Celebration of Freedom
Celebration of Freedom
43 years and counting
Saturday, July 4th 2026 4:30pm - 10:15pm
McGrath Amphitheatre: 475 1st Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
NO BUTTON NEEDED! Join us for the Celebration of Freedom, the grand finale of the Freedom Festival on July 4th at McGrath Amphitheatre as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday! This unforgettable event brings the community together to honor our nation’s independence with an evening full of music, entertainment, and festive fun.
Experience live performances from 42 Romeo and Gimikk, a variety of food trucks, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the spirit of summer and patriotism. As the sun sets, gather with friends and family to witness a spectacular 15-minute firework display by 4Gs Pyro lighting up the sky beginning at 10 PM on the 2nd Avenue Bridge!
Event Lineup:
4:30pm — Doors open at McGrath Amphitheatre
4:30pm-6:30pm — 42 Romeo performance
4:30pm-10:00pm — Kids activities & food trucks!
6:45pm-7:00pm — Egg Roll Eating Contest
7:00pm-10:00pm — Gimikk performance
8:00pm-10:00pm — Stilt walker
10:00pm — Fireworks show on 2nd Ave Bridge!
NEW! 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
The Celebration of Freedom is a perfect way to cap off the festival, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Come for the festivities, stay for the fireworks, and celebrate everything that makes our community and country special.
You do not want to miss out on America’s 250th birthday at the Freedom Festival!
NEW THIS YEAR: Celebration of Freedom VIP Experience
Want the ultimate Celebration of Freedom experience? We’ve got you covered! With your Celebration of Freedom VIP ticket, you’ll receive:
(1) Meal Voucher
Unlimited Pop & Water
Reserved Seating & Canopy Tent
Best Fireworks Show View!
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Rules:
All participants must check in prior to the contest start time.
Each participant will be provided with 10 egg rolls.
No utensils allowed — eating must be done by hand only.
Participants must remain seated (or in their designated spot) during the contest.
Water will be provided, but no other beverages or condiments are allowed.
No eating begins until the host has started the clock.
Dunking egg rolls in water is NOT allowed
Hands must remain visible at all times.
Vomiting before the clock runs out means disqualification.
If any participant who appears to be choking or in distress, the competition will be immediately stopped for safety.
Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.
A participant is finished when:
All egg rolls are fully consumed, and
Their mouth is empty (judges may ask participants to show).
If no one finishes within the time limit, the winner is whoever has eaten the most egg rolls.
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Safety & Disclaimers:
Anyone with food allergies or medical conditions should not participate.
Participants compete at their own risk. Waivers will be provided for the participants to sign.
Judges’ decisions are final.
EMS will be on site.
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Egg Roll Ingredients:
Flour wrap
Pork
Onions
Mushrooms
Garlic
Bean thread
Carrots
Black pepper
Soy sauce
Thank You Celebration of Freedom Sponsors!
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Thank You Celebration of Freedom Sponsors! 🎆
Main Event Sponsor:
Viewing Sponsor:
Firework Sponsor:
Stage Sponsor:
Cooling Station Sponsor:
Veteran Tribute Sponsor:
VIP Sponsor:
Photo Booth Sponsor:
Food Truck Row Sponsor:
Sunscreen Sponsor:
Hydration Hero Sponsor:
Recycling Sponsor:
Media Sponsors:
