FreedomFest: Where the Free Press Gathers
FreedomFest is an incredible event for journalists. It’s here that policies, initiatives, and legislation, along with new grassroots movements, are in the making, and we make it possible for you to be a big part of that news-making moment.
Join our vibrant media row in the exhibit hall where you can interview top level speakers, politicians, celebrities, business leaders and major think tanks and organizations, as well as everyday citizens.
Read more below about how to get in on the action of making news and getting news at FreedomFest.
FreedomFest is an annual festival where free minds meet to celebrate “great books, great ideas, and great thinkers” in an open-minded society. FreedomFest invites the “best and the brightest” from around the world to talk, strategize, socialize, and celebrate liberty. FreedomFest is open to all and is purely egalitarian, where speakers, attendees, and exhibitors are treated as equals. The Washington Post called it “the greatest libertarian show on earth.”
FreedomFest Memphis will be July 12-15, 2023 at The Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee. The theme is “The Soul of Liberty.” FreedomFest 2023 will have over 300 speakers in nearly 200 keynote speeches, breakout sessions, debates, panels, lectures, and other presentations.
FreedomFest attracts people of all walks of life and across the political spectrum to learn, debate, and discuss topics such as science, philosophy, economics, health, sports, technology, business, religion, law, and politics.
- Anthem Film Festival
- Global Financial Summit for financial freedom
- Eureka! Summit and Sharks & Angels Live! pitch competition for entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Subversion Summit on subverting the system through innovation and technology
- Punching Up Comedy Festival
- The SPARK Art Festival
- The “Tradeshow for Liberty” exhibit hall including Liberty Hall, the Free Market, the Free Press
Past speakers have included John Cleese, William Shatner, George Foreman, Kevin O’Leary, Dennis Quaid, Lisa Kennedy, Penn Jillette, Glenn Beck, Gov. Kristi Noem, Ron Paul, Jo Jorgensen, Steve Forbes, Betsy DeVos, Kevin Sorbo, Candace Owens, Robert Kiyosaki, John Mackey, Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. Mike Lee, Herman Cain, Don King, Steve Wynn, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Ben Stein, Peter Thiel, Gary Johnson, Christopher Hitchens, Orson Scott Card, David Brin, Paul Krugman, Justin Amash, Andrew Yang, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, P.J. O’Rourke, Zuby Udezue, JP Sears, Greg Gutfeld, George Will, John Stossel, Michael Shermer, Dinesh D’Souza, and James O’Keefe.
Media Interested in Attending
Media passes for FreedomFest are available for professional, credentialed, and established media personnel. We have a very limited number of spaces on media row, which are reserved for highly active media outlets with large scale audiences, and we also issue general passes for journalists who do not need a fixed space for the duration, but still want to cover our event.
For the media pass code and instructions on registration, please email our Media Liaison at [email protected].
Kennedy’s back! Fox Business Host to Emcee FreedomFest 2023
Save the Dates: Memphis, TN: July 12th – 15th www.freedomfest.com
MEMPHIS, TN (Feb. 20, 2023) — She’s back! Lisa Kennedy hosts FreedomFest 2023: “The Soul of Liberty,” announced FreedomFest Executive Director, Valerie Durham. It’s happening July 12 – 15 in Memphis, TN. Kennedy is the host of FOX Business Network’s primetime show appropriately dubbed: “Kennedy.” This will be Kennedy’s second appearance as emcee of FreedomFest — the Ultimate Summit for Liberty. Who could forget her custom-made “Taxation is Theft” AOC parody dress from FreedomFest 2022?
“We are so pleased to have Kennedy return,” said Durham. “She stole the show during her first time in Vegas. The crowd loved her, and this announcement is just building the excitement for our Memphis event.”
“Kennedy is a frequent guest on ‘The Five,’ FOX News Channel’s most popular show,” said FreedomFest producer and renowned economist Mark Skousen. “We are delighted she has cleared her schedule to emcee all three and a half days of FreedomFest.”
