Edit

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival 2024

Arts and Entertainment

May 22, 2024

From: Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

Schedule:

Monday, May 20 - 29, 2024

12:00 AM  -  11:55 PM - The Medallion Hunt

The Freedom Festival Medallion Hunt

Follow the clues, find the medallion, score yourself a $500 Hy-Vee Gift Card, courtesy of Ohnward Bank & Trust! The Freedom Festival Medallion Hunt is BACK!

Get OUT and explore the area’s parks and walking trails (safely) while searching for this year’s Medallion (a 4 inch acrylic disc imprinted with the modified 2024 Festival Logo). $500 (Hy-Vee Gift Card) is on the line for one lucky winner, courtesy of Ohnward Bank & Trust!!

Find the clues posted here, on the Festival Facebook page beginning at 6:00 am (CST), and www.freedomfestival.com in the News & Updates section at 6:00 am (CST) each day. KCRG-TV9 will announce the clues each day during their newscasts. And Z102.9 will announce clues on the air and on their Facebook page too!

June 1, 2024

11:00 AM  9:00 PM - Marion Kiwanis BBQ Rendezvous at Lowe Park

Marion Kiwanis BBQ Rendezvous

Join us June 1st at Lowe Park in Marion for the 12th Annual Marion BBQ Rendezvous hosted by the Marion Metro Kiwanis! This event is family friendly with FREE admission and fun for the kids!

We will have 7 or more great BBQ vendors from around the region that will provide a variety of tasty ribs and sandwiches. There will also be non-BBQ vendor(s) for those with alternative tastes. Coke products, water and beer will be available to quench your thirst.

June 5, 2024

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at The History Center

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band.

?Join us for multiple evenings throughout our 2024 festival to enjoy all that the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band has to offer!

June 8, 2024

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Freedom Festival Cardboard Boat Regatta at Robbins Lake at Ellis Park

Freedom Festival Cardboard Boat Regatta

IT’s BAAAAAACK! After a 14 year hiatus, The Freedom Festival’s Cardboard Boat Regatta will take place during the Ellis Family Fun Fest on Saturday. There is a limited number of spots so sign up early!!!

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festivals Cardboard Boat Regatta is a thrilling event that captivates both participants and spectators alike. As part of the city's Fourth of July celebrations, this unique competition challenges teams to construct seaworthy vessels entirely out of cardboard and approved materials. With creativity and craftsmanship on full display, participants navigate the course, hoping to outmaneuver their rivals and cross the finish line victorious.

Registration at 9am

Teams Meeting at 9:30 am

10 - 11 am - Exhibition Races (Presented by Riverside)

11 am - General Competitions  

2 pm - Awards Ceremony

June 9, 2024

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at Bever Park

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band.

June 12, 2024

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at Johnson STEAM Academy

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band.

June 13, 2024

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Five Seasons Ski Team at Ellis Park

The club was formed in 1978 for the purpose of advancing the sport of waterskiing. This includes individual skiing, team skills such as show skiing, recreational skiing, and general safety principles. Recreational and beginning skiers have the opportunity to learn all facets of waterskiing from the basics to tournament events and barefoot skiing.

?The Five Seasons Ski Team performs a show every Thursday night at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, IA June thru Labor Day, as well as a few special shows during the week of the 4th! The team also competes in state, regional, and national show ski tournaments. The team strives to provide quality family entertainment for the Cedar Rapids area. We also provide a wholesome, fun, activity for area youth and families.?

Join us for multiple evenings throughout our 2024 festival to enjoy all that the Five Seasons Ski Team has to off

June 14, 2024

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Freedom Festival Tribute to Heroes Breakfast at Veteran's Memorial Building

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festivals Tribute to Heroes is an annual event that embodies the spirit of gratitude and honor towards those in our community who have lived a life of service.  A “Hero” is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. This recognition extends to individuals who have made an impact in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas.

This year we will be recognizing these individuals at a breakfast on the morning of June 14th at the beautiful Veterans Memorial Building in Downtown Cedar Rapids. We will start the morning with a coffee hour beginning at 7 AM prior to breakfast and program to follow. New Horizons will be performing throughout the breakfast! This year’s Tribute to Heroes host is KCRG’s Jim Mertens!

