Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

What Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival does

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation (EIN 42-1329035) founded in 1984 that produces an annual Independence Day community festival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The organization runs approximately 10 days of programming from late June through July 4th, culminating in the Celebration of Freedom fireworks show; the 2026 edition is the 43rd annual and is positioned around America's 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial). Its core product is the $10 Freedom Festival Button, a one-time commemorative purchase that grants free admission to the festival's produced events, with additional revenue from individual event registrations (Cardboard Boat Regatta, Freedom Bike Ride, Car Show, Tribute to Heroes Breakfast, DockDogs, Drone Show VIP, Stars & Stripes Chalk Fest, Dachshund Dash, Pinewood Derby, Yoga on the Island), vendor fees, and merchandise.

The organization's underlying technology is minimal: a Squarespace-hosted website serves as the storefront for buttons, tickets, merchandise, and event registration, with no proprietary platform, API, or developer-facing infrastructure. Distribution combines the online store, all area Hy-Vee retail locations, and the in-person festival office inside the Veterans Memorial Building. Go-to-market is event-driven, relying on word-of-mouth, local media partnerships (KCRG-TV9 presenting media; KHAK, Z102.9, KGYM radio; The Gazette), and a network of more than 40 corporate sponsors.

The business model is a hybrid nonprofit funding stack: corporate sponsorships across presenting, major, supporting, event-specific, and media tiers (Hy-Vee, GreenState Credit Union, Hills Bank, Diamond V, MidAmerican Energy Foundation, Alliant Energy, UFG Insurance, Riverside Casino) provide the largest disclosed revenue stream; button and ticket sales, vendor booth fees, donations (with matching through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation), and co-branded merchandise (Freedom Fizz wine with Fireside Winery) contribute the remainder. The festival serves Eastern Iowa families and general community attendees as its primary audience, with secondary stakeholders including local businesses, veterans and first responders (via the Military Tribute Banner Program and Tribute to Heroes), and affiliated event organizers. Leadership comprises Executive Director Brittany Barnhart (appointed September 2024), Marketing & Events Assistant Natalee Hartman, Board President Jessica Mackey, and Events and Marketing Director Marnie Schultz, supported by a volunteer base.

Name

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

Legal name

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

Website

https://freedomfestival.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces a 10-day annual Independence Day festival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, anchored by a $10 button granting free event access and funded by corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Festival Events

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities (711320)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG)

Keywords

• Community festival events
• Nonprofit event management
• Patriotic celebrations
• Corporate sponsorship programs
• Community event ticketing

Headquarters

HQ city

Cedar Rapids

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Sponsorships & Grants: Corporate sponsors provide cash and in-kind support across various tiers including presenting, supporting, event-specific, and media sponsorships. Major sponsors include GreenState Credit Union, KCRG, Hy-Vee, Hills Bank, Diamond V, and many local businesses. The organization is privately and publicly funded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
2. Freedom Festival Buttons: One-time purchase of $10 button provides free admission to multiple festival events throughout the season including DockDogs, Drone Show, Yoga on the Island, Celebration of Freedom, and $5 off Pancake Breakfast.
3. Event Ticket Sales: Individual event tickets and table purchases for events like Tribute to Heroes Breakfast ($35/person, $250/table of 8), registration fees for competitive events.
4. Vendor & Food Truck Fees: Market vendors, food truck vendors, and affiliated event registrations pay fees ranging from $25-$350 depending on event type and nonprofit/for-profit status.
5. Donations: Community donations accepted with matching opportunities through Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation during Giving Tuesday and year-round.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival produces an annual 10-day community festival in Eastern Iowa culminating in the July 4th Celebration of Freedom fireworks show. The organization sells a $10 Freedom Festival Button that grants free admission to most festival events, plus individual tickets and registrations for premium experiences, competitive events, merchandise, and vendor booth space. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by sponsorships, donations, and grants.

