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Get ready for the 2026 FREEDOM FESTIVAL
Celebrating AMERICA 250!
July 3 & 4, 2026
Bandshell Park
Austin, Minnesota
Celebrate the
4th of July
in Austin, MN!
The Austin Enhancement Group is thrilled to be the organizers of our beloved city tradition - the Bandshell Park 4th of July Freedom Festival!
All The Fun In One Festival!
Check out the overview below and CLICK HERE for a full Schedule of Events
Kids Fishing Contest
Saturday, June 27th, 8:30am-11am.
Don't miss the Kids Fishing Contest! Trophies, prizes, giveaways... get your kids outside and join us by the lake!
Location: East Side Lake
Pre-registration: opens in May (Help us gauge the amount of bait we need by pre-registering!)
Day-of Registration: 8:30am-10:00am at East Side Lake T-Dock.
Fishing time: 9:00am-10:50am.
Awards: 11:00am.
Trophies for largest single fish weight in each age group.
Age groups: 3-6, 7-9, 10-12, and 13-15.
Bait provided, limited tackle to borrow, bring your own rod.
Don't miss the Kids Fishing Contest! Trophies, prizes, giveaways... get your kids outside and join us by the lake!
Location: East Side Lake
Pre-registration: opens in May (Help us gauge the amount of bait we need by pre-registering!)
Day-of Registration: 8:30am-10:00am at East Side Lake T-Dock.
Fishing time: 9:00am-10:50am.
Awards: 11:00am.
Trophies for largest single fish weight in each age group.
Age groups: 3-6, 7-9, 10-12, and 13-15.
Bait provided, limited tackle to borrow, bring your own rod.
Lumberjack Shows!
Join us on July 3rd and 4th for some Lumberjack entertainment! Cutting, Sawing, Log rolling - they do it all!
Ninja Anywhere
July 3rd Only - Kids: come down and hone your ninja skills! Check out the amazing ninja rig and obstacle courses!
Little Miss Sparkler/ Mr. Firecracker
July 3rd
Little ones show their patriotism on the Bandshell stage and someone will be crowned Little Miss Sparkler and Little Mr. Firecracker!
Little ones show their patriotism on the Bandshell stage and someone will be crowned Little Miss Sparkler and Little Mr. Firecracker!
Kids Corn Box
Back by popular demand, the super fun kids corn box will available July 3 and 4!
Inflatables
Hey Kids! Come out and bounce July 3rd and 4th at Bandshell Park!
Food Trucks!
Whether it's corn dogs or funnel cakes, you're sure to get your food truck fix at the Festival!
We have our friendly food trucks returning for this year's event, and a couple of new options on the West side of the Park to try. We can't wait to see you there!
We have our friendly food trucks returning for this year's event, and a couple of new options on the West side of the Park to try. We can't wait to see you there!
BINGO!*
July 3rd and 4th in the Veteran's Pavilion. Want to have fun AND support our local veterans, all at the same time? Then we've got just the thing - BINGO! Head into the shade of the Park Pavilion on July 3rd and 4th.
*Organized by the Veterans Associations
*Organized by the Veterans Associations
Bandshell Entertainment
From dancers to music, we've got you covered. The Bandshell plays host to the sights and sounds that make our Hometown 4th of July so special!
YMCA Mini Piggy Fun Run*
Join the YMCA for their FreedomFest Fun Run for ages 2-12.
This is not a timed race but an opportunity for kids to participate in our community and celebrate the Fourth of July!
T-shirts in child’s sizes available to first 50 participants registered. This includes sizes for 10-12 year olds.
Meet at 10:30am for warm-up at the Austin Municipal Pool, 10:45am race start at Austin Municipal Pool.
*Organized by the YMCA
This is not a timed race but an opportunity for kids to participate in our community and celebrate the Fourth of July!
T-shirts in child’s sizes available to first 50 participants registered. This includes sizes for 10-12 year olds.
