More than just a three-week festival, the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is a non-profit organization who works year-round to plan safe, family-friendly, and low or no-cost events for the community!

Schedule:

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

8:00am: Flag Raising Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Building

Join us on Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 as we kick off our 40th festival! As a nod to past Freedom Festival celebrations, we are bringing back a favorite event, where we gather in front of Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum and raise the flags!

Coffee and donuts will be provided beginning at 8 AM. Singing of the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and a quick word from our Board of Directors beginning around 8:30 AM. Special Thanks to the Am-Vet Riders Post 6 and the City of Cedar Rapids.

6:00pm - 9:00pm: Flag Retirement Ceremony & Celebration at Freedom Foundation

Please join the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival on June 14th as we honor our military and thank them for their service and sacrifice while retiring American flags. Ceremony will begin at 6 PM with the singing of the National Anthem and will conclude with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps. Names of Iowans who we have lost in 2022 will be read as flags are honorably placed on the fire to be retired.

When the United States flag becomes worn, torn, faded, or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be “retired” with all the dignity and respect befitting as a symbol of our nation. Like a fallen soldier, a flag that is being retired must be handled with reverence and dignity. The traditional method of retirement is to incinerate the flag, but this does not mean we simply drop the flag into the fire. Instead, the flag, like that fallen soldier, will be properly encased and prepared for cremation and burial. Join us to honor our military and educate your family about the respectful retirement of our American flag.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

6:00pm - 9:00pm: Tribute to Heroes Dinner at Doubletree

One of our long standing signature events is the Tribute to Heroes Ceremony. This event recognizes the amazing heroes and individuals that have made positive contributions to our community! Heroes that have been nominated and selected will be honored at our Tribute to Heroes in-person event (Thursday, June 15th, 2023) at the DoubleTree by Hilton-Cedar Rapids, will be featured on KCRG, and act as Grand Marshal in the Freedom Festival Parade (returning to downtown Cedar Rapids Saturday, June 24th, 2023)!

Saturday, June 17, 2023

4:00pm - 10:00pm: Balloon Glow at Jones Park

You’re not going to want to miss the return of our ever-popular Freedom Festival Signature Event–Balloon Glow–this year! Join us for Balloon Glow at Jones Park on Saturday, June 17th! FREE with 2023 Freedom Festival button! Buttons will be available at the door ($10 per person-kids 5 and under FREE)

Watch the sun go down and enjoy time with family and friends. Enjoy MULTIPLE area performers followed by the balloons “glowing” just before dusk.

Weather depending: the caution tape will be removed and patrons will be able to get up close and personal with these amazing balloons and balloonists! NOTE: Balloons are not a guarantee. Every effort will go into having balloons, but safety is our #1 priority. All updates to weather or cancelation will be made on our social media channels.

-Day’s Live Music
-The 34th Army Band’s Rock Group, 42 Romeo
-The Bamboozlers

4:00pm: Balloon Glow 5K & 10K Run w/ Corridor Running Club at Jones Park

We are excited to add an additional race to our 2023 lineup. Corridor Running will be hosting a 5k & 10k cross country style race in conjunction with the Freedom Festival Balloon Glow. This year’s race will take place at Jones Park and will be run throughout the park and golf course. This will be a great way to kick off the Freedom Festival and get warmed up for our 4th of July race. *Post race will include live music and the Balloon Glow (a wristband will be provided good for admission to Balloon Glow 2023).

Early bird registration is going on NOW ($30 per person) through April 30th. Registration goes to $35 May 1st through May 31st. Registration goes to $40 June 1st through day of the race.

REGISTER HERE

PACKET PICK UP:
Jones Park Cedar Rapids IA
Packet Pickup 3:00 – 3:45 PM
Race Start Time 4:00 PM

AWARDS:
Awards for 5k & 10k: 19&under,20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69 & 70.
Trophies for the top M/F runners in the 5K & 10K

Admission to Balloon Glow is a Freedom Festival button. A wristband will be included with your registration fee, granting access to Balloon Glow 2023. To take advantage of 3 weeks of programming, we encourage you to purchase a Freedom Festival button ($10 each) in advance at area Hy-Vee locations.

