Exciting Events Await At Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival This Summer

I remember when I lived in Cedar Rapids 20 years ago the fun we had at the Freedom Festival. I lived downtown, above the bus station, you could step out my front door into a ton of entertainment. You can do just that this year with even more events.  You can always stop by the KHAK app, Facebook page, and our homepage to keep up-to-date with the latest Freedom Festival announcements. Also, look for the KHAK mobile at events around the Freedom Festival. If you see us, say hi.  

Freedom Festival returns 

The Freedom Festival returns to Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area from June 8th, through July 4th. The fun kicks off on June 8th with the Cardboard boat Regatta at Ellis Park. That starts at 10 am. You can visit the Freedom Festival website for all the times and dates. It all culminates on the 4th of July with the amazing fireworks display in downtown Cedar Rapids. The Freedom Festival has more events than ever before.  

Freedom Festival button design winner 

Every year the Freedom Festival has a competition to find a new design for the all-important Freedom Festival button. This year’s winner was Dan Schuster, a freelance designer, from Cedar Rapids. The spoils of winning the design award include a VIP experience at some of the events during The Freedom Festival. Dan will also be the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Freedom Festival Parade on June 29th at 10 AM in downtown Cedar Rapids.  

Where do you get The Freedom Festival Button? 

Now that we know the designer of the Freedom Festival button. How do you get one? According to the Freedom Festival Website, they are $10 and are available at these locations  

• Freedom Festival Office 
• Hy-Vee Food & Drug Stores (Cedar Rapids / Marion) 
• Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh Gas Stations (Cedar Rapids/ Marion) 
• Eastern Iowa Arts Academy 
• Gate Entrance at Freedom Festival Produced Events 

With each button purchase, you receive a Hy-Vee Coupon Book with over $30 in redeemable coupons at Hy-Vee Food, Drug, and Fast & Fresh stores in the Cedar Rapids area. If you redeem the $10 off (a purchase of $100 or more) at Hy-Vee you're making the button essentially FREE! All coupons expire on July 15th, 2023! 

Freedom Festival Balloon Glow 

The Freedom Festival’s Balloon Glow is one of the most fun and unique events the Freedom Festival and Cedar Rapids offer. The KHAK morning team Brain & Courtlin will welcome you to this year’s Balloon Glow. They’ve been attending the Balloon Glow for many years and would love you to join them. Bring your sense of adventure and get ready to glow!  

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Freedom Festival concert 

This year's Freedom Festival will also feature a performance from Alisobeth Von Presley She will perform before the grand finale Celebration of the Freedom Fireworks.  

Freedom Festival 4th of July Fireworks. 

Each year the Freedom Festival ends with the Freedom Festival Fireworks. This year will be no different. There are lots of places to take in the fireworks. Many NEW venues have opened like Big Grove Brewing, and could be great places to view the fireworks.  

See you at the 2024 Freedom Festival!