Join us following the ceremony at 9am out in Plaza Park across the 2nd Avenue Bridge for the Flag Raising ceremony.

7 AM - doors open/coffee hour

8 AM - program begins/breakfast

9 AM - program ends (join us outside after for our Flag Raising Ceremony!)

Single Tickets: $35

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Freedom Festival Flag Raising Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Building

Embracing the spirit of past Freedom Festival celebrations, join us in front of the Veteran's Memorial Coliseum to relive a favorite event—raising the flags! Following our Tribute to Heroes Breakfast, join us outside Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum for our flag raising ceremony. At 9:00 AM, our Flag Raising Ceremony will begin with the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief address from our Board of Directors.

June 15, 2024

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Movies on the Riverbank by CRBT at McGrath Amphitheatre

Movies on the Riverbank by CRBT

Join us at the McGrath Amphitheatre for our 19th summer of moonlight, movies, food, and family fun under the stars in Downtown Cedar Rapids! Proudly sponsored by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG - 90 minutes)

A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother Luigi, trying to save a captured princess.

This event is free and open to the public! Gates will open at 7:00 PM with Kids’ Activities beginning at 7:00 PM. The Super Mario Bros. Movie will start at dusk (typically around 9:30 PM).

June 16, 2024

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Freedom Festival Flag Retirement Ceremony at Lowe Park

Our Flag Retirement Ceremony returns in 2024 to a NEW location! Join us at Lowe Park in Marion at 4 PM as we honor our military and thank them for their service and sacrifice while retiring American flags. Ceremony will begin at 4 PM with the singing of the National Anthem and will conclude with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps. Names of Iowans who we have lost in 2023 will be read as flags are honorably placed on the fire to be retired.

When the United States flag becomes worn, torn, faded, or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be “retired” with all the dignity and respect befitting as a symbol of our nation. Like a fallen soldier, a flag that is being retired must be handled with reverence and dignity. The traditional method of retirement is to incinerate the flag, but this does not mean we simply drop the flag into the fire. Instead, the flag, like that fallen soldier, will be properly encased and prepared for cremation and burial. Join us to honor our military and educate your family about the respectful retirement of our American flag.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Freedom Festival Army Band at Lowe Park

Join us for a night of FUN at Lowe Park-the perfect evening to celebrate Father’s Day! This event is FREE! Doors at 6 PM with the 34th Army Band will be taking 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!

One of many ensembles that comprise the Iowa National Guard’s 34th Army Band will take the stage and is a prime example of the changing nature of today’s military bands. Members are part-time Soldiers and musicians, their approach to music and level of professionalism is unmatched. They pride themselves on their eclectic music selection, improvisation, and most importantly their fun-loving and high-energy performances.

We will have a kids zone available at this event! Refreshments will be available for purchase. No glass please. Bags will be checked upon entry. While this event is FREE, we encourage you to wear your 2024 Freedom Festival button proudly!

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at Ellis Park

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band.

June 19, 2024

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Freedom Festival Rock N Bowl at Spare Time Cedar Rapids

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is proud to offer this event for people with disabilities, their friends, and family to enjoy time together. This event continues to grow each year and we are so excited for it to return in 2024–returning to SpareTime Cedar Rapids!

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at McGrath Amphitheatre

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band.

June 20, 2024

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Five Seasons Ski Team at Ellis Park

The club was formed in 1978 for the purpose of advancing the sport of waterskiing. This includes individual skiing, team skills such as show skiing, recreational skiing, and general safety principles. Recreational and beginning skiers have the opportunity to learn all facets of waterskiing from the basics to tournament events and barefoot skiing.

?The Five Seasons Ski Team performs a show every Thursday night at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, IA June thru Labor Day, as well as a few special shows during the week of the 4th! The team also competes in state, regional, and national show ski tournaments. The team strives to provide quality family entertainment for the Cedar Rapids area. We also provide a wholesome, fun, activity for area youth and families.?

Join us for multiple evenings throughout our 2024 festival to enjoy all that the Five Seasons Ski Team has to offer!

June 22, 2024

10:00 AM  2:00 PM - Root Beer Festival at The History Center

The History Center’s Root Beer Festival is back! Come on out to enjoy root beer floats, bounce houses, musical entertainment, and food trucks!  