Meet at 10:30am for warm-up at the Austin Municipal Pool, 10:45am race start at Austin Municipal Pool.
*Organized by the YMCA
Chamber of Commerce July 4th Parade*
It wouldn't be the 4th without a parade! Grab a good seat and enjoy!
*Organized by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.
*Organized by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.
RAD Zoo
The Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo is back with their super-cool animals - don't miss your chance to get up close and personal with them
Pony Rides
Take a pony ride in the park on July 3rd and 4th!
Hwy 218 Cornhole Tourney
July 4th
HWY 218 Cornhole organizes this 4th of July staple event.
*Organized by HWY218 Cornhole
Highway 218 Cornhole will provide boards and run the tournament. Meet near the picnic pavilion, North of the playground at Bandshell Park.
HWY 218 Cornhole organizes this 4th of July staple event.
*Organized by HWY218 Cornhole
Highway 218 Cornhole will provide boards and run the tournament. Meet near the picnic pavilion, North of the playground at Bandshell Park.
Petting Zoo
Check out all of the cool animals at Bandshell park on July 4th!
Craft Vendors
Grab some mini-donuts and take a stroll down the paved path and visit the craft vendors
Car Show
July 4th, 1:30-4:00, along 9th Place SW (behind the Bandshell). Visit the park on July 4th to see some spectacular rides at this Show & Shine! Dash Plaques and prize drawings for car entrants!
*Hosted with the River Rats Car Club
*Hosted with the River Rats Car Club
KidPower PedalPull
For kids aged 4-11. At the Pedal Pull competition, each child sits on a pedal tractor and drags a weighted sled as far as they can go. As the sled is dragged it creates friction, making it harder to pull. So the farther you go, the harder it gets! Pedal Pulling is a family friendly activity and splits the kids apart into age divisions. The top 3 children in each age group will receive a trophy!
3:30 sign up for Kids Pedal Pull Competition (ages 4-11). Competition begins at 4:00 in the West Parking Lot
3:30 sign up for Kids Pedal Pull Competition (ages 4-11). Competition begins at 4:00 in the West Parking Lot
Westminster Ice Cream Social*
July 4th
You're invited to the Westminster Church Annual 4th of July Ice Cream Social! Located just at the top of Skinner's Hill (802 4th Street SW).
*Organized by Westminster Church
You're invited to the Westminster Church Annual 4th of July Ice Cream Social! Located just at the top of Skinner's Hill (802 4th Street SW).
*Organized by Westminster Church
DRONE SHOW!
As a special treat for the the America250 Celebration, the Eagles Club of Austin has generously sponsored a drone show! 10:oopm on July 3rd, over Bandshell Park. Don't miss it!!
Fireworks!*
July 4th at 10:00pm.
Austin is known for its fireworks - so grab a lawn chair and make your way to the park! Fireworks typically begin at 10:00pm.
Fireworks by Flashing Thunder. *Organized by the City of Austin.
Austin is known for its fireworks - so grab a lawn chair and make your way to the park! Fireworks typically begin at 10:00pm.
Fireworks by Flashing Thunder. *Organized by the City of Austin.
Darren Dash FreedomFest 5K
Get ready to race! Or walk, if that's your jam - but don't miss the Darren Dash 5K! The race is a fundraiser for student scholarships .
Torges Live Street Dance*
8:00pm to Midnight at the Torge's Live Parking Lot.
Band:
Grab your friends and dancing shoes, and head out to the Torge's Street Dance!
*Organized by Torges Live
Band:
Grab your friends and dancing shoes, and head out to the Torge's Street Dance!
*Organized by Torges Live
Lions Fly-in Breakfast*
Visit the Austin Airport and take part in a unique experience. Visit the fundraiser breakfast for some delicious food, and look around at the airplanes while you're there.
*Organized by the Austin Morning Lions
*Organized by the Austin Morning Lions
Activities
Contact
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