Freedom Festival Events
The Freedom Festival is proud to kick off our 42nd year producing affordable, family-friendly events to Eastern Iowa in Cedar Rapids! Join us this summer for a full week of various events leading up to our finale at the 4th of July Fireworks downtown Cedar Rapids! Our events require a Freedom Festival button for entry. Get your button at area Hy-Vees or purchase at the event. Purchase 1 button and get a week’s worth of events June 26th - July 4th!
A Freedom Festival button is your ticket to a variety of events and fun including a drone show, concerts, and DockDogs!
Try DockDogs
Try DockDogs
A non-competitive opportunity to see if your dog is a good fit for the sport of DockDogs
Returning again in 2025 is “Let’s Try DockDogs” (pre-registration required!) If you've ever wondered about unleashing the untapped potential of your canine companion, here's your golden opportunity! We invite you to join us in the thrilling world of DockDogs before the seasoned professionals take the docks.
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.
Try DockDogs will be taking place in the Czech Village area in 2025. Sign up as a team to try out the competition or just come on out to enjoy the show on June 26th starting at 5:00 PM!
The Let’s Try group of handlers who will be working with your dog 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. Never competed before? No problem! Try DockDogs is designed for that very reason. Sign up and try something new with your furry friend this year!
Thank You Try DockDogs Sponsors!
Thank You Try DockDogs Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event?
DockDogs: Day 1
DockDogs
A competition for dogs to showcase their speed and agility
The first of three consecutive days of DockDogs will kick off in Czech Village on June 27th! DockDogs is a series of competitive dog jumping events held around the world each year. DockDogs consists of three main aquatic events: big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieval.
Returning to our 2025 festival in a NEW location, this event will take place in Czech Village by the African American Museum and Kickstand. DockDogs is the perfect event for both human and canine! As seen on ESPN, ABC, and Outdoor Channel, DockDogs has evolved to the fastest growing sport for our four legged friends.
DockDogs is a rain or shine event, but if there is lightning, we will delay competitions.
Schedule of Events
12:00 PM: Qualifying Duel #1
1:00 PM: Qualifying Duel #2
2:00 PM: Qualifying Duel #3
3:00 PM: Qualifying Duel #4
4:00 PM: Qualifying Duel #5
5:00 PM: Qualifying Duel #6
6:30 PM: Dueling Dogs Finals
Thank You DockDogs Sponsors!
Thank You DockDogs Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Cardboard Boat Regatta
Cardboard Boat Regatta
A competition where teams design and build cardboard boats to race
After making it’s grand return last year, the Cardboard Boat Regatta is back again in 2025! Join us out at Robbins Lake for an exciting competition on June 28th! Competitors will navigate an “out and back” course starting and ending on the bank. The race format will see head-to-head heats of two boats, with each run timed to completion. The team with the fastest time to finish the route, will be the 2025 Cardboard Boat Regatta Winner! The Regatta is open to teams comprised of between two and eight participants (at least 16 years old) per boat. Teams are encouraged to get creative and have themed boats while adhering to design requirements.
Following the race, swing over to Newbo for a full day of events at our Patriotic Fest (more information coming soon)!
Schedule of Events
8:00 AM: Team check-in
9:00 AM: Exhibition races
9:30 AM: General competitions
11:00 AM: Awards ceremony (immediately following races)
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On June 28, 2025, participants must attend the 8:30 AM pre-race meeting. Races will begin promptly at 9 AM. All consent and waiver forms must be signed prior to racing. Ages 16+ are welcome to participate, ALL minors MUST have a parent or guardian there to sign a waiver.
Boat Classes:
Class I: boats that are made entirely out of corrugated cardboard and propelled by canoe paddles, oars, or kayak paddles
Competitor Classes:
Exhibition Races: (no fee - please contact info@freedomfestival.com)
General Competitions: ($40 registration fee)
Team: 2-8 people (16+)
The course will entail an “out and back” circuit from the marked starting bank, around the designated buoy in Robbins Lake near the community gardens, and back to the starting bank.
The race format will be head-to-head heats of two (2) boats. Each run will be timed to completion or to the point that the vessel is overcome.
Awards
The 3 fastest competitors - complete the course or longest times afloat if no competitors finish for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Pride of the Regatta - (Most creative use of cardboard)
Vogue Award - (Most spectacular looking boat)
Best Dressed Team Award
Team Spirit Award - (the looks of the boat don’t count - enthusiasm does!)