Sunday, June 18, 2023

6:00pm - 8:00pm: 34th Army Band Father's Day Concert at Lowe Park

Returning for the first time since 2019, the 34th Army Band is BACK in 2023! Join us for a night of FUN at Lowe Park–the perfect evening to celebrate Father’s Day–Sunday, June 18th. This event is FREE! Doors at 6 PM with the 34th Army Band–Scrap Metal–taking the stage at 6:30 PM. Bring along your lawn chairs, a soft-sided cooler with refreshments, and the entire family for a night of dancing and memories!

Born from tradition, but raised to serve in the new millennia, Scrap Metal is one of many ensembles that comprise the Iowa National Guard’s 34th Army Band and is a prime example of the changing nature of today’s military bands. Scrap Metal is a modern New Orleans-style Brass Band that plays a large variety of music – from current pop tunes, to 80s and 90s rock, blues, funk, Ska, and riot jazz – there’s really no limit to what they’ll attempt.  While the members of Scrap Metal are part-time Soldiers and musicians, their approach to music and level of professionalism is unmatched.  They pride themselves on their eclectic music selection, improvisation, and most importantly their fun-loving and high-energy performances.

Refreshments will be available for purchase. No glass please. Bags will be checked upon entry. While this event is FREE, we encourage you to wear your 2023 Freedom Festival button proudly! More details to come–check back!

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

11:00am - 2:00pm: Rock 'N' Bowl: Presented by Cargill at SpareTime Cedar Rapids

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is proud to offer this event for people with disabilities, their friends, and family to enjoy time together. This event continues to grow each year and we are so excited for it to return in 2023–returning to SpareTime Cedar Rapids (inside the old Gordmans building)!

In its 8th year, the day will consist of free bowling at SpareTime (we’ve reserved the Elite Suite). A Freedom Festival button is required for entry. Additionally, there will be a photo booth with take-home pictures, face-painting, and caricature drawings!

SpareTime Cedar Rapids is a cash-less business. ATMs will be on site. All bowlers MUST have socks to bowl. Shoe rental is included with your buttoned admission. Buttons will be available for purchase for $10 each. Kids 5 and under free

Thursday, June 22, 2023

5:00pm - 8:00pm: Let's Try DockDogs at Kingston Stadium

A team is made up of a Handler and a canine, and you are a TEAM, you each have a role to play. Because of this, the registration is for a single team, not one person, many dogs, many persons of the same family and their many dogs; just one DockDogs team.

The Let’s Try group of handlers who will be working with your dog AND are comprised of competitors from around the Midwest who have many years and many championships under their belts in a variety of dog sports and DockDogs. Listen to them, the advice they give is because they have seen what works and what doesn’t.

DOGS ARE WELCOME but require following these rules:
1. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult (18 and over)
2. Owners must clean up after their dogs
3. Dogs must have their rabies shot and shot ID to attend
4. Dogs must be good around other dogs and/or crowds.
5. We will have doggie pools available, but if it’s hot, think first about how your dog will handle the heat!

Friday, June 23, 2023

12:00pm - 8:00pm: Dock Dogs at Kingston Stadium

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is looking forward to MULTIPLE days of Dock Dogs (a series of competitive dog jumping events held around the world each year). Dock Dogs consists of three main aquatic events: big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieval.

FREE with 2023 Freedom Festival button! Buttons will be available at the door ($10 per person-kids 5 and under FREE)

Schedule:
Big Air WAVE # 1 – 12:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 2 – 1:30 pm
Big Air WAVE # 3 – 3:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 4 – 4:30 pm
Big Air WAVE # 5 – 6:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 6 – 7:30 pm

Returning to Kingston Stadium (North Fields), come join us for some exciting competition! Dock Dogs is the perfect event for both human and canine! As seen on ESPN, ABC, and Outdoor Channel, Dock Dogs has evolved to the fastest growing sport for our four legged friends.