Another crowd favorite, TK Coleman is onboard as our stage two host! “TK brings a message of permission-less innovation, inner freedom, the creative power of the individual, and aspires to help the next generation create a freer society by reclaiming a sense of personal agency,” said FreedomFest co-producer, Jo Ann Skousen.
What is FreedomFest? It spotlights the lifestyle of liberty and all the ways in which we experience liberty in our lives whether it’s political, financial, social, creative, professional, physical, or intellectual liberty. This year, there’s so much more, as we are fully engaged in the cultural evolution with the “Anthem Film Festival” screenings, the “Punching Up Comedy Festival,” live music and arts show.
Also, there’s special programming this year: the Wilder Initiative, in honor of Rose Wilder Lane, which is our pledge to highlight women’s voices in the liberty movement. Plus, our Douglass Initiative, in honor of Frederick Douglass — our pledge to highlight culturally diverse voices in the liberty movement.
Why Memphis? “I find Memphis fascinating because it so perfectly represents the concept of emergent order with the birth of Blues and Rock-n-Roll — a truly American Music,” said Durham. “You have a confluence of two very different cultures, in a moment in time when there was such division across the United States; yet in Memphis, people came together to create an art form that forged a way through the division. It shows what is possible when people are left free to create.”
Attendees can register at www.freedomfest.com or by calling 855-850-3733 (FREE), ext. 202. To arrange an interview with FreedomFest co-producers Mark and Jo Ann Skousen, executive director Valerie Durham, or speakers, please contact [email protected].
About FreedomFest:
FreedomFest is for the independent mind and spirit who chooses to be alive. We detest authoritarianism in all of its forms and seek unequivocal liberty for all. We believe in the pursuit of knowledge, diversity of ideas, human flourishing for all, fraternity with all, toleration for those we disagree with, and aspire for a life well and fully lived, a life of meaning and purpose in the service of goals, ends, and values worth serving. FreedomFest, at its core, is the embodiment of the Liberty Lifestyle.
###
Comedy Legend John Cleese to Headline FreedomFest 2022
Las Vegas, NV (March 16, 2022) – British comedy legend John Cleese will make a special guest appearance at FreedomFest Friday, July 15, at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The legendary comedian, actor, satirist, and author is famous for “Monty Python,” “Fawlty Towers,” “A Fish Called Wanda,” and a number of film series (“James Bond,” “Harry Potter,” and “Shrek”).
FreedomFest, the ultimate summit for the liberty movement, is known for thinking out of the box when it comes to celebrity speakers. Provocative names that don’t usually appear at other freedom conferences have headlined FreedomFest before, such as William Shatner, George Foreman, and Kevin O’Leary, Mr. Wonderful from “Shark Tank.”
In fact, recent headlines about Cleese have demonstrated that the actor’s sentiment on cancel culture falls in line with the liberty movement. Just this week, Cleese’s microphone was taken away at SXSW when he joked about France and Italy owing the British people slave reparations for the Roman Empire and the Norman invasion of 1066. FreedomFest producer Mark Skousen said, “Can’t anyone take a joke anymore? Well, John Cleese won’t be muzzled at FreedomFest. He will be free to speak his mind!”
Cleese’s career in comedy spans seven decades, but he’s been risking it all to combat the recent trend in cancel culture, wokeism, and political correctness. An expected audience of over 2,000 people will hear him talk about his fight for the future of freedom of expression on July 15. He will then appear at an exclusive VIP reception, where 100 guests will have a photo opportunity with the actor, and will take home an autographed copy of his book Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide.
Cleese’s stand-up comedian daughter, Camilla Cleese, will also be at FreedomFest that night, headlining the first-ever libertarian comedy festival, “Punching Up.” Hosted by Brittany Hunter, the celebration of political satire and freedom of expression will also feature Dave Smith, Rosie Tran, Yoshi Obayashi, and Lou Perez. FreedomFest attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a ticket to this special event, in addition to the aforementioned meet-and-greet with John Cleese.
