Freedom Festival 2023

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. 

Wednesday, June 14th

8 a.m.: Flag Raising, Veterans Memorial Building

• Join us to kick off the festival with a flag raising at the Veteran’s Memorial Colosseum. Learn More.

6 - 8:00 p.m.: Flag Retirement Ceremony and Celebration, Freedom Foundation

• Honor our military and thank them for their service and sacrifice while experiencing a traditional American flags retirement ceremony. Following the Flag Retirement Ceremony, stick around for live music, food, and fellowship! Learn More.

Thursday, June 15th

6 - 9 p.m.: Tribute to Heroes Dinner, DoubleTree by Hilton

• 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! Learn more.

Saturday, June 17th

4 - 10 p.m.: Balloon Glow, Jones Park

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

4 - 6 p.m.: Corridor Running Club Fun Run, Jones Park

• Enjoy a 5K or 10K with the Corridor Runnning Club. Learn more.

Sunday, June 18th

6 - 8 p.m.: 34th Army Band Father’s Day Concert, Lowe Park

• Join us for a night of fun at Lowe Park. This event is FREE, and 34th Army Band–Scrap Metal–takes 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! Learn more. 

Wednesday, June 21st

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Rock 'N' Bowl, SpareTime Entertainment

• 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.

Thursday, June 22nd

5 - 7 p.m.: Try Dock Dogs, Kingston Stadium

• Ever wondered if your dog could compete in DockDogs? Returning again in 2023 is “Let’s Try DockDogs.” (Pre-registration required) Learn more.

Friday, June 23rd

12 - 8 p.m.: Dock Dogs, Kingston Stadium

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

6 - 11 p.m.: Jazz Night on 2nd with the Downtown District, Downtown Cedar Rapids

• 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). Learn More.

Saturday, June 24th

8 a.m. - 8 p.m.: Dock Dogs, Kingston Stadium

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

10 a.m.: Freedom Festival Parade, Downtown Cedar Rapids

• What’s better than candy, friends, and music? Nothing! So, you do not want to miss the 2023 Freedom Festival parade–returning to Downtown Cedar Rapids on June 24th! Learn More.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Imagination Square by Tanager Place, Greene Square Park

• 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! Learn More. 

1 - 6 p.m.: Volta Youth Music & Arts Festival, Green Square Park

• Join the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy for a full day of incredible music and art at Green Square! Beginning at 2 PM you’ll enjoy youth rock bands and other area youth musicians as well as performances from local, professional rock bands! Learn More.

Sunday, June 25th

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Dock Dogs, Kingston Stadium

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

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Freedom Bike Ride, Lowe Park

• This year’s Freedom Bike Ride will head “OVER THE HILL” for the Freedom Festival’s 40th anniversary celebration! Learn More.

Thursday, June 29th

6 – 9 p.m.: Movie at the Ballpark, Veterans Memorial Stadium

• Enjoy Top Gun Maverick at the baseball field! Free with button. Learn More.

Saturday, July 1st

6 – 9 p.m.: Music at the Museum, 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 in front of the iconic museum in their new amphitheater area. Learn More.

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Patriotic Pickleball Tournament, BLX Sports Center

Pickleball tournament at the BLX Sports Center. Youth – Adult divisions, Doubles & Singles Learn More.

Sunday, July 2nd

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Patriotic Pickleball Tournament, BLX Sports Center

• Pickleball tournament at the BLX Sports Center. Youth – Adult divisions, Doubles & Singles Learn More.

Tuesday, July 4th

8 a.m. – 11 a.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, Cedar Rapids Kernels Parking Lot

• Check out the area’s most authentic and unique cars, motorcycles, and vehicles. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Learn More.

5:30 – 9:30 p.m.: Concert at McGrath Ampitheater, 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! Learn More.

5:00 – 10:30 p.m.: Celebration of Freedom Fireworks, McGrath Amphitheatre

• This is what we’ve been waiting for people! THE GRAND FINALE! Join us downtown on 3rd Ave and at the amphitheatre to watch the one of the largest firework displays in the state! Learn More.

Other Freedom Festival Events!

Military Tribute Banners, Cedar Rapids

• The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is excited to continue the Military Tribute Banner Program, proudly sponsored by Hills Bank! These full color banners showcase veterans and active duty military personnel on select light poles throughout downtown Cedar Rapids. Learn More.