The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival announced its 2023 lineup of events that will comprise this year’s three-week long festival. The community nonprofit, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, will present over 20 events aimed at celebrating the 4th of July with programming that is safe, affordable, and fun.
Returning highlights to the festival include the Celebration of Freedom Fireworks display, the Freedom Festival Parade, and the Balloon Glow. New events this year include the Corridor Running Club’s 5K and 10K Runs, Patriotic Pickleball at Team Iowa, and Jazz Night on 2nd with the Downtown District. Plus, long-time fans of the festival will be happy to see the return of some past favorites including the Children’s Parade, Movie at the Ballpark at Veterans Memorial Stadium, and Music at the Museum in partnership with the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.
The organization is also bringing some exceptional musical acts to the festival this year. This year’s Balloon Glow will be headlined with a one-time-only reunion show from local act The Bamboozlers following an opening performance from 42 Romeo, a fan favorite army band. The return of Music at the Museum will be co-headlined by Amy Friedl Stoner and Birdchild. The evening of the 4th of July will feature music from both Brass Transit Authority and Vibe, a new band fronted by area singers Alicia Moneé and Kelsey Madsen.
The Freedom Festival Button will celebrate its 35th anniversary this year. As part of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival’s nonprofit mission of providing events that are safe, affordable, and fun, this year’s button will serve as your entry ticket to nearly all of the festival’s events and will be available for purchase for $10 at all area Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations.
The complete list of announced events are as follows:
June 14: Flag Raising Ceremony
June 14: Flag Retirement and BBQ
June 15: Tribute to Heroes
June 17: Corridor Running Club Run (5K and 10K)
June 17: Balloon Glow
June 18: Army Band at Lowe Park
June 21: Rock N Bowl for People with Disabilities
June 22-25: Dock Dogs
June 23: Jazz Night on 2nd with the Downtown District
June 24: Parade (and Children’s Parade)
June 24: Imagination Square
June 24: Volta Youth Music and Arts Festival
June 25: Freedom Bike Ride (25 and 50 Miles)
June 29: Movie at the Ballpark
July 1: Music at the Museum
July 2: Patriotic Pickleball at Team Iowa
July 4: Pancake Breakfast
July 4: Car Show
July 4: Concert at the McGrath Amphitheatre
July 4: Celebration of Freedom Fireworks
For more complete information on each event, visit www.FreedomFestival.com