DOGS ARE WELCOME but require following these rules:
1. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult (18 and over)
2. Owners must clean up after their dogs
3. Dogs must have their rabies shot and shot ID to attend
4. Dogs must be good around other dogs and/or crowds.
5. We will have doggie pools available, but if it’s hot, think first about how your dog will handle the heat!

6:00pm - 11:00pm: Jazz Night on 2nd with the Downtown District

The jazz will be flowing at our immersive outdoor concert and dining experience in Downtown CR! Admission is $5 (or FREE with Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival Button).

Saturday, June 24, 2023

8:00am - 8:00pm: Dock Dogs at Kingston Stadium

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is looking forward to MULTIPLE days of Dock Dogs (a series of competitive dog jumping events held around the world each year). Dock Dogs consists of three main aquatic events: big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieval.

FREE with 2023 Freedom Festival button! Buttons will be available at the door ($10 per person-kids 5 and under FREE)

Schedule:
Extreme Vertical – 8:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 7 – 12:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 8 – 2:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 9 – 4:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 10 – 6:00 pm
Big Air WAVE # 11 – 8:00 pm

Returning to Kingston Stadium (North Fields), come join us for some exciting competition! Dock Dogs is the perfect event for both human and canine! As seen on ESPN, ABC, and Outdoor Channel, Dock Dogs has evolved to the fastest growing sport for our four legged friends.

DOGS ARE WELCOME but require following these rules:
1. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult (18 and over)
2. Owners must clean up after their dogs
3. Dogs must have their rabies shot and shot ID to attend
4. Dogs must be good around other dogs and/or crowds.
5. We will have doggie pools available, but if it’s hot, think first about how your dog will handle the heat!

10:00am: Freedom Festival Parade at Downtown Cedar Rapids

Nothing! So, you do not want to miss the 2023 Freedom Festival parade–returning to Downtown Cedar Rapids on June 24th!

Awards will be given for the following categories:
-Judges’ Choice
-Most Patriotic
-Originality / Best Use of Theme (MARCHING FORWARD TOGETHER)
-Best Performance / Use of Music
-The Leonard Pfeifer Award – Best Original Float

11:00am - 1:00pm: Imagination Square by Tanager Place! at Greene Square

We are excited to announce that IMAGINATION! Square returns in 2023, powered by Tanager Place! With the 2023 parade returning to downtown Cedar Rapids, we’ll be taking over Greene Square for all the fun following the parade!

This event provides FREE family-friendly, educational interactive booths, hands-on activities, fan favorites like a bouncy house, face painting, the Freedom Festival Express trackless train rides, basketball shoot out by Team Iowa, and freebies from area businesses and organizations!

And back by popular demand, the Jr. Firefighter Challenge returns to Imagination Square by Tanager Place, courtesy of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department! Activities are all FREE and will end at 1 PM.

11:30am: Kid's Parade at Greene Square

Back by popular demand, it’s the return of the Kid’s Parade! Grab your wheels and decorate with Red, White, and Blue, and Stars & Stripes! The more patriotic, the better! Staging will be at the Paramount Parking Lot (301 1st St, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401) beginning at 11:15 AM. Parade will step off at 11:30 AM down 3rd Ave and will end at Greene Square park! All are invited to participate or line up along 3rd Ave to cheer on the kids!

Stick around for all the fun at Greene Square Park: FREE to all!

1:00pm - 6:00pm: Volta Youth Music and Art Festival at Greene Square

The Freedom Festival is proud to announce the return of the Volta Youth Music & Arts Festival in 2023! Join the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy for a full day of incredible music and art at Greene Square! Beginning at 1 PM you’ll enjoy youth rock bands and other area youth musicians as well as performances from local, professional rock bands!