This is a family-friendly festival with $5.00 admission per person. Wear your Freedom Festival button for $1 off admission! First 500 people get a FREE signature Root Beer Festival Cup and 1 FREE root beer! The Root Beer Festival will be held outside.

12:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Bohemian Betty Flea Market at Jones Park

Bohemian Betty is back and better than ever AND is coming to Jones Park! Shop vintage and handmade products from a variety of vendors. Bohemian Betty offers unique vendors with items you can’t find anywhere else. With their diverse selection and variety of vintage, creative, and upcycled products, there’s something for everyone!

Come join us from 12 PM - 9 PM to shop prior to Balloon Glow at Jones Park! A Freedom Festival button is required.

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Freedom Festival Balloon Glow at Jones Park

You're not going to want to miss the return of our ever-popular Freedom Festival Signature Event--Balloon Glow—this year! Join us for Balloon Glow at Jones Park on Saturday, June 22nd!

Join us beginning at noon for the Bohemian Betty Flea Market! Come shop different vendors from 12 PM - 9 PM! Then, beginning at 1 PM and wrapping up at 6 PM, join us for the Volta Youth Music and Arts Festival! BirdChild will take the stage at 7 PM! Watch the sun go down and enjoy time with family and friends. Enjoy area performers followed by the balloons "glowing" just before dusk. This event has something for everyone and we can’t wait to have you join us!

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Volta Youth Music & Art Festival at Jones Park

Come on out to Jones Park for Volta Youth Music & Art Festival by the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy! Volta is the EIAA annual Youth Music & Art Festival. Funds are raised for local children to have access to music and art at little to no cost. Volta will feature live local bands from the Cedar Rapids area, in addition to all eight of their youth bands - each directed by well known local musicians. The bands will include a variety of genres such as blues, indie, country, 80’s, and pop music. Additionally, their art students will have the opportunity to display and sell their art to the community.

Join us at Jones Park prior to Balloon Glow to support youth musicians and artists!

June 23, 2024

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Freedom Bike Ride at Ely City Park

“Chart Your Course!”

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is excited to collaborate with the City of Ely for this years Freedom Bike Ride! Join us on June 23rd at the Ely City Park in downtown Ely for a long ride north, short ride north, and a family fun day with a ride to the south included. There will be food trucks on site providing food and drinks and kids activities available as part of the family fun day! Establishments in Ely will also be providing live music to enjoy after the ride!

The Rides

Starting at 8:00 AM, we’ll kick the morning off with our 50 mile ride, with our 30 mile ride to follow at 9:00 AM! Both rides will head north from Ely. Take a pitstop on your ride to stop at the stations along the route. These stations will have various activities for riders to complete in exchange for bike bucks following the ride! Bike bucks can be used at select establishments as part of our family fun day! All 50 and 30 mile riders will receive route wristbands to “Chart Your Course” throughout the route! Single rider pre-registration is $25.00 and can be purchased below. Pre-registration will end on Friday, June 21st at noon! Day of registration will begin at 7:30 AM and will cost $30.00.

Family Fun Day

As part of our family fun day, we are offering a FREE 8 mile family ride that will begin at 11:00 AM and head south towards Solon! Prior to our 11:00 AM ride, SAFE Linn County will be providing free bike helmets, materials to decorate your bike, and an obstacle course, all beginning at 10:00 AM and will run until supplies lasts! From 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, food trucks and kids activities (inflatables, face painters, balloon artist) will be available at the park! As part of our family fun day, we are also excited to be offering live music entertainment at Odie’s and House Divided beginning at 11:00 AM!

Food Trucks: Country Line BBQ & El Sol Taco Truck

Live Music Schedule:

Maize Island Duo 11 AM - 2 PM at Odie’s

Robbie Huffaker 12 PM - 2 PM at House Divided

The Detour Band 4 PM - 7 PM at House Divided

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at Bever Park

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band.

June 26, 2024

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at Noelridge Park

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band.

June 27, 2024

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Freedom Festival Let’s Try DockDogs at Kingston Stadium

Returning in 2024 is the highly anticipated Let's Try DockDogs, with pre-registration required. Let’s Try DockDogs allows enthusiastic dog owners and their canine companions to showcase their agility and love for the water.