Attendees can learn more about FreedomFest and register at www.freedomfest.com or by calling 855-850-3733 (FREE), ext. 202. To arrange an interview with FreedomFest co-producers Mark and Jo Ann Skousen, conference director Valerie Durham, or our speakers, please contact Hayley Aragona at [email protected].
###
FreedomFest Creating a Summit for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Las Vegas, NV (March 16, 2022) – FreedomFest will be debuting the Eureka! Summit for entrepreneurs and small businesses at their annual conference July 13-16, 2022 at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Co-sponsored by Angel Investors Network, the conference track will also feature a Shark Tank-style competition called Sharks & Angels Live.
FreedomFest is a “build-your-own-conference” experience, in which attendees choose from a dozen breakout sessions at a time, with topics ranging from politics, technology, and investing, to religion, art, literature, and movies. Starting this year, an entire conference track will be dedicated to the Eureka! Summit, with a total of 13 sessions geared toward helping business owners in all stages of their growth, from startups to mature businesses.
The Sharks & Angels Live! pitch competition will be presented on the main stage to thousands of high net worth investors and a star-studded panel of judges, including CEOs Steve Forbes, Jeffrey Hayzlett, and Magatte Wade. Jeff Barnes, CEO of Angel Investors Network, said, “This is our third year sponsoring this event at FreedomFest and we are excited to put on an entertaining and educational experience for all attendees.” Entrepreneurs can learn more about entering the competition at www.sharksandangelslive.com.
Eureka! Summit presenters also include business experts TK Coleman, Jason Duff, Lauren Postler, Rod Collins, Eric Ries, Burke Franklin, Tim Chermak, Brian MacMahon, David Cohen, Gayatri Sarkar, John Warrilow, Roland Frasier, and Loral Langemeier. Anyone with a FreedomFest conference pass can attend Eureka! Summit sessions.
Since 2007, thousands of defenders of liberty have gathered together at FreedomFest each summer to take part in a conference jam-packed with speeches, debates, and panels, the signature mock trial, Anthem Film Festival movie screenings, the “Trade Show for Liberty” exhibit hall, Global Financial Summit, book signings, yoga, karaoke, and more. This year’s event will be hosted by Fox Business Network’s #1 host, Lisa Kennedy, and will feature John Cleese, Ben Stein, and over 250 more speakers.
Attendees can register at www.freedomfest.com or by calling 855-850-3733 (FREE), ext. 202. To arrange an interview with FreedomFest co-producers Mark and Jo Ann Skousen, conference director Valerie Durham, or our speakers, please contact Hayley Aragona at [email protected].
###
Fox Business Network’s #1 Host to Emcee FreedomFest
Las Vegas, NV (February 21, 2022) – Lisa Kennedy, host of Fox Business Network’s primetime show, “Kennedy,” will emcee FreedomFest: “Turning The Tide” July 13-16, 2022 at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Billed as a keynote speaker for past FreedomFest events, this will be Kennedy’s first time emceeing the four-day liberty summit.
Kennedy has previously joined star-studded speakers William Shatner, George Foreman, Kevin O’Leary, Penn Jillette, and Glenn Beck on the FreedomFest stage, and she served as the quick-witted mock trial judge when FreedomFest put the Federal Reserve on trial in 2015, and when they charged Public Education with fraud in 2018.
FreedomFest producer and renowned economist Mark Skousen said, “Kennedy is a frequent guest on ‘The Five,’ Fox News Channel’s most popular show. We are delighted she has cleared her schedule to emcee all three and a half days of FreedomFest.”
Thousands of liberty defenders will gather at The Mirage this summer to partake in a conference jam-packed with speeches, debates and panels, the signature mock trial, Anthem Film Festival screenings, Global Financial Summit, a “Trade Show for Liberty,” Eureka! Summit for entrepreneurs, Sharks & Angels Live pitch show, author book signings, and fun–with live music, dancing, receptions, and a comedy festival.
“The world’s largest gathering of free minds” will feature keynote speakers Ben Stein, Art Laffer, Sen. Rand Paul, Spike Cohen, Justin Amash, Del Bigtree, Glenn Greenwald, Zuby Udezue, Antonella Marty, Erick Erickson, Maj Toure, Dave Smith, and Magatte Wade. Over 250 speakers will speak on finance, politics, education reform, health, technology, and more in general mainstage sessions and breakout rooms.
