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Friends of Vienna outline $303,000 Freedom Festival plan, including Smash Mouth and a drone show

City of Vienna town hall · April 22, 2026

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Summary

Friends of Vienna presented an estimated $303,000 festival budget (about $260,000 in cash expenses), programming plans ranging from family events to a Smash Mouth headline and a drone show instead of fireworks, and said many contracts are signed on the expectation that fundraising will cover costs.

Friends of Vienna representatives presented the group's plan and budget for the upcoming Freedom Festival, emphasizing family-friendly programming, volunteer labor and partnerships with the city.

Jack, a representative of Friends of Vienna, said the event relies on a large volunteer effort and partnerships with businesses and the city. He said the festival's total cost is roughly $303,000, with about $260,000 in cash expenses; some costs are met by donated services and sponsorships. "We're signing contracts without money," he said, describing how the group secures performance contracts and proceeds to fundraise.

Programming highlights Jack listed include a drone show (used instead of fireworks to reduce post-traumatic stress triggers for some veterans and to avoid pet-disturbance), wrestling and meet-and-greets, a wide-animal show with free appearances for kids, a car show, multiple music acts across several nights and a headline set by Smash Mouth. The event will host a Patriot parachute team and family attractions; organizers said they expect visitors from multiple nearby states.

Jack said rising costs — including a sharp increase in stage rental prices — and advance bookings for bands made early contracting necessary. Organizers asked for community support and noted the festival's safety plan includes police, fire and a 911 command center presence.

Friends of Vienna will continue fundraising and finalize contracts and logistics ahead of the festival; specifics on sponsorship levels and remaining funding needs were not provided at the meeting.