Register to compete with your favorite furry friend here

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Five Seasons Ski Team at Ellis Park

The club was formed in 1978 for the purpose of advancing the sport of waterskiing. This includes individual skiing, team skills such as show skiing, recreational skiing, and general safety principles. Recreational and beginning skiers have the opportunity to learn all facets of waterskiing from the basics to tournament events and barefoot skiing.

The Five Seasons Ski Team performs a show every Thursday night at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, IA June thru Labor Day, as well as a few special shows during the week of the 4th! The team also competes in state, regional, and national show ski tournaments. The team strives to provide quality family entertainment for the Cedar Rapids area. We also provide a wholesome, fun, activity for area youth and families.?

Join us for multiple evenings throughout our 2024 festival to enjoy all that the Five Seasons Ski Team has to offer!

June 28, 2024

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Freedom Festival DockDogs - Dueling Dogs at Kingston Stadium

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is looking forward to MULTIPLE days of DockDogs (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 Kingston Stadium (North Fields), come join us for some exciting competition! 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. Kids 5 years old and younger always get in free!

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Playtime Poppy Summer Theatre Adventure 2024: “Homefront Heroes” at Veterans Memorial Building

Summer Theatre Adventure, “Homefront Heroes” by Playtime Poppy Children’s  
Freedom Festival Affiliated Event Playtime Poppy Children's Theatre’s Summer Theatre Adventure is a free week long immersive theatre experience for ages 9-14 to engage with theatre, culture, and community. When family members are away serving their country, folks at home find ways to help. Join the children of Cedar Rapids as they work from the homefront to support their loved ones. Follow their hardships and joys through the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and Vietnam. Students age 9-14 are invited to audition for this free, week long theatre camp on June 2, from 1:30-4pm at the downtown library. Those  selected will work together June 24–28 to bring these special stories to life. The camp and performance will be held at the beautiful Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Cedar Rapids. The public is invited to the free performance on June 28 at 7pm. There will also be information tables for area organizations that offer support to veterans and their families before and after the performance.

June 29, 2024

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Freedom Festival DockDogs at Kingston Stadium

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is looking forward to MULTIPLE days of DockDogs (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 Kingston Stadium (North Fields), come join us for some exciting competition! 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. Kids 5 years old and younger always get in free!

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Freedom Festival Parade at Downtown Cedar Rapids

Indulge in the ultimate trifecta of joy-candy, friends, and music-at the 2024 Freedom Festival parade, returning to Downtown Cedar Rapids on June 29th! Don't let this extravaganza pass you by.

Register a parade entry! Be prepared to showcase your creativity and spirit as awards await in categories of Judges' Choice, Most Patriotic, Originality/Best Use of Theme (Celebrating 175 years of Cedar Rapids) , Best Performance/Use of Music, and The Leonard Pfeifer Award - Best Original Float. Stay tuned for the exciting announcement of parade winners at Greene Square, immediately following the parade festivities. Awards will be announced immediately following the parade.

Plus, stick around after for IMAGINATION! Square by Tanager Place taking place at Greene Square from 11 AM to 1 PM!

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Imagination Square at Greene Square

We are excited to announce that IMAGINATION! Square returns in 2024, powered by Tanager Place! With the 2024 parade returning to downtown Cedar Rapids, we’ll be taking over Greene Square for all the fun following the parade around 11 AM!

This event provides FREE family-friendly, educational interactive booths, hands-on activities, fan favorites like a bouncy house, face painting, the Freedom Festival trackless train rides, and freebies from area businesses and organizations

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Imagination Square at Greene Square

We are excited to announce that IMAGINATION! Square returns in 2024, powered by Tanager Place! With the 2024 parade returning to downtown Cedar Rapids, we’ll be taking over Greene Square for all the fun following the parade around 11 AM!

This event provides FREE family-friendly, educational interactive booths, hands-on activities, fan favorites like a bouncy house, face painting, the Freedom Festival trackless train rides, and freebies from area businesses and organizations!

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Midsummer Garden Arts Fair at Ellis Park - Shakespeare Garden

The third annual Midsummer Garden Arts Fair is scheduled for June 29, 2024 in the Shakespeare Garden in Ellis Park. The festivities will officially begin at 7:00 pm, but you are welcome to come a little early with your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic paraphernalia. In the unwelcome chance of rain, the event will be moved to Overlook Pavilion in Ellis Park.