Product overview

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is a nonprofit organization (501(c)3) that produces community programming over approximately 10 days leading up to and including July 4th in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The organization operates as a single unified festival offering rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. Its product portfolio centers on the annual Freedom Festival Button (the primary admission mechanism), supplemented by individual event registrations (Cardboard Boat Regatta, Freedom Bike Ride, Car Show, Parade, Tribute to Heroes Breakfast, Yoga on the Island, DockDogs, Drone Show, Stars & Stripes Chalk Fest, Dachshund Dash, Pinewood Derby), affiliated events (Five Seasons Ski Team Waterski Show, CRBT Movies on the Riverbank, Star-Spangled Organ Concert, Fifth Season Races), merchandise (T-shirts, wine glasses, light-up wands), premium VIP experiences (Celebration of Freedom VIP, Drone Show VIP), sponsorship opportunities, and the Military Tribute Banner Program. The organization also offers event registration services for market vendors, food vendors, and community booths, and facilitates affiliated event registrations for partner organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Freedom Festival Button
• Tribute to Heroes Tickets
• Cardboard Boat Regatta Registration
• Freedom Bike Ride Registration
• Car Show Registration
• Dachshund Dash Registration
• Stars & Stripes Chalk Fest Registration
• Pinewood Derby Race Registration
• Little Skippers Cardboard Boat Race Registration
• Celebration of Freedom VIP Experience
• Drone Show VIP Experience
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Vendor Registration (Market, Food, and Community Booth)
• Freedom Festival T-Shirts
• Freedom Festival Foam Light Up Wands
• Freedom Festival Wine Glass with Freedom Fizz

