Don’t forget to register!
Event time is almost here!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun—register now for exciting events like our Freedom Bike Ride, Cardboard Boat Regatta, Car Show, Parade, Tribute to Heroes Breakfast, and Yoga on the Island. Whether you’re competing, honoring heroes, or creating memories with family and friends, there’s something for everyone!
The countdown is on for our most exciting week of the year—lock in your participation today!
Cardboard Boat Regatta: June 28th
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 with races kicking off at 9 AM. Register a team of 2-8 people for only $40.00, build your boat, and come out to compete! Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place based on time, Vogue Award (best dressed/best looking boat), Titanic Award (most spectacular sinking), and Most Patriotic.
Thanks to International Paper, we supply all the cardboard needed to build your boat! Please reach out if you need cardboard.
THANK YOU Cardboard Boat Regatta Sponsors: IBEW, Terry Durin Company, Grand Appliance, Honor & Respect LLC, David Maier, Riverside Casino & Golf Resort!
Freedom Bike Ride & Kids Ride: June 28th
Also happening on 28th, our Freedom Bike Ride will be starting and ending in Downtown Cedar Rapids. The 32-mile route will take you south through Ely to Solon and back. Kick off the day at Big Grove for a pre-ride event at 9:30 AM before hitting the trails at 10:30 AM! Registration is $50.00 per rider and includes FREE breakfast and your first beer at Big Grove - Cedar Rapids.
Be sure to stop at the pitstops along the route and enjoy giveaways and deals on drinks & food! Make a stop at all the pitstops to get a free beer at Newbo where the ride will finish. Also happening at Newbo, our all day event—Patriotic Fest with our Freedom Festival Parade kicking off at 4 PM!
Our Kids Freedom Bike Ride will take place in Ely at 12 PM with kids’ activities, food trucks, and freebies from local organizations set up from 10:30 AM - 2 PM at the Ely City Park! This 4-mile route is perfect for kids and completely FREE!
THANK YOU Freedom Bike Ride Sponsors: Kwik Star, Big Grove Brewery, Linn County Conservation!
Moving to Newbo/Czech Village this year, our Freedom Festival Parade will take place at 4 PM on June 28th as part of our Patriotic Fest! Register your organization and come join us! Be sure to register before June 18th!
This year’s theme: Stars, Stripes, and Summertime!
Awards will be given for the following: Judges’ Choice, Best Use of Nostalgia, Best Use of Theme
THANK YOU Parade Sponsor: Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust!
Tribute to Heroes Breakfast: July 1st
Join us on July 1st to honor 4 local heroes from the community! These individuals being celebrated were nominated and selected for their dedication and service to making our community a better place. Enjoy breakfast and celebrate this year’s heroes: Brian Eschen, Anne Dugger, John Thompson, and Matt Kunkle in the beautiful Veterans Memorial Building downtown.
Purchase a single ticket for $35.00 or grab some friends and purchase a full table for $250.00.
Stick around following the breakfast, for our flag raising ceremony outside on May’s Island!
THANK YOU Tribute to Heroes Sponsors: Eagle Point Solar, Cedar Memorial, Atlantic Bottling Company!
Don’t miss out—register now for our 4th of July Car Show to secure your spot to showcase your ride! It’s the perfect start to the 4th of July festivities happening downtown! The Car Show taking place on 1st Street SW will feature some of the areas most authentic and unique cars, motorcycles, and vehicles.
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 AM - 9 AM. Awards will begin for top 25 and seven special categories (Engine, Paint, Interior, Wheels, RatRods, Motorcycles, and BEST IN SHOW!
THANK YOU Car Show Sponsors: Fleet Farm, ProLift Garage Doors!
NEW to 2025! Start your 4th of July morning off with yoga at May’s Island from 9 AM - 10 AM with Vela Yoga! This is a FREE event to participate in if you have a Freedom Festival button! 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! Pre-register here and stop into the Freedom Festival office to pick up your button. If you already have your button, feel free to show up on the day of to join in on the relaxation!
THANK YOU Yoga on the Island Sponsor: F&M Bank!
