Event Registration
Car Show Registration
Show off your ride at the Freedom Festival Car Show! Whether you have a classic, hot rod, or unique custom build, we invite you to register and be part of this exciting event celebrating automotive passion and community spirit. Participants will have the chance to display their vehicles, connect with fellow car enthusiasts, and compete for awards.
Register today to secure your spot and be part of the Freedom Festival celebration!
Pinewood Derby Race Registration
NEW THIS YEAR! We’re excited to introduce a fun, hands-on experience just for kids at the Car Show! Young racers can build and compete in their very own Pinewood Derby race on July 4th. For just $10, each participant will receive a complete car kit, including the car, wheels, weights, and decorating materials, everything they need to design a one-of-a-kind car! Decorating time will take place from 8:00–9:00 AM, followed by races from 9:00–10:30 AM, organized by age groups. Register in advance online or sign up the day of the event, with space limited to the first 50 participants. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers, making it a can’t-miss addition to your 4th of July morning! It’s the perfect way for kids to get in on the action and be part of the excitement!
Spots are limited, so sign up today!
Try DockDogs Registration
Register for Let’s Try DockDogs and give your dog the chance to experience the excitement of dock diving in a fun, beginner-friendly environment! Each registration includes one handler and one dog per team, with guidance from experienced DockDogs competitors. Pre-registration is required.
Spots are limited, so sign up today!
Cardboard Boat Regatta Registration
The Freedom Festival’s Cardboard Boat Regatta is back for another year in 2026! Races will kick off at 2 PM on June 28th at Robbins Lake. Sign up a team to compete and potentially WIN the 2026 Cardboard Boat Regatta!
$40 per team to compete in this years competition. Please see rules and regulations on the event page.
Spots are limited, so sign up today!
Please see event page for rules and guidelines.
Little Skippers Cardboard Boat Race Registration
Set sail for fun with the Little Skippers Cardboard Boat Race! A kid-friendly twist on our classic Cardboard Boat Regatta! Designed especially for young builders and racers, this hands-on experience lets kids create their very own cardboard boat and put it to the test on race day. Each participant will receive cardboard to make their boat. Once their boats are built, it’s time to hit the water and see whose design can go the distance! Races will kick off at Robbins Lake on Sunday, June 28th at 1 PM.
Register for $10.00 or $20.00 to include a shirt!
*Disclaimer: Kids will not be racing in the lake. The Little Skippers Cardboard Boat Race participants will race their handmade boats down a track using only their breath to propel them to the finish line.
Freedom Bike Ride Registration
Get ready to ride! Our annual Freedom Bike Ride kicks off on June 28th at South Troy Park in Robins, taking you on a scenic trail ride through Cedar Rapids to Ely and back. Along the way, enjoy exclusive food and drink deals at pit stops to keep you fueled and having fun. Whether you’re riding for the challenge or just soaking in the summer vibes, this is a can’t-miss event! Register now and join the ride!
Register early to save! Registration price increases the last week of May.
Kids Freedom Bike Ride Registration
Let the kids ride into the fun! Our 2026 Kids Freedom Ride will start and finish at South Troy Park in Robins, featuring a 4-mile route (2 miles out and 2 miles back) perfect for young riders. After the ride, stick around for kids activities and food trucks waiting at the park! The Kids Ride is FREE to participate, just be sure to fill out the registration form to join in on the fun!
Freedom Festival Parade Registration
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration filled with vibrant floats, lively music, and endless fun! The Freedom Festival Parade is back in 2026 at a NEW location! The 2026 theme is Party Like It’s 1776: America’s Birthday Bash!
You do not want to miss the 2026 Freedom Festival parade in Hiawatha on June 27th at 10am!
Awards will be given for the following categories:
Judge’s Choice
Best Birthday Spirit
Most Patriotic Party
Parade winners will be announced at Guthridge Park immediately following the parade. Registration closes June 20th!
Stars & Stripes Chalk Fest Registration
Bring your creativity to life at the Stars & Stripes Chalk Fest immediately following the parade at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha! Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to register for a designated parking space and transform it into a vibrant, patriotic masterpiece.
Registration is just $10 for a parking space, and we’ll provide all the chalk you need. Just show up ready to create! Whether you're crafting an intricate design or a fun, festive doodle, this is your chance to celebrate community and creativity.
Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours and get ready to turn the pavement into art!
Tribute to Heroes Breakfast & Ceremony
The Tribute to Heroes event is designed to celebrate the remarkable contributions of local heroes who have made a positive impact on the lives of others. From courageous first responders to compassionate volunteers, these individuals embody the spirit of unity and resilience that defines the community. Come join us to enjoy a delicious breakfast and help us honor our heroes!
Egg Roll Eating Contest Registration
In partnership with the Egg Roll Lady CR, we’re bringing a delicious new tradition to the 4th of July with our first-ever Egg Roll Eating Contest!
Join us at 6:45pm on the McGrath Amphitheatre stage, right between performances by 42 Romeo and Gimikk, for a fast-paced showdown of speed, strategy, and appetite.
This will be a timed competition with the fastest three to devour 10 egg rolls will WIN bragging rights and prizes! Awards will be presented to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers.
1st Place: $300 cash prize, $100 Grill Works gift card
2nd Place: $200 cash prize, $50 Luxi Nails gift card
3rd Place: $100 cash prize, $25 Hometown Market gift card
*Please see rules on Celebration of Freedom event page.
Dachshund Dash Registration
Join us on Saturday, June 27th at 4:30pm during our DockDogs event as dachshunds race for bragging rights and prizes!
Races will be divided into two age groups:
Puppies (0-7 years old)
Veterans (7+ years old)
Whether your wiener dog is a seasoned racer or making their track debut, join us for the first-ever Freedom Festival Dachshund Dash! Space is limited, so register early to reserve your pup’s spot at the starting line!
*Please see rules on DockDogs event page.