Attendees can register at www.freedomfest.com or by calling 855-850-3733 (FREE), ext. 202. To arrange an interview with FreedomFest co-producers Mark and Jo Ann Skousen, conference director Valerie Durham, or our speakers, please contact Hayley Aragona at [email protected].
###
Ben Stein and Art Laffer To Debate at FreedomFest
Las Vegas, NV (November 19, 2021) – FreedomFest announced today that actor/economist Ben Stein will debate Art Laffer at FreedomFest: Turning The Tide July 13-16, 2022, at The Mirage in Las Vegas. The two have never previously appeared on stage together, and will debate the question, “Should the Rich Pay More in Taxes? Is the Laffer Curve Voodoo Economics?”
Ben Stein is best known for his comedic role as the droning economics teacher in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” in which he teaches higher schoolers about the Laffer curve and voodoo economics. Stein himself has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Columbia and a law degree from Yale. His debate opponent, Art Laffer, invented the Laffer curve and is considered to be the father of supply-side economics.
FreedomFest, also known as the “world’s largest gathering of free minds,” has been the ultimate summit of the liberty movement for 15 years. The four-day conference boasts top-ranked expert speakers, Anthem Film Festival screenings, Global Financial Summit, a “Trade Show for Liberty,” best-selling authors, debates, and fun–with live music, dancing, receptions, and comedy. 250+ speakers will be joining Ben Stein at FreedomFest 2022, including Sen. Rand Paul, Spike Cohen, Justin Amash, Del Bigtree, Glenn Greenwald, Antonella Marty, Erick Erickson, Maj Toure, and Magatte Wade.
Stein was the keynote speaker at the conference’s 2002 precursor, FEEFest, when FreedomFest producer Mark Skousen was president of the Foundation for Economic Education. “I’m thrilled to have the actor, lawyer, and economist Ben Stein back with us at FreedomFest,” Skousen said. “When he debates economist extraordinaire Art Laffer on voodoo economics, the sparks will fly!”
Stein won’t be the only actor at FreedomFest. Anthem, the libertarian film festival, is another feature at FreedomFest. Anthem Film Festival director Jo Ann Skousen curates Q&As and panels with the filmmakers and experts to follow each screening of documentaries, shorts, and feature-length films. FreedomFest passes include access to all of these films, and single screening tickets are also available for $10 each.
Attendees can register at www.freedomfest.com or by calling 855-850-3733 (FREE), ext. 202. To arrange an interview with FreedomFest co-producers Mark and Jo Ann Skousen, conference director Valerie Durham, or our speakers, please contact Hayley Aragona at [email protected].
###
FreedomFest Returns to Las Vegas After Three Years
Rapid City, SD (July 24, 2021) – During today’s closing session at FreedomFest 2021, FreedomFest producer Mark Skousen announced next year’s theme and location to a crowd of nearly 3,000 attendees. FreedomFest: Turning The Tide will take place July 13-16, 2022 at The Mirage in Las Vegas.
FreedomFest prides itself on delivering a jam-packed three and a half days of top-ranked expert speakers, Anthem Film Festival screenings, a “Tradeshow for Liberty,” best-selling authors, debates, and fun–with live music, dancing, receptions, and comedy. Featured 2022 speakers include Sen. Rand Paul, Spike Cohen, Justin Amash, Ben Stein, Art Laffer, Del Bigtree, Glenn Greenwald, Antonella Marty, Maj Toure, and Magatte Wade.
Speaking on the relevance of the “Turning The Tide” theme, Skousen said, “One of our goals is to reverse the dangerous trend in the size and scope of the government, both here and abroad.” Attendees will hear from top geopolitical activists, such as Steve Forbes, Grover Norquist, Steve Moore, and John Fund, who are all experts on turning the tide in politics and economic policy.