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

45 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• GreenState Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Long-time Supporting Sponsor of the Freedom Festival. GreenState is committed to giving back in the community with employees volunteering and participating at festival events.
• KCRG-TV9coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Presenting Media Sponsor providing trusted media coverage, weather updates, and event emceeing throughout the festival. Team members present at events and help keep community informed.
• Hy-VeecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Presenting Sponsor providing breakfast buffet at Tribute to Heroes, button retail distribution at all area stores, coupon book inclusions, and overall festival presenting sponsorship.
• Hills BankmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Military Tribute Banner sponsor making the veteran recognition program possible. Supports honor and recognition of local service members.
• Diamond VmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Military Tribute Banner sponsor and Rock N Bowl Supporting Sponsor for 2026 festival. Sponsorship payment of $5,150.
• UFG InsurancemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Public Safety Sponsor contributing to safe festival operations and security planning.
• FolienceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Freedom Festival Express train sponsor helping create lasting memories with community families.
• Honor and Respect LLCminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Freedom Festival Express train sponsor. Company founded by Ron Slagle, 2024 Honorary Hero, supporting military and first responder communities.
• Veridian Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Freedom Festival Express train sponsor supporting community train attraction.
• AM Glass RepairminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Freedom Festival Express train sponsor.
• Nicolet BankminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Freedom Festival Express train sponsor.
• Epiphany DermatologyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sunscreen Sponsor ensuring festival attendees stay sun-safe. Two-payment sponsorship totaling $5,150.
• Kirkwood Community CollegeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Event Essentials Sponsor supporting festival operations and logistics.
• Riverside Casino & Golf ResortmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Give-Back partner offering $20 donation for $20 free slot play throughout June to support Freedom Festival. Major financial supporter.
• Freedom FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Giving Tree beneficiary supporting local veterans and their families. Freedom Foundation provides pantry essentials, meals, and transitional support year-round.
• Five Seasons Ski TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated event partner presenting waterski shows at Ellis Park every Thursday during festival season (June 4 - July 30, 2026). Free community entertainment.
• CRBT Movies on the RiverbankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated event featuring free outdoor movies at McGrath Amphitheatre. 21st summer of moonlight movies, food, and family fun. Sponsored by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
• Corridor Running ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated event partner hosting 41st Annual Fifth Season Races (5K, 8K, Kids Races) on July 4th starting/finishing at Museum of Art.
• American Legion Post 298 (Marion)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated event hosting America's 250th Birthday Celebration on July 3rd with family activities, food, and free admission.
• River Valley AGO ChapterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated event sponsor of 29th Annual Star-Spangled Organ Concert at First Presbyterian Church on June 28th. Free patriotic music concert.
• SILT (Sustainable Iowa Land Trust)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated event partner hosting Victory Garden Art Show focusing on food security and Iowa farmland preservation at Veterans Memorial Building.
• International PaperminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCardboard Boat Regatta sponsor providing cardboard materials for participant boat building.
• Vela YogaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoga on the Island instructor providing certified yoga instruction for free outdoor yoga event on July 4th at Mays Island.
• F&M BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYoga on the Island sponsor supporting the free July 4th morning yoga event.
• Cedar Rapids Bank & TrustmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerParade sponsor and media sponsor. Key supporter of parade and Imagination Square event.
• Cedar MemorialminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTribute to Heroes sponsor supporting annual hero recognition breakfast.
• Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTribute to Heroes sponsor and event sponsor providing beverages for hero recognition events.
• Eagle Point SolarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTribute to Heroes Flag Raising Ceremony sponsor providing gift cards to honorees.
• Ohnward Bank & TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedallion Hunt sponsor presenting the annual treasure hunt with $500 Hy-Vee gift card prize.
• TrueNorthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCar Show Main Event Sponsor supporting the July 4th automotive showcase.
• Fleet FarmminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCar Show sponsor supporting automotive event prizes and operations.
• ProLift Garage DoorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCar Show sponsor.
• IBEW Local 405minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCardboard Boat Regatta sponsor supporting the creative cardboard boat competition.
• Terry Durin CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerParade and Cardboard Boat Regatta sponsor supporting multiple festival events.
• Grand ApplianceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCardboard Boat Regatta sponsor.
• Kwik StarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFreedom Bike Ride sponsor supporting the annual cycling event.
• Big Grove BreweryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFreedom Bike Ride sponsor providing pre-ride event space and free beer for riders.
• Linn County ConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFreedom Bike Ride sponsor and route supporter.
• Fireside WineryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to create Freedom Festival branded wine (Freedom Fizz) available at Hy-Vee locations and Celebration of Freedom.
• Ironside Apparel & Promotions Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApparel partner producing custom Freedom Festival t-shirts and merchandise.
• Eastern Iowa Arts AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts education partner bringing Volta Youth Music and Arts Festival to Balloon Glow and other festival events.
• City of Cedar RapidsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner providing venue access, parade routes, permits, and city services for festival events.
• City of MarionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighboring city partner for events extending into Marion including waterski shows and American Legion celebration.
• Cedar Rapids Metro Economic AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development partner supporting Military Tribute Banner program.
• SSMID (Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDowntown improvement district partner for events in downtown Cedar Rapids area.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Western Stock Show: Nonprofit organization operating a multi-week community livestock and entertainment event in Denver with tiered sponsorships, ticketed sub-events, and broad civic engagement. Comparable in nonprofit festival operating model and event portfolio breadth.
• Atlanta Dogwood Festival: 501(c)(3) nonprofit running a multi-day community arts festival in Atlanta's Piedmont Park with vendor booths, sponsor tiers, and ticketed programming. Comparable as a long-running nonprofit community festival of similar scope to Freedom Festival.
• National Cherry Festival: Mid-sized, multi-day community nonprofit festival in Traverse City, Michigan operating a similar producer-plus-affiliated-events model with corporate sponsorship tiers and ticketed headline events. Directly comparable in scope, governance structure, and revenue mix to the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival.
• Macy's 4th of July Fireworks: The marquee nationally televised Independence Day fireworks celebration, sponsored and produced by Macy's. Highly comparable as a patriotic community celebration tied to July 4th with corporate presenting sponsorship, though materially larger in scale and geographic reach.
• Spoleto Festival USA: Nonprofit arts festival organization producing multi-day ticketed programming with corporate sponsorship and ticket revenue mix. Comparable as a long-running nonprofit festival in a mid-sized US city relying on sponsorship plus ticket sales.
• Charleston Wine + Food Festival: Nonprofit community festival with ticketed sub-events, vendor participants, presenting-tier corporate sponsorships, and festival-day merchandise. Comparable as a community-based nonprofit festival of similar scale and revenue model mix.
• Fiesta San Antonio Commission: Nonprofit organization producing an 11-day citywide community celebration in San Antonio with parades, vendor participation, and tiered corporate sponsorships. Comparable as a multi-event municipal-anchored festival run by a small staff with broad community programming.
• Reno Rodeo Association: Nonprofit producing a 10-day community festival with rodeo, parade, vendor village, and tiered presenting sponsors. Comparable in multi-day nonprofit festival structure, sponsorship packaging, and volunteer-driven operating model.

Broad incumbents

• Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival: Another Another Planet Entertainment's flagship community music festival in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park with multi-tier sponsorships, food/beverage vendors, and ticketed programming. Comparable in sponsorship and ticketing model but materially larger in scope and geography.
• Summerfest (Milwaukee World Festival): Large nonprofit operator of a multi-week community music festival on Milwaukee's lakefront with tiered presenting/major sponsorships and ticketed headline experiences. Comparable in operational model but materially larger in scale and budget than the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/crfreedomfest
• Facebookfacebook.com/CRFreedomFestival
• Instagraminstagram.com/crfreedomfest

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival