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Pretzel Fest 2025

Pretzel Fest 2025

Join Freeport, IL (aka Pretzel City, USA) as we celebrate the salty snack and it’s heritage in northern Illinois during the day-long festivities of Pretzel Fest!

Schedule of Events

World-Record Attempt for “Largest Pretzel Image Made by Humans!

Celebrate National Pretzel Day in style by joining the community of Freeport, known proudly as “Pretzel City, USA,” in an exciting and record-breaking event on Saturday, April 26! Together, we will create the “Largest Pretzel Image Created by Humans” and make history in pretzel-loving spirit.

Participants will gather at the FAM Art Plaza (15 S. Douglas St., Freeport) for check-in beginning at 10:00 am, where they’ll receive commemorative pins for being part of the record-breaking attempt. At 10:30 am, a drone will capture the aerial image of our pretzel masterpiece formed by participants as they gather in the outline of the pretzel created in the park. This once-in-a-lifetime photo will forever symbolize Freeport’s identity as the true PRETZEL CITY!

Pretzel Fest – Vendors & Entertainment
11 am to 3 pm
Chicago Avenue (between Main & Stephenson St.), Downtown Freeport

But the fun doesn’t end there! Stick around after the record attempt for Pretzel Fest, an annual celebration bursting with pretzel-themed vendors, talented entertainers, and family-friendly activities. Savor local flavors, explore creative pretzel-inspired offerings, and enjoy the lively atmosphere throughout downtown Freeport.

Pretzel City Polka Fest
Doors open at 3:30 pm, Music 4-6 pm
Masonic Event Center, 305 W. Stephenson St, Freeport

Then enjoy the best polka band in the Midwest, the Zweifel Brothers, at Pretzel City Polka Fest from 4-6 pm. Start the evening with af polka lesson and then dance the night away! No polka fest is complete without great German food and beer and Lena Brewing Company and The Traveling Chef will be on hand to complete the experience!

Tickets are available online, $10/person or $15/couple.

 

Winnie Rock City
7-11 pm
Winneshiek Playhouse, 228 W. Clark St, Freeport

Immediately following Freeport Polka Fest, stop on down to the Winneshiek Playhouse for some PUNK ROCK AND ROLL.
Kicking off the night will be local favorite…
7 pm The Lobbin Robbins
8 pm Polka Punk Sensation from Chicago … Dead Freddie
9 pm Flaccid Pickle
10 pm Hot Lemon

 

Key Industries

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Healthcare

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Construction, Plumbing, Heating, & Service

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Private Label Food Manufacturing

Stephenson County Major Employers

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