The upcoming event marks FreedomFest’s first time back in Las Vegas since 2019 – Nevada’s last-minute government impositions forced the event to cancel in 2020, so the organization made the bold decision to move to South Dakota for the 2021 event. Valerie Durham, Executive Director at FreedomFest since 2014, said, “South Dakota ended up being a great move for FreedomFest – our attendees loved the open atmosphere and bucket list experience at Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. It ended up being our biggest event ever. But Vegas remains a major draw as well, and we hope that by returning here for 2022, we’ll push Vegas to remain an open and free environment.”
Anthem Film Festival, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary at the historic Elks Theatre in downtown Rapid City, will also take place July 13-16, 2022, in The Mirage, mere steps away from all other FreedomFest conference activities. As the only libertarian film festival, Anthem is dedicated to films and documentaries about self-reliance, innovation, commerce, the sovereignty of the individual, and the power of persuasion over force. Four-day Film Lovers’ Passes are $149; single screening tickets are only $10. Tickets are available at www.anthemfilmfestival.com.
Attendees can register at www.freedomfest.com or by calling 855-850-3733 (FREE), ext. 202. To arrange an interview with FreedomFest co-producers Mark and Jo Ann Skousen, conference director Valerie Durham, or our speakers, please contact Hayley Aragona at [email protected].
###
libertarian festival embraces the midwest
Rapid City, July 9, 2021 (KEVN) — Traditionally based in Las Vegas, FreedomFest is embracing the Midwest. The change is due to the Nevada city’s COVID restrictions over the past year. The 4-day conference will feature the Anthem Film Festival at Rapid City’s Elks Theatre. VIDEO
C-SUITE NETWORK CHAIRMAN & CEO, JEFFREY HAYZLETT, TO KICK OFF FREEDOMFEST 2021 “HEALTHY, WEALTHY, & WISE” IN JULY
GLOBAL BUSINESS CELEBRITY AND FORMER FORTUNE 100 CMO TO DELIVER OPENING REMARKS AND INTRODUCE SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR, KRISTI NOEM
New York, June 10, 2021 (Globe Newswire) — The C-Suite Network, the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders, is announcing that Chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Hayzlett, will be kicking off FreedomFest 2021 “Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise,” the ultimate summit for the Liberty Movement on Wednesday, July 21st. He will then have the distinct honor of introducing South Dakota’s 33rd governor, Kristi Noem.
Hayzlett, a South Dakota-native business leader, is a global business celebrity, keynote speaker, best-selling author, primetime TV host, podcast host of the award-winning, All Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett, and former Fortune 100 Chief Marketing Officer. He is a former Bloomberg Contributing Editor and host and has appeared as a guest celebrity judge on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice” for three seasons. He is a turnaround architect of the highest order, a maverick marketer, and c-level executive who transforms businesses to drive and thrive.
His opening discussion at FreedomFest is titled, “Welcome to South Dakota: Land of the Free.”
Among the notable speakers this year are:
- Dr. Jo Jorgensen – Former Presidential Candidate
- Senator Mike Lee – Utah
- Senator Cynthia Lummis – Wyoming
- Grover Norquist – President, Americans for Tax Reform
- Dennis Quaid – Actor, “Reagan”
- Dr. Drew Pinsky – Host, “Ask Dr. Drew”
- Stephen Moore – Senior Economist, FreedomWorks
“As someone raised in South Dakota, I’m honored to kick off this year’s FreedomFest and in my hometown of Rapid City, SD no less,” said Hayzlett. “I love being on stage and I can’t wait to get back there at one of the biggest in-person events happening right now. I know that every FreedomFest attendee will be incredibly impressed by the environment – inside and outside the convention hall – and take a lasting impression of what this state is all about.”
FreedomFest is an annual festival where free minds meet to celebrate “great books, great ideas, and great thinkers” in an open-minded environment. It is independent, non-partisan, and not affiliated with any organization or think tank. FreedomFest attracts people from all walks of life, across the political spectrum. Past speakers have included: George Foreman, William Shatner, Steve Forbes, Kevin O’Leary, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Penn Jillette, Paul Krugman, George Will, PJ O’Rourke, and Senator Rand Paul.