Titanic Award - (Most spectacular sinking)
Most Patrioticption textgoes here
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The safety of the participants, spectators, staff, and competitors is the number one priority and will be treated as such for all races. No consumption of alcoholic beverages before or during the race is permitted. Race officials reserve the right to disqualify any entries whose participants are suspected to be under the influence.
Each boat may contain only human participants (no dogs or other animals are permitted in boats during the race).
All participants must be able to swim.
No more than 8 participants per boat, and a minimum of 2 participants.
It is mandatory for all competitors to wear a coast guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) as well as closed-toe foot protection.
During competition, competitors must remain visible, seated or kneeling in the boat until crossing the finish line, not towing it, or holding it between their legs, swimming, or allowing the lifejacket to provide floatation for the vessel.
Each participant must be at least 16 years of age, and minors must have a parent/ guardian present to sign waiver.
Teams may have as many helpers as needed to assist with launching or landing their vessel. All helpers will be required to clear the launch area once the boats are in the water.
All competitors are responsible for removing their boat and boat items from the water as well as ensuring that their portion of the pit area has been cleaned prior to departure on race day. Dumpsters will be provided to dispose of boat remnants.
It is the competitor’s responsibility to act in a sportsman-like fashion, avoid collisions in all standard races and obey the rules and safety guidelines. Overly aggressive contact and/or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated, examples include but are not limited to: purposely obstructing or interfering with another competitor, causing damage or bodily harm to another competitor or vessel, splashing or attempting to swamp/overwhelm another vessel in standard races, or any use of profane language toward any persons or competitor.
Violating these rules or engaging in actions deemed to jeopardize the health and safety of other competitors will result in immediate disqualification, no refunds will be issued, and competitors may be stripped of any awards at the sole discretion of event organizers.
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Boats must be made of corrugated cardboard. No metal, wood, plastic, rubber, Styrofoam, fiberglass or inflatable devices allowed. No pre-treated cardboard or reinforced cardboard tubes are allowed.
Duct tape may be used to reinforce seams, but at least 50% of the vessel’s surface must be visible or painted cardboard - the entire boat CANNOT be wrapped in duct tape.
The boat may be sealed with varnish, paint or polyurethane. NO FLEX SEAL! (All sealants must be completely dry prior to race). Please consider environmentally friendly products when using paints or sealants.
No nails, metal/wood fasteners, or staples may be used in the construction of the boat (small amounts may be used for removable decoration only).
No motors or sails allowed. Participants can use their own paddles or, for those who do not have access to one, the Freedom Festival will provide wooden oars for use.
The crew compartment CANNOT be fully enclosed or rise above the shoulders of the competitors so as to interfere with escape. It should, however, fully contain all competitor appendages/limbs.
All boats must display the team name at least 6-inches tall on both sides of the vessel so as to be visible to the judges.
Be creative… Boat decorations may be made from any material but may not be used to reinforce the actual structure of the boat, provide additional floatation, or create a fire or safety hazard. Decorations may be removed prior to racing as long as the final vessel still meets all requirements here in.
Crew costumes are encouraged! Costumes must not aid in the flotation or propulsion of the boat and must fit under your personal flotation device (PFD).
Boats are subject to inspection and disqualification for each violation of the rules. Rules are subject to change at the sole discretion of event organizers.
Thank You Cardboard Boat Regatta Sponsors!
Thank You Cardboard Boat Regatta Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Freedom Bike Ride & Kids Freedom Bike Ride
Freedom Bike Ride
A community ride through Eastern Iowa
Join us on June 28th for our Freedom Bike Ride! Starting in Cedar Rapids, we will kick off the ride at Big Grove. Get your first beer free prior to the ride and enjoy a FREE breakfast hosted by Big Grove! Beginning downtown, the route will take you south to Ely where you can enjoy food and drinks at local establishments. From Ely you’ll go through Solon where you can take a pitstop at Big Grove - Solon. The ride will end back in Cedar Rapids at Newbo where you can stick around to enjoy Patriotic Fest happening from 11 AM - 10 PM with our parade starting in the afternoon following the ride.
