photo by: Jan Biles

A community member takes a turn reading from the U.S. Constitution at the 2025 July 4th Freedom Fest.

Lawrence’s July 4th Freedom Fest, which debuted last year, will return this Independence Day.

The grassroots festival will celebrate the Declaration of Independence and provide entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4, on the east side of South Park.

“Our grassroots coalition is proud again to celebrate our Constitution and especially this year the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said Robin Gingerich, lead coordinator of the free festival.

The highlight, according to a news release from organizers, will be a program providing an overview of the nation’s progress in the areas of civil rights, women’s rights and voting rights.

Amii Castle, a University of Kansas law professor, will act as emcee and also talk about the proposed amendments to the Kansas Constitution that will be on ballots this year.

The program will be preceded at 10:45 a.m. by the PerSisters, a group of Lawrence women who sing protest songs. Other musical entertainment will include performances by Mike Yoder and Terry Moore, Ardys Ramberg, Linda Sue Clark and Byron James.

Natalie Weiss will read “The Hill We Climb,” a poem by awarding-winning writer and activist Amanda Gorman. ASL/English interpretation will be provided.

Kid-friendly activities will include face painting, balloons, big bubbles, an art table, sidewalk chalk, corn hole, fishing and giant bowling and Jenga. Food trucks will also be onsite.