Celebrate our nation's freedom & independence along the shoreline of Lake Cadillac in Cadillac, Michigan!

After a triumphant return in 2023, the 2024 Freedom Festival was better than we could have hoped! Spanning from Thursday to Sunday, the 2024 events kicked off with the Independence Day parade, which was reported to be the "longest parade Cadillac has seen in many years!" With veterans and honor guard leading the procession, the parade saw well over the 38 pre-registered entries, including community organizations, local businesses, political candidates, fire trucks, and vehicle enthusiasts, to name a few. 

The fun continued with the kid's community carnival supported by our partner, Wexford County 4-H, and other community organizations and volunteers. Nearly 200 youth attended and participated in mini-games and activities to complete their carnival ticket for a $5 gift voucher to Toy Town, Downtown Cadillac's whimsical toy store. Bob the Burro gave free donkey cart rides near the Lake, then DJ Shawny D took over the Cadillac Common's splash pad and blasted the tunes while Kris from G&D Pizza served up free pizza. 

The Upbeat Cadillac Music Series welcomed the incredible Metro Soul Band who put on an amazing interactive show that had kids and adults dancing for hours before the Cadillac Fire Dept closed out the evening with their annual family movie night.  

Friday started bright and early with the weekly Cadillac Farmer's Market, weekly Cadillac Makers' Market, and the first day of the Freedom Festival Craft and Vendor Show. We heard the rich vocals of Amy Petty, the high-energy of The Lucky Nows, and classic Eagles favorites from Flatbed Fords. Many pets, owners, and kids paraded down Lake Street in a variety of costumes while the Northern Lights Irish Dancers hosted a community Ceili, complete with dance lessons. Our bellies were filled by amazing food vendors including Chico's Tacos House, 131 Burger, and Betty's Brats, as well as our downtown restaurants and social district. 

We wrapped up Friday by honoring our Veterans with our Fire on the Water Military Salute with the Honor Guard and American Legion, and with our first Freedom Fest Drone Show! We welcomed Starlight Aerial Productions, who fascinated hundreds of viewers on and around Lake Cadillac with a patriotic display of symbols of freedom and bravery created by hundreds of synchronized drones lighting up the sky. 

Saturday kicked off with the Freedom 5K along Lake Cadillac then revved up with our Car & Motorcycle Show on Mitchell Street that welcomed hundreds of interesting vehicles and hundreds more visitors! The craft and vendor show continued while the American Legion hosted the Cornhole Tournament. Bob Hausler took the stage before North 44 and Oasis Family Resource Center hosted bingo while West Michigan Gellyball kept families entertained with rounds of their fun take on a shooting game. The car show entries and other enthusiasts cruised around the lakes while Truck Stop Traffic played down the sun and hundreds of spectators lined the Lake Cadillac Shoreline and many more on boats in anticipation of an encore of Pyrotecnico's great fireworks displays we witnessed in 2023 with the return of the Freedom Festival. The fireworks display dazzled the crowd for nearly 30 minutes with a breathtaking array of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and thunderous booms, lighting up the night sky in a spectacular celebration. 

Completing the festival was an outdoor church service hosted Sunday morning by Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 

Our facilities were kept in great condition by the wonderful staff of the City of Cadillac and supported by VanPolen Portables. 

The 2024 organizers are stunned by the support of our community and the excellent feedback we have received. We are excited to welcome you all back in 2025, but couldn't have done it without our sponsors - please support those who support you!