Representing the Northwest Neighbors Neighborhood Association, Al Pierson will introduce the festivities for the evening. The event includes many renowned musicians who are a part of the Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival. Music will be a mix of medieval, folk music from Shakespeare’s time, and other classical selections. Darren and Robyn Crow will read a scene as Benedick and Beatrice from Much Ado About Nothing. Dancing and music, “Sweet Kate (English Country Dance)” by John Young will be performed. The dancers will be staged by Carol Maxwell Rezabek. As part of the audience, you will have the opportunity to join in and learn the dance. Selections from Shakespeare will be read by Stephanie Wagor, President of the Wednesday Shakespeare Club. Madrigal singing will be directed by Fred Kiser.

The garden will be in full bloom and an update on the progress of the renovation of the garden will be shared by Lisa Ramlo of Friends of Shakespeare Garden.

The event is open to the public and is a free, family event sponsored by: The Northwest Neighbors Neighborhood Association, Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival, Cedar Rapids Garden Club, The City of Cedar Rapids, The Wednesday Shakespeare Club, and Friends of Shakespeare Garden.

June 30, 2024

7:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Fly-In Drive-In Pancake Breakfast at Marion Airport

The Fly-In Drive-In Breakfast is a family friendly event with a Pancake Breakfast, Airplane and Helicopter rides, aircraft on display, farmers market vendors, classic cars, and more! Come out to the Marion Airport on June 30th!

Breakfast is $9 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and under.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Freedom Festival DockDogs - Family Day at Kingston Stadium

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is looking forward to MULTIPLE days of DockDogs (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. Join us on June 30th for Family Day!

Returning to Kingston Stadium (North Fields), come join us for some exciting competition! 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. Kids 5 years old and younger always get in free!

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Hawkeye Downs Enduro at Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center

Join friends from across the Midwest for the Interstate Power Systems enduro race presented by Marion Tire Co. and Mt. Vernon Road Tire Co. at Hawkeye Downs Speedway on Sunday, June 30th! Gates open at 11:00am, with racing to begin at 12:00pm. Admission is just $5! Children 8 and under are FREE. Cash and card are accepted at the gate.

Enduro racing (also known as endurance racing) is a very popular and inexpensive type of racing that is fun for anyone! The race starts with a short warm-up lap, and then drivers complete timed laps around the track. These races are designed on our asphalt track at Hawkeye Downs. In recent years, our racing team has designed a road course with obstacles ranging from small jumps to high-speed corners, making it perfect for enthusiasts of all levels of driving skill. While not every enduro race includes a road course, some races during the season will include the added challenge. This enduro road course is fun for the whole family!

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - 27th Annual Star-Spangle Organ Concert at First Presbyterian Church

Local members of the River Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present a concert of patriotic music at First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids on Sunday, June 30th at 3 PM.

27th Annual Star-Spangled Organ Concert Sponsored by the River Valley Chapter American Guild of Organists (AGO). Come hear great Patriotic/American Music played on the "King of Instruments" - the Pipe Organ. The concert is FREE and open to the public. Music for all ages.

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at Ellis

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band. Park

July 2, 2024

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Five Seasons Ski Team at Ellis Park

The club was formed in 1978 for the purpose of advancing the sport of waterskiing. This includes individual skiing, team skills such as show skiing, recreational skiing, and general safety principles. Recreational and beginning skiers have the opportunity to learn all facets of waterskiing from the basics to tournament events and barefoot skiing.

?The Five Seasons Ski Team performs a show every Thursday night at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, IA June thru Labor Day, as well as a few special shows during the week of the 4th (like this one!)! The team also competes in state, regional, and national show ski tournaments. The team strives to provide quality family entertainment for the Cedar Rapids area. We also provide a wholesome, fun, activity for area youth and families.?

July 3, 2024

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Five Seasons Ski Team at Ellis Park

The club was formed in 1978 for the purpose of advancing the sport of waterskiing. This includes individual skiing, team skills such as show skiing, recreational skiing, and general safety principles. Recreational and beginning skiers have the opportunity to learn all facets of waterskiing from the basics to tournament events and barefoot skiing.