“We are so excited to have Jeffrey Hayzlett create an electrifying environment for our big kick-off on Wednesday evening. Who else could welcome us all to South Dakota and introduce Gov. Noem better than Jeffrey? No one! We’re thrilled, and we know our attendees are going to love hearing from him at the onset of this amazing return to an in-person event, and a celebration of freedom,” said Valerie Durham, Executive Director, FreedomFest.
Since 2007, FreedomFest has been the leader in the liberty movement bringing together thousands of people from all walks of life who are committed to freedom.
FreedomFest will take place from Wednesday, July 21stthrough Saturday, July 24th at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
For more information, visit: https://www.freedomfest.com/
About C-Suite Network
C-Suite Network is the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders, with a focus on providing growth, development and networking opportunities for business executives with titles of vice president and above. The C-Suite Network’s mission is to provide a peer community, networking events, relevant content and services to support c-level executives and other entrepreneurs achieve professional success.
C-Suite Network offers invitation-only events as well as custom-tailored content through all its entities: C-Suite TV, C-Suite Radio, C-Suite Book Club, and C-Suite Network Advisors™. Learn more at www.c-suitenetwork.com, or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
About FreedomFest
FreedomFest is a big-tent, non-partisan, libertarian conference, billed as “the world’s largest gathering of free minds” that has taken place in Las Vegas since 2007, until this year, when the pandemic shutdowns encouraged a move to South Dakota for the 2021 event. The FreedomFest mission is to explore issues of freedom and liberty as related to politics, economics, finances, health and healthcare, art, technology, education and other important social topics as an open forum. As such, FreedomFest is known as a place where news is made, and many media outlets cover FreedomFest and its famous mock trial, debates, panels and keynote speakers. For more information, visit www.freedomfest.com/media-kit
Media Contact:
Keira Rodriguez
Director of Content
C-Suite Network
[email protected]
914.830.3241
JUST ANNOUNCED
BRULE CONCERT WITH DANCERS
Brule ticket is separate from FreedomFest. If interested in joining the FreedomFest Conference please visit FreedomFest.com
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INNOVATIVE INVESTING TO TAKE CENTER STAGE AT FREEDOMFEST IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Taxes and estate planning will change dramatically in the Biden administration, and Dave Phillips of Estate Planning Specialists will recommend strategies for the new era in his session, “Disinherit the IRS – Estate & Tax Planning Strategies Under the Biden Administration.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOP FINANCIAL EXPERTS TO ADDRESS FREEDOMFEST AUDIENCE IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Rapid City, SD – Top leaders from business, government, and free-market think tanks are coming together for FreedomFest July 21-24, including Steve Moore (founder, Club for Growth), Governor Kristi Noem (South Dakota), John Mackey (CEO, Whole Foods Market), John Fund (National Review), Tom Woods (Mises Institute), and Larry Elder (“The Larry Elder Show”). Billed as the “greatest libertarian show on earth” by the Washington Post, FreedomFest expects a record turnout at its new destination, Rapid City, South Dakota.
Investments and finance fit perfectly into this year’s theme of “Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise.” FreedomFest producer and economist Mark Skousen says, “Now more than ever, investors and citizens need to be worried about their physical and financial health in an era of big government intervention.”
Bitcoin is one of the hottest topics this year—“The Big Bitcoin Versus Gold Debate: What’s the Hedge Currency of the Future?”, moderated by financial money manager Adrian Day, will take place on the main stage, as will the session “Million Dollar Bitcoin? The Future of the Currency and the Threats It’s Facing Now,” featuring Bitcoin advocates Charlie Shrem, Caitlin Long and Senator Cynthia Lummis.
Investment experts will discuss long-term investing vs. short-term trading, share stock tips, and offer insight on real estate investments in the Global Financial Summit series. Featured speakers from Eagle Publishing include Mark Skousen, Jim Woods, Hilary Kramer, and Brian Perry. Skousen plans to address the “many investment opportunities that abound in technology, healthcare, and biotech.”
