Come join us to celebrate our freedom, our way of life and the goodness of America. 

The Festival is FREE for one and all and will be held RAIN or SHINE.

This family oriented festival is guaranteed to touch both heart and mind.  The day will feature music, family and children's activities, food, beer garden, special guests, and will provide the opportunity to let deployed service men and women know that they are being supported back home.

Event Schedule

Noon - 12:15 Opening Ceremony & Memorial Service
A solemn memorial for the fallen will be held at the beginning of the Freedom Festival with a dignified wreath laying ceremony and gun salute to honor those who have given the last full measure of devotion.  The ceremony will conclude with a fly over by the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

12:15 - 12:30 - Keynote Speaker
Brigadier General Paul M. "Dutch" Van Sickle
U.S. Southern Command, Miami FL
General Van Sickle will share insights into our U. S. military priorities of the U.S. Southern Command, which is responsible for operations and security cooperation for Central and South America, the Caribbean, Cuba and the Bahamas.  Our military’s humanitarian work, partnering throughout the Americas as well as the regions security challenges, narco-terrorism, and role in the global war on terrorism will be explored.

12:30 - 2:30 - Salt & Silver
Hailing from the Northwest suburbs, SALT & SILVER brings 'acoustic' to the next level! They combine great rhythms using congas & acoustic guitar, along with strong vocals & harmonies to create their own unique sound. This, combined with all of your favorite hits and 1-hit-wonders from the 60's & 70's, ensures a great sound & fun time for everyone!

2:30 - 2:45 - Speaker
Colonel James W. Schroeder
Illinois Air National Guard
As Chief of Staff, Illinois Air National Guard, Springfield, Illinois, Colonel Schroeder will share with us the issues that are impacting - our neighbors - the military families who part of the Illinois National Guard's largest deployment since World War II.

3:00 - 4:00 Bataille Academie of the Danse:
Bataille Academie of the Danse will be performing a variety of dances including tap and jazz numbers. The 60+ dancers have a special Patriotic Finale honoring our young men and women in the armed forces.

3:45 - 4:15 Freedom Walk: Everyone is encouraged to join and children are being asked to lead the Freedom Walk while they carry a United States flag that has flown in the U.S. Southern Command. The walk will conclude at the main stage of the Family Freedom Festival with the flag being raised.  Free t-shirts for the first 200 children!  More

4:15 - 4:30 Speaker 
Linda Chapa Lavia
Co-Chair Veterans Affairs
Representative Chapa Lavia will explore the needs of Illinois veterans and what we in the communicate can do and should do to support and thank those that have served.

4:30 - 6:00 - IROAD - Barrington's own IROAD has quickly become one of the most talented young bands in the Chicago Land area.  With an extensive song list that covers the 50's to today, as well as a growing set of ground breaking originals, IROAD is sure to keep everyone entertained.  Regardless of your age or taste in music, IROAD takes pride in supplying first rate music that caters to all.  An evening with IROAD is a night to remember!!!

6:00 - 6:45 - High School & Teen Events - Athletes from Barrington High School's football, hockey, lacrosse, and other teams and clubs are planning to participate in our tug-of-war contest.

6:45 - 7:00 - Caitlin Fitzgerald - 2003 Barrington High School graduate and navy sailor Caitlin Fitzgerald will share with us her call to serve and life as a US Navy sailor.

7:00 - 10:00 - Vertigo USA - The U2 tribute band - The music of U2, the world's greatest and biggest band, comes to the northwest suburbs biggest stage!  U2 has been one of rock music's top acts for over two decades, selling millions of records and performing sold out stadium shows internationally.  Vertigo USA is an incredible live tribute to U2.  In sight and sound, Vertigo recreates the magic that is a U2 concert.

CARE VILLAGE - Open Noon to 8:00
Our festival will allow the people of Northern Illinois to meet face to face with caring people and caring organizations – so that individually we can find the right opportunity to give, support and thanks to activie duty men and women, military families, and veterans.  Lean More Here.