfast! Grab your pancakes breakfast and enjoy your meal inside ImOn Ice! Learn More.
  • 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Car Show, ImOn Ice
    Check out the area’s most authentic and unique cars, motorcycles, and vehicles. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Learn More.
  • 5 – 10 p.m.:Celebration of Freedom Concert, McGrath Amphitheatre
    Prior to fireworks to see Iowa native, Alisabeth Von Presley, the dynamic pop-rock singer-songwriter known for her electrifying stage presence, engaging personality, and captivating vocals! AVP! Learn More.
  • Sunset: Celebration of Freedom Fireworks, Downtown Cedar Rapids (3rd Avenue and the McGrath Amphitheatre)
    See one of the largest firework displays in the state of Iowa. There will be food vendors, drinks and live music at the McGrath Amphitheatre followed by fireworks! Learn More.

Other Freedom Festival Events!

  • May 20-29th: The Medallion Hunt, Cedar Rapids
    Get OUT and explore the area’s parks and walking trails (safely) while searching for this year’s Medallion (a 4 inch acrylic disc imprinted with the modified 2024 Festival Logo). A $500 Hy-Vee Gift Card is on the line for one lucky winner. Learn More.

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