CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival has announced the return of its popular button design contest for 2026, inviting local artists to contribute to the festival’s visual identity.
This year’s theme, “Party Like It’s 1776!,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic flair. Artists are encouraged to incorporate elements of historic Americana, fireworks, or symbols of freedom and celebration in their designs.
The button design contest is one of our favorite ways to bring the community into the excitement of the Freedom Festival,” said Executive Director Brittany Barnhart. “With 2026 marking America’s 250th anniversary, we’re inviting artists to help us ‘Party Like It’s 1776!’ and create designs that capture the energy, pride, and spirit of our historic celebration…