Our Kids Freedom Bike Ride will take place in Ely at 12 PM. Kids activities, food trucks, and freebies from local organizations will be set up at the Ely City Park from 10:30 AM - 2 PM. A bike decorating station will be available for kids to enjoy prior to their ride kicking off!
Register and joins us for the Freedom Bike Ride & Kids Ride! Registration is $50.00 for the Freedom Bike Ride and includes free breakfast and a free beer at Big Grove - Cedar Rapids (valid any time throughout the day of the ride), freebies, and deals at local businesses along the route (list coming soon!). The Kids Freedom Ride is FREE, but please still register below.
Schedule of Events
9:30 AM: Breakfast and kick off event at Big Grove
10:30 AM: Freedom Bike Ride starts at Big Grove
10:30 AM: Kids activities/food trucks begin in Ely
12:00 PM: Kids Freedom Bike Ride starts in Ely
2:00 PM: Kids activities/food trucks end in Ely
3:00 PM: Ride ends in Newbo
Thank You Freedom Bike Ride Sponsors!
Thank You Freedom Bike Ride Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Freedom Bike Ride Main Event Sponsor
Freedom Bike Ride Pit Stop Sponsor
Freedom Bike Ride Kids Zone Sponsor
DockDogs: Day 2
DockDogs
A competition for dogs to showcase their speed and agility
Day 2 of DockDogs will kick off at 9 AM in Czech Village! DockDogs is a series of competitive dog jumping events held around the world each year. DockDogs consists of three main aquatic events: big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieval.
Returning to our 2025 festival in a NEW location! This event will take place in Czech Village near the African American Museum and Kickstand. DockDogs is the perfect event for both human and canine! As seen on ESPN, ABC, and Outdoor Channel, DockDogs has evolved to the fastest growing sport for our four legged friends.
Schedule of Events
9:00 AM: Big Air Wave #1
10:30 AM: Big Air Wave #2
1:00 PM: Big Air Wave #3
3:00 PM: Big Air Wave #4
5:00 PM: Extreme Vertical Competition
Thank you DockDogs Sponsors!
Thank you DockDogs Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Patriotic Fest: A Day of Community and Creativity
Patriotic Fest
A Day of Community and Creativity
NEW to 2025! The Patriotic Fest will be a full day of fun with a variety of events taking place in the Newbo area! Start your morning off at our Cardboard Boat Regatta at Robbins Lake, then make your way down to Newbo/Czech Village for a packed day! We will be kicking off the event with IMAGINATION! Square presented by Tanager Place! This FREE family-friendly event will include interactive booths, hands-on activities, face painting, Freedom Festival trackless train rides, freebies from area organizations, and so much more!
Throughout the day, there will be live performances from the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy on the Newbo stage, various food trucks, and a kids zone! Don’t want to be out in the heat all day? No problem! Join us inside Newbo for Build Fest and shopping from local businesses! The Freedom Festival Parade will kick off in the afternoon, followed by a concert in the evening (band announcement COMING SOON!).
This event will have something for everyone, so grab some friends and family and join us on June 28th!
Day Event Schedule Coming SOON!
Thank You Patriotic Fest Sponsors!
Thank You Patriotic Fest Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Patriotic Fest Food Truck Row Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event?
DockDogs: Day 3
DockDogs
A competition for dogs to showcase their speed and agility
The final day of DockDogs will kick off in Czech Village on June 29th! DockDogs is a series of competitive dog jumping events held around the world each year. DockDogs consists of three main aquatic events: big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieval.
Returning to our 2025 festival in a NEW location, this event will take place in Czech Village near the African American Museum and Kickstand. DockDogs is the perfect event for both human and canine! As seen on ESPN, ABC, and Outdoor Channel, DockDogs has evolved to the fastest growing sport for our four legged friends.
Schedule of Events
10:00 AM: Big Air Wave #5
11:30 AM: Big Air Wave #6
1:30 PM: Speed Retrieve
4:00 PM: Big Air Finals
Thank You DockDogs Sponsors!
Thank You DockDogs Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Tribute to Heroes Breakfast & Flag Raising Ceremony
Tribute to Heroes & Flag Raising Ceremony
Celebrating community heroes
Another Freedom Festival favorite is back in 2025! Our Tribute to Heroes Breakfast will be returning to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum on July 1st! Doors will open at 7:30 AM. The ceremony and breakfast will begin at 8 AM and will conclude at 9 AM. Following the ceremony, join us outside the Vets Building for our Flag Raising Ceremony on Mays Island!
