Schedule Of Events

June 26, 2025

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM : 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. 

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.

Location : Newbo District: 1325 1st Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM : Drone Show

A stunning, synchronized light display

NEW to 2025 and the first in the Cedar Rapids area! Join us for our first ever drone show! Taking place at Tuma Sports Complex, the Drone Show will kick off at dusk and will feature 400 drones for a beautiful and fun 20-minute show. Prepare to be amazed as drones take flight in a stunning light show, transforming the sky into a canvas of vibrant visuals. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind experience that blends innovation with beauty!

Prior to the Drone Show, come out to Tuma for live music from Birdchild, food trucks, and kids activities! Thank you to Fantasy Drones, this show will feature stunning visual patterns and storytelling that light up the sky. 

5:00 PM - Doors open

5:00 PM - Kids Zone & Food Trucks

5:30 PM - BirdChild takes the stage

Dusk 9:45PM - Drone Show begins

Location : Tuma Sports Complex: 3239 C Avenue Extension, Marion, IA 52302

June 27, 2025

12:00pm to 7:00pm : 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”  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. 

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.

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

June 28, 2025

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM : 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. 

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.

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

Location : Newbo District: 1325 1st Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

9:30 AM - 3:00 PM : Freedom Bike Ride & Kids Ride

A community ride through Eastern Iowa

Join us 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!

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 - Freedom Bike Ride ends in Newbo

Location : Big Grove Brewery: 170 1st Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

June 29, 2025

10:00am to 4:30pm : 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” 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.  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. 

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

July 1, 2025

7:30am to 9:30am : Tribute to Heroes & Flag Raising Ceremony

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. Come join us to enjoy a delicious breakfast from Hy-Vee and help us honor our heroes! We will be honoring 4 community heroes at our Tribute to Heroes Breakfast.

Schedule of Events

7:30 AM - Doors open

8:00 AM - Breakfast and ceremony begin

9:00 AM - Breakfast and ceremony end

9:15 AM - Flag Raising begins

9:30 AM - Flag Raising ends

July 2, 2025

11:00am to 2:00pm : Rock N Bowl

Bowling, face painting, & fun

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.

July 4, 2025

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM : 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! Enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by Built By Pros and CR/IC Building Trades. 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 outside the breakfast for Yoga on the Island kicking off at 9 AM! After the breakfast, enjoy the Freedom Festival Car Show happening on the 2nd Avenue Bridge from 8 AM - 12 PM. Another NEW event for 2025! Come shop from local vendors downstairs in the Vets Building at our Patriotic Pop-Up from 10AM - 3PM! Celebration of Freedom festivities will begin at 1 PM on 1st Street SW with live performances kicking off at Kingston Yard!

Location : Veterans Memorial Building: 50 2nd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Car Show

Another Freedom Festival 4th of July tradition returns in 2025! The Car Show will kick off at 8 AM on the 2nd Avenue Bridge and run until 12 PM. Come check out some of the area’s 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. Entry: This is a FREE event to attend!

Location : Downtown Cedar Rapids: 2nd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM : Yoga on the Island

Kick off your 4th of July celebrations with a rejuvenating yoga session on Mays Island with Vela Yoga! Starting bright and early at 9 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!

Location : Mays Island: in between 2nd Ave Bridge & 3rd Bridge

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM : Patriotic Pop-Up

Join us downtown at the Veterans Memorial Building to shop local and support small businesses at our Patriotic Pop-Up vendor market! The Patriotic Pop-Up vendor market highlights small businesses, offering the public a chance to shop locally and support independent creators. From handcrafted goods to locally sourced treats, the market will provide a unique, community-driven shopping experience. It's a perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind items while celebrating the spirit of Independence Day. Enjoy our Pancake Breakfast upstairs in the Coliseum, before heading downstairs to do some shopping from 9AM - 1PM at our first ever Patriotic Pop-Up! Entry: This is a free event to attend! 

Location : Veterans Memorial Building:  50 2nd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

1:30 PM - 11:00 PM : Celebration of Freedom

Join us on the 4th of July in downtown Cedar Rapids for one of the largest firework displays in the state of Iowa! Prior to fireworks beginning at 1:30PM, enjoy live performances at McGrath Amphitheatre, a variety of food trucks at the Amphitheatre and on the 3rd Ave Bridge, and kids activities including: face painting, bounce houses, balloons, and trackless train rides!

Dalles Jacobus will kick off the evening on stage at 7 PM until 9 PM! Following his performance, fireworks will light up the sky thanks to J&M Displays! Food trucks and a kids zone will be available throughout the evening.

NEW this year! Honor and celebrate your loved one’s life at the largest celebratory fireworks show in Cedar Rapids! Honor a loved one, give a birthday shout out, or just simply celebrate someone in your life with a new addition to our fireworks show. When you dedicate an aerial shell, it is exclusively for your loved one. You will receive the description of the firework and the approximate time it will go off in the show. All donations to reserve a firework will go to fund the following year’s Freedom Festival Fireworks Show. Flying High Tribute Fireworks was created in honor of the late, Joseph Noble Saari and we are honored to have this addition to our show.

Location : Downtown Cedar Rapids: 475 1st Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401

Date : June 26 - July 4, 2025

Location : Various Venues in Cedar Rapids, IA

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