?The Five Seasons Ski Team performs a show every Thursday night at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, IA June thru Labor Day, as well as a few special shows during the week of the 4th (like this one!)! The team also competes in state, regional, and national show ski tournaments. The team strives to provide quality family entertainment for the Cedar Rapids area. We also provide a wholesome, fun, activity for area youth and families.?

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at Guthridge Park

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band.

July 4, 2024

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Freedom Festival Pancake Breakfast at ImOn Ice Arena

Start your July 4th festivities with some delicious breakfast! The pancake breakfast will run from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM where you can enjoy your meal inside the ImOn Ice Arena! Meals are $10 each ($5 off with a Freedom Festival button to make it $5 per meal) and includes delicious pancakes, sausage links, banana, granola bar, and orange juice!

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Freedom Festival Car Show at ImOn Ice Arena

Another 4th of July tradition returns in 2024! Join us for the Freedom Festival Car Show! Come check out some of the areas most authentic and unique cars, motorcycles, and vehicles!

FREE to attend!! Just $15 to register in advance and $20 the day of. Registration ends at 9 AM (no entries will be accepted after 9 AM).

Pop and water will be available for purchase at the Car Show BUT we invite you to the ImOn Ice Arena for our annual pancake breakfast at the ImOn Ice Arena (inside the arena where the RoughRiders play!).

This is a judged show (RAIN OR SHINE). With awards for top 25 and SEVEN special categories including:

Engine

Paint

Interior

Wheels

RatRods

Motorcycles

BEST IN SHOW!

Registration ends at 9 AM. Judging goes from 9-11 AM with winners announced shortly after 11:30 AM courtesy of our friends at WMT-FM!

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Celebration of Freedom Concert at McGrath Ampitheatre

Starting off the evening at 5 PM, Days Live Music will take the stage! Day is an up-and-coming artist who enjoys featuring her Tennessee roots and storytelling through rich and expressive vocals. Her set is made of upbeat hits in the country, classic rock, and pop genres!

Following Day, we will be having Iowa native Alisabeth Von Presley join us to take the stage! The dynamic pop-rock singer-songwriter known for her electrifying stage presence, engaging personality, and captivating vocals will take the stage around 7 PM and play until the fireworks start, around 9:40 (sunset)!

Food vendors inside the venue and a kids fun zone will also be available leading up to the Celebration of Freedom Fireworks!

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Celebration of Freedom Fireworks at Downtown Cedar Rapids

This is what we've been waiting for people! THE GRAND FINALE!

Join us downtown on 3rd Ave and the amphitheater to watch the one of the largest firework displays in the state! Fireworks start at "dark". There will be music on the stage, food vendors, drinks in the venue, and a kids fun zone! You don’t want to miss Alisabeth Von Presley at the McGrath Amphitheater prior to the fireworks show beginning at sunset!

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Five Seasons Ski Team at Ellis Park

The club was formed in 1978 for the purpose of advancing the sport of waterskiing. This includes individual skiing, team skills such as show skiing, recreational skiing, and general safety principles. Recreational and beginning skiers have the opportunity to learn all facets of waterskiing from the basics to tournament events and barefoot skiing.

?The Five Seasons Ski Team performs a show every Thursday night at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids, IA June thru Labor Day, as well as a few special shows during the week of the 4th (like this one!)! The team also competes in state, regional, and national show ski tournaments. The team strives to provide quality family entertainment for the Cedar Rapids area. We also provide a wholesome, fun, activity for area youth and families.?

July 7, 2024

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Music by Twilight with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at Bever Park

The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band celebrates 74 years of providing FREE quality concerts around the metro area. All ages are encouraged to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, friends and neighbors, and enjoy an hour of marches, soloists, serenades, movie medleys, and more from the city’s own concert band.

July 13, 2024

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Movies on the Riverbank by CRBT at McGrath Amphitheatre

Join us at the McGrath Amphitheatre for our 19th summer of moonlight, movies, food, and family fun under the stars in Downtown Cedar Rapids! Proudly sponsored by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

Elemental (PG - 100 minutes)

Follows Ember and Wade, in a city where fire-, water-, earth-, and air-residents live together.

This event is free and open to the public! Gates will open at 7:00 PM with Kids’ Activities beginning at 7:00 PM. The Super Mario Bros. Movie will start at dusk (typically around 9:30 PM).

Date: June 1 - July 13, 2024

Location:

Various Venue in Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Click here for more Information