Our 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.
We are currently accepting hero nominations until February 14th! If you know someone in the community that you believe is deserving of being honored as one of our heroes, please submit a nomination here!
We will select 3 community heroes to honor at our Tribute to Heroes Breakfast!
Schedule of Events
7:30 AM: Doors open
8:00 AM: Breakfast and ceremony begins
9:00 AM: Breakfast and ceremony end
9:00 AM: Flag Raising begins
9:30 AM: Flag Raising ends
Thank You Rock N Bowl Sponsors!
Thank You Rock N Bowl Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Main Event Sponsor
Supporting Event Sponsor
Heroes Sponsor
Rock N Bowl
Rock N Bowl
Bowling, face painting, & fun
Back again in 2025, our Rock N Bowl event will take place on July 2nd at SpareTime! We are proud to offer this event for people with disabilities, their friends, and family to enjoy time together. The day will consist of free bowling at SpareTime in the Elite Suite! Other activities will include a photobooth and face painting. We are excited to host this event for the 10th consecutive year!
Please note: A Freedom Festival button is required for entry. SpareTime Cedar Rapids is a cashless 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.
Thank You Rock N Bowl Sponsors!
Thank You Rock N Bowl Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Rock N Bowl Supporting Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Yoga on the Island
Yoga on the Island
Morning yoga downtown
NEW to 2025! Kick off your 4th of July celebrations with a rejuvenating yoga session on Mays Island! Starting bright and early at 7 AM, join us for a peaceful, hour-long yoga class while surrounded by the vibrant energy of the holiday. Best part? The class is absolutely FREE with your Freedom Festival button!
Afterward, head inside to the Veterans Memorial Building to indulge in a delicious Pancake Breakfast. to fuel your day of festivities. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting out, this class offers the perfect way to center yourself before the fun-filled day ahead. Please plan to bring your own mat, and don’t miss out on this new and unique opportunity to embrace both relaxation and community spirit!
Thank You Yoga Sponsors!
Thank You Yoga Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Pancake Breakfast
Pancake Breakfast
4th of July Pancake Breakfast
We’re bringing the Pancake Breakfast downtown! Start your 4th of July off right with the Freedom Festival Pancake Breakfast at the Veterans Memorial Building to fuel yourself for a day full of celebrations! The breakfast will kick off at 8 AM in the Coliseum and conclude at 11 AM. Meals will be $10.00 (save $5.00 if you have a Freedom Festival button!) with kids 5 and under eating free! Finalized breakfast menu coming soon!
Join us prior to the breakfast for Yoga on the Island kicking off at 7 AM! After the breakfast, enjoy the Freedom Festival Car Show happening on 1st Street SW from 8 AM - 12 PM. Celebration of Freedom festivities will begin at 12 PM at McGrath Amphitheatre!
Thank You Pancake Breakfast Sponsors!
Thank You Pancake Breakfast Sponsors!
2025 Festival Presenting Sponsor
2025 Festival Co-Supporting Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Car Show
Car Show
4th of July Downtown Car Show
Another Freedom Festival 4th of July tradition returns in 2025! The Car Show will kick off at 8 AM on 1st Street SW (outside Pickle Palace) and run until 12 PM. Come check out some of the areas most authentic and unique cars, motorcycles, and vehicles!
The Car Show is FREE to attend and just $20.00 if you want to enter your own vehicle! Register ahead of time through the link below to save $5! Day of registration will end at 9 AM and will be $25.00. Pop and water will be available for purchase, but we invite you to attend our annual Pancake Breakfast being held inside the Veterans Memorial Building in the Coliseum from 8 AM - 11 AM!
The Car Show is a judged show with awards for top 25 and seven special categories including: Engine, Paint, Interior, Wheels, RatRods, Motorcycles, and Best In Show! Online registration is available now for $20.00 and will close on July 2nd at 12:00 PM. Day of registration will be available for $25.00 from 7 - 9 AM on site.
Schedule of Events
7 AM: Check-in
7 - 9 AM: Day of registration
8 AM: Car Show begins
12 PM: Car Show ends
12:15 PM: Awards ceremony