1 PM – 6 PM: Music on Stage
1 PM – 6 PM: Art in the Park

Sunday, June 25, 2023

9:00am - 4:00pm: Freedom Bike Ride--OVER THE HILL! at Lowe Park

This year’s Freedom Bike Ride will head “OVER THE HILL” for the Freedom Festival’s 40th anniversary celebration! Join us Sunday, June 25, 2023 on either the long (50 mile) or short (25 mile) ride. From training wheels to triathlon competitors, ALL are welcome at the 7th annual Freedom Bike Ride–passing though Marion, Cedar Rapids, Robins, Center Point, and Hiawatha. Come join us and enjoy the ride and pit stops along the way!

Registration Information: Pre-registration fee is $45.00 and includes a boxed meal after the ride and $10.00 in Bike Bucks that is good at all Pit Stops along the ride. Same day registration is $50.00 and will begin at 9 AM.

Route Information: The ride will begin and end at Lowe Park in Marion. You will choose from the 25 mile OR 50 mile loop routes. The 50 mile ride will begin at 9:30 AM, the 25 mile ride at 10:00 AM. Rest stops with restrooms and snacks will be available along the route.

THIS YEAR’S THEME IS “OVER THE HILL” (get it?? It’s our 40th Anniversary as a festival!)
We encourage riders to dress up with prizes awarded for best dressed.

Designated stops at the following locations are encouraged: Dry Creek Brew at 100, Lion Bridge Brewing Company, Parlor City Ice Cream, Pedaler’s Fork, Kickstand, and Almost Famous Popcorn & Ice Cream!

Schedule of Events:
Same day registration will begin at 9:00 AM at Lowe Park
Long route start at 9:30 AM.
Short route start at 10:00 AM.
Boxed lunches will be available for pick up between 2 PM – 4 PM at Lowe Park.
Rest stops close down at 3 PM.

Packet Pickup: Packets can be picked up for the bike ride beginning on June 23rd at the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival office (609 1st Ave SW–next to the Maid Rite) between 9 – 3 PM. Packets will NOT include your Bike Bucks. Those will be available when you check in the day of the event. Same day packet pickup begins at 9:00 AM at Lowe Park.

Additional Information: In the case of weather, a refund will not be given. Rest stops will close down at 3 PM.

REGISTER HERE

9:00am - 6:00pm: Dock Dogs: Family Fun Day at Kingston Stadium

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is looking forward to MULTIPLE days of Dock Dogs (a series of competitive dog jumping events held around the world each year). Dock Dogs consists of three main aquatic events: big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieval.

FREE with 2023 Freedom Festival button! Buttons will be available at the door ($10 per person-kids 5 and under FREE). Sunday is also Family Fun Day! Join us between 11 – 2 PM for pet-friendly vendors and freebies from sponsors! Includes adoptable dogs from Last Hope Animal Rescue and the first 100 kids (12 and under) through the door get a grab bag with freebies! Mediacom will also be on site recording the finales to replay on Mediacom MC22!

Schedule:
Big Air WAVE # 12 – 9:00 am
Big Air WAVE # 13 – 11:00 pm
Speed Retrieve (All in one Finals) – 1:30 pm
Big Air Finals start at 3:30 pm
(Pro, Semi-Pro, Contender & Amateur Finals)

Returning to Kingston Stadium (North Fields), come join us for some exciting competition! Dock Dogs is the perfect event for both human and canine! As seen on ESPN, ABC, and Outdoor Channel, Dock Dogs has evolved to the fastest growing sport for our four legged friends.

DOGS ARE WELCOME but require following these rules:
1. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult (18 and over)
2. Owners must clean up after their dogs
3. Dogs must have their rabies shot and shot ID to attend
4. Dogs must be good around other dogs and/or crowds.
5. We will have doggie pools available, but if it’s hot, think first about how your dog will handle the heat!

Thursday, June 29, 2023

6:00pm - 9:00pm: Movie at the Ballpark at Veterans Memorial Stadium

Returning for our 40th Anniversary Festival is the family favorite–Movie at the Ballpark–presented by Veridian Credit Union! The Cedar Rapids Kernels welcome you back to the ballpark for a movie night under the stars on Thursday, June 29th. Doors open at 6 PM. Movie begins at 7 PM.

