The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is an annual summer tradition in Cedar Rapids, celebrating all things special about Cedar Rapids and America.

What are some of the highlights coming up? Glad you asked.

  • Balloon Glow

    One of the most popular events of the summer, The Balloon Glow,  happens June 20 at the Brucemore lawn at 2160 Linden Dr. SE. Watch the sun go down and enjoy live music from the Pork Tornadoes (and Alisabeth Von Presley). The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the event starts at 6 p.m. Your Freedom Festival button, which can be purchased on-site, will get you into this and all other Freedom Festival events.

  • Cedar Rapids BBQ Roundup

    Admission to this event, which coincides with the Freedom Festival, is free with your Freedom Festival button. Hours at the McGrath Amphitheatre are Thursday, June 22 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, June 23 and 24 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live local music, family entertainment and of course, great barbecue are a staple of this Cedar Rapids tradition.

  • Freedom Ride

    Sunday, June 25 is the Freedom Festival Freedom Ride. Riders will be able to ride in 25-75 mile loops and meet back at Lowe Park in Marion for entertainment and food at the end of the ride. More information is available HERE and entry fee is $40 which will get you refreshments along the route, meals and beverages at the park and live music from Airwaves.

  • Linn County Fair Youth Day

    104-5 KDAT is proud to be a sponsor of this year's Linn County Fair Youth Day. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, July 29 on the Linn County Fairgrounds in Central City, fun, family activities such as a chuckwagon exhibit, barnyard races, free train rides, face painting and more. Learn more from the Freedom Festival event page for Linn County Fair Youth Day.  Grandstand admission is $10, $5 for kids 6 to 12, and kids 5 and under can attend for free.

  • Celebration of Freedom Fireworks

    The 4th of July fireworks in downtown Cedar Rapids are the main event of the Freedom Festival. With live music to accompany it, we have the largest fireworks display in Iowa right here. Balloon artistry, face painting, food and beverages and lots more will be available during the evening's festivities starting at 4 p.m., fireworks starting at approximately 9:30.

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