The Lapeer-based festival will now be a two-day affair taking place at Lightning Rounds/The Thunder Dome
Now in it’s 4th year, FREEdom Fest, the Lapeer based music and entertainment festival is introducing some major upgrades, including expanding, changing locations, and releasing this year’s full music lineup.
The first piece of big news is that the festival, who’s stated goal is to provide affordable entertainment and community connection for everyone, is expanding to two days, September 28th and 29th.
Saturday the 28th will feature a full day of music, Headlined by chart topping rockers SPONGE, along with the Gasoline Gypsies, Land of Linkin (Linkin Park Tribute), Reverend Right Time and the First Cuzins of Funk, 3rd Degree Burns, and The Dave Mead Band.
Sunday the 29th will be a more kid focused “family day” with child performer Paisley Grace on the main stage, along with live magic, face painting, balloon artists, activites/crafts and inflatables/games courtesy of The Dunk Tank Co.
This year, the festival will be moved to the backyard of Lightning Rounds/The Thunder Dome (266 Lake Nepessing Rd., Lapeer, MI).
Patrick Hingst, festival founder and organizer explained the move. “Our home for the first 3 years was Torzewski County Park, which was amazing. We were beyond grateful to have the support of the county in being able to create and grow this festival in such a beautiful space. But with the construction at the park this year and the overall logistical challenges, we felt the time was right to bring the event to Lapeer’s newest music Venue.”
Hingst, who opened Lightning Rounds and The Thunder Dome at the beginning of this year is committed to bringing “big city” styled entertainment options to the tight knit community of Lapeer.
“Having our own venue expands greatly on what we will be able to offer, while remaining committed to our cause of affordable entertainment for the community,” said Hingst, who also owns Woodchips BBQ and Kookys N Cream, both major sponsors each year of the event. “For the first time, we will be able to serve alcohol at a FREEdom Fest…but don’t think we are talking $16 beers like at Pine Knob!” chuckled Hingst. “We plan on offering beer starting at just $2.”
Additionally, FREEdom Fest will have a complimentary “Weenie Roast” for at least a few hours each day of the event, serving smoked hot dogs, BBQ pulled pork sliders, and snacks for free. There will also be complimentary bottled water available as well.
“We are hopeful to recruit some more local sponsors to join the amazing, community focused organizations committed to helping us put this event on,” said Hingst. “Our initial release of tickets will be just $5 for Saturday and $2 for Sunday. With enough sponsor support, we hope to not have to raise it much beyond that. We will do everything we can to ensure, even in these challenging times, anyone can afford to come out and have an amazing experience in their own community.”
Tickets for FREEdom Fest go on sale at 10:30AM, Friday August 23rd and can be found at www.lightning-rounds.com/ticketed-events
Lightning Rounds/The Thunder Dome is located at 266 Lake Nepessing Rd. Lapeer, MI 48446
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