2023 FEATURED MOVIE: Top Gun: Maverick

Saturday, July 1, 2023

6:00pm - 9:00pm: Music at the Museum at National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

We are excited to join forces again with the Czech and Slovak Museum and Library to bring back this festival favorite. Join us in the Czech Village in front of the iconic museum in their new amphitheater area the night of July 1st at 6pm. Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic if you’d like! Refreshments will be offered from the Czech Museum. Admission is a Freedom Festival button ($10 per person-kids 5 and under FREE). Buy your button early to take advantage of 3 weeks of Freedom Festival programming!

There will be a double headliner show starting with the infamous Amy Friedl Stoner and ending with the ever popular band Birdchild!

Sunday, July 2, 2023

8:00am - 5:00pm: Patriotic Pickleball Tournament at BLX Sports Center

Youth – Adult divisions, Doubles & Singles
Grab your teammate, and lock in your spot to play for ultimate bragging rights!
Whether you are new to Pickleball or a seasoned player, choose the bracket that fits your skill level and have a ball!
Players can sign up as individuals and look for a partner on the “Player Needing Partners” list.
Tournament will be round robin format with a single elimination play off.

Women’s Singles
13 & older beginner
13 & older intermediate
13 & older advanced
18 & older beginner
18 & older intermediate
18 & older advanced
35 & older beginner
35 & older intermediate
35 & older advanced
50 & older beginner
50 & older intermediate
50 & older advanced

Women’s Doubles
13 & older beginner
13 & older intermediate
13 & older advanced
18 & older beginner
18 & older intermediate
18 & older advanced
35 & older beginner
35 & older intermediate
35 & older advanced
50 & older beginner
50 & older intermediate
50 & older advanced

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

8:00am - 11:00am: Pancake Breakfast - ImOn Ice Arena

Start your July 4th festivities with some delicious breakfast! The pancake breakfast will run from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM where you can enjoy your meal inside the ImOn Ice Arena! Meals are $10 each ($5 off with a Freedom Festival button to make it $5 per meal) and includes delicious pancakes, sausage links, banana, granola bar, coffee and orange juice!

8:00am - 12:00pm: Classic Car Show at Lower Kingston Parking Lot

Another 4th of July tradition returns in 2023! Join us for the Freedom Festival Car Show and Pancake Breakfast! Come check out some of the areas most authentic and unique cars, motorcycles, and vehicles!

FREE to attend!! Just $15 to register in advance and $20 the day of. Registration ends at 9 AM (no entries will be accepted after 9 AM). Dash plaque for the first 100 cars at the door!

Pop and water will be available for purchase at the Car Show BUT we invite you to the ImOn Ice Arena for our annual pancake breakfast–this year returning as a sit-down meal at the ImOn Ice Arena (inside the arena where the RoughRiders play!).

Registration ends at 9 AM. Judging goes from 9-11 AM with winners announced shortly after 11:30 AM courtesy of our friends at WMT-FM!

REGISTER HERE!

5:00pm - 10:30pm: Celebration of Freedom Fireworks at McGrath Amphitheatre

The meatball on the spaghetti. The cherry on top of ice cream. The EPIC conclusion. The show stopper. The finale curtain call.  The last bow. The Endgame. The Grand Finale. This is what we’ve been waiting for people! THE GRAND FINALE!

Join us downtown on 3rd Ave and the amphitheater to watch the one of the largest firework displays in the state! Fireworks start at “dark”. Join us for music and celebration before hand to get prime seats to see the 40th anniversary fireworks display. There are some surprises in store that you won’t want to miss!

5:30pm - 9:30pm: 4th of July Concert at the McGrath amphitheatre

Join us for an evening of patriotic celebration as we anticipate The Celebration of Freedom Fireworks. There will be music on the stage, food vendors, drinks in the venue, and a kids fun zone featuring bounce houses, games, face painting, photo booth, and caricature drawing, PLUS the first 500 kids 12 and under will receive a grab bag with freebies!

-Brass Transit Authority
-Vibe

Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Iowa

Click here For More Information