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.