FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC! • FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC! • FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC! • FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC! • FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC! • FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC! • FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC! • FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC!

Join the celebration

250 Years of Freedom.

One Historic Night.

Freedom Fest brings explosive fireworks, epic live music, massive energy, and a crowd united by celebration—built to be loud, proud, and unforgettable.

Full Day of Live Music & Family-Friendly Entertainment

Ice Cream Eating Contest Presented by Local Favorite Belfonte Ice Cream

Family-Friendly Inflatables Featuring Bounce Houses, Slides & Obstacle Courses for All Ages

Food Trucks, Cold Drinks & Beer Garden Available Throughout the Day

headlined by

ROCKING THE STAGE

FREEDOM FEST MUSIC LINEUP

DJ LAZER

DJ Lazer, aka Michael Lackey, is a Kansas City DJ known for spinning high-energy EDM and dance hits that ignite the crowd. With a pulse on the party and nonstop beats, he delivers a dynamic set that keeps the excitement building.

Superstar Mafia

Superstar Mafia brings the party with high-energy hits from the ’60s and ’70s to today’s biggest pop favorites. Get ready to dance and sing along as this crowd-pleasing Kansas City band keeps the good times rolling.

The Elders

The Elders are a Kansas City folk-rock band blending Celtic roots with high-energy rock and Americana. Known for their spirited performances and rich storytelling, they deliver a lively sound that gets crowds on their feet.

2026 Schedule

Check out the full schedule of events for Freedom Fest below and plan your day at Happy Rock Park!

11:00 AM _| _Gates Open

Enjoy the Great American Kites exhibition, inflatables, food vendors, and festival entertainment throughout the afternoon.

4:00 PM _| _Superstar Mafia

Kick off the evening with a high-energy live performance on the main stage.

6:00 PM _| _Skydiving Demonstration

Look to the skies as skilled skydivers make a thrilling landing at Freedom Fest.

6:30 PM _| _The Elders

Kansas City's favorite Celtic rock band takes the stage.

8:00 PM _| _Ice Cream Eating Contest

Watch contestants go scoop-for-scoop in this sweet competition.

8:30 PM _| _Montgomery Gentry Featuring Eddie Montgomery

Country music star Eddie Montgomery headlines Freedom Fest.

After the Concert _| _Fireworks Spectacular

Gladstone's largest fireworks display will begin immediately after the Montgomery Gentry performance.

Parking & Shuttle Information

Metropolitan Community College – Maple Woods Campus

Satellite Parking Map

Parking will be available at Happy Rock Park while space remains.

Additional parking and complimentary shuttle service to Freedom Fest will be available at Metropolitan Community College–Maple Woods Campus, 2601 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO 64156. Shuttle service provided by GEST transportation will run throughout the event.

Ultimate Fireworks Display

The celebration will conclude with a spectacular fireworks finale that promises to be bigger and better than ever. Expected to be the largest display Gladstone has presented, the show will light up the sky in tribute to 250 years of American independence.

Freedom Fest Countdown

We're excited for

FLYING IN OUR SKY

Thank you to our sponsors

ICE CREAM EATING CONTEST

Think you can handle the brain freeze? Sign up for a chance to compete and prove your speed, stamina, and sweet-tooth dominance for bragging rights and prizes.

The leadership behind the celebration

A Vision Led by the Gladstone City Council

Gladstone Freedom Fest began as a vision of the Gladstone City Council to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in a big way. Through their leadership and support, this communitywide celebration is bringing residents and visitors together for an unforgettable celebration.

Councilman Cameron Nave, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Jean Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Spencer Davis, Councilmember Tina Spallo

Want to know some details?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Freedom Fest really free?

Yes! Admission to Gladstone Freedom Fest is free, including live entertainment, the kid zone, family activities, and the fireworks show. Food, beverages, and other items available from vendors will be available for purchase.

What time does the event start and end?

Freedom Fest takes place from 11 a.m. to approximately 10:30 p.m., concluding after the fireworks display.

Where do I park?

Parking is available at Happy Rock Park while space remains. Additional parking is available at Metropolitan Community College–Maple Woods Campus, where complimentary shuttle service will transport guests to and from Freedom Fest throughout the event.

Is accessible parking available?

Yes. Accessible parking will be available at Happy Rock Park for guests with a valid accessible parking permit or license plate.

Can I bring a lawn chair or blanket?

Yes. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the live entertainment and fireworks.

What items are prohibited?

The following items are prohibited at Freedom Fest:

• Weapons

• Fireworks

• Drones

• Glass containers

• Coolers

• Tents and canopies

Are food and drinks available for purchase?

Yes. A variety of food and beverage vendors will be on site throughout the event, including 451 Pizza, Heritage Meat Pies, Brooks Concessions, KC Poppers, Kona Ice, Scimeca's Italian Sausage & Sugar Daddy's Lemonade, Vivance Italian Steaks, and a beer garden serving beer and seltzers.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Outside food and beverages are permitted. However, coolers and glass containers are not allowed.

Is security on site?

Yes. Gladstone Police officers and event staff will be on site throughout the event to assist guests and help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.