About FreedomFest:
Started in 2002 as FEE Fest, FreedomFest has evolved into the signature networking event for American innovators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors. FreedomFest is produced by economist and author Mark Skousen, who is currently a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University and longtime editor of Forecasts & Strategies. Libertarian-themed Anthem Film Festival runs tandem with FreedomFest and has many films that focus on business. Director Jo Ann Skousen says, “Many of our films this year focus on corporate welfare and disruption to business from the pandemic lockdown.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FREEDOMFEST MOVES TO SOUTH DAKOTA
Rapid City, SD (Dec. 15, 2020)- FreedomFest announced today that it is moving to South Dakota, “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Since its first official event in 2007, “the world’s largest gathering of free minds” annually met in what was considered the most libertarian city in the United States: Las Vegas, Nevada. But amid COVID-19 fears, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak imposed lockdown restrictions that cancelled FreedomFest 2020 and made it impossible for the conference to stay in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future.
Instead, FreedomFest will be held at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, where Governor Kristi Noem warmly welcomes the liberty movement. This historic move comes at a time when the principles of this year’s theme, “Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise,” are more relevant than ever.
FreedomFest prides itself on delivering a jam-packed three and a half days of top-ranked expert speakers, Anthem Film Festival screenings, a “Tradeshow for Liberty,” best-selling authors, debates, and fun–with live music, dancing, receptions, and comedy. But this year’s move to South Dakota inspired another great change in 2021: excursions. Attendees will have the opportunity to socialize while enjoying the breathtaking sights and historic landmarks of South Dakota, such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, and Deadwood, just to name a few.
Featured speakers include Governor Kristi Noem, Dr. Drew Pinsky, JP Sears, John Mackey, Dave Rubin, and Nick Gillespie. Over 200 speakers will be confirmed and announced between now and June 2021. Attendees can register at www.freedomfest.com or by calling 855-850-3733 (FREE), ext. 202.
To arrange an interview with FreedomFest co-producers Mark and Jo Ann Skousen, conference director Valerie Durham, or our speakers, please contact Hayley Aragona at [email protected]
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rachel Maddow incorrectly characterizes FreedomFest as a “Conservative Evangelical” Event
Washington, DC: A recent report on the Rachel Maddow Show (MSNBC, March 12) identified FreedomFest as the source of an exchange between then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and Russian gun rights activist Maria Butina on the subject of Russian sanctions and Vladimir Putin on July 11, 2015 at Planet Hollywood. The report quoted authors Michael Isikoff and David Corn in “Russian Roulette: The Inside Story of Putin’s War on America and the Election of Donald Trump” (Twelve, March 13, 2018).
In the book, the authors incorrectly characterize FreedomFest as a “conservative evangelical” event and Ms Maddow perpetuates that error in her reporting. Neither the Rachel Maddow show nor the “Russian Roulette” authors reached out to FreedomFest for comment before broadcast or publication.
FreedomFest is a big-tent, non-partisan, libertarian conference, billed as “the world’s largest gathering of free minds” that has been taking place in Las Vegas since 2007. The FreedomFest mission is to explore issues of freedom and liberty as related to politics, economics, finances, health and healthcare, art, technology, education and other important social topics as an open forum. As such, FreedomFest is known as a place where news is made, and many media outlets cover FreedomFest and its famous mock trial, debates, panels and keynote speakers.
At the 2015 conference, newly declared presidential candidate Donald Trump agreed to speak at FreedomFest less than one week before the start of the event, and the conference organizers changed the schedule to create a slot for him on the main stage on Saturday, July 11. The organizers insisted the speech include an open, unscripted question-and-answer period with the audience. No questions were submitted to Donald Trump, his campaign or FreedomFest staff ahead of time. Other than allowing Mexican businessman Roberto Salinas to ask the first question, the question-and-answer period was completely open to anyone in the audience who wished to ask a question.
Maria Butina was registered as an attendee at FreedomFest before Donald Trump was part of the agenda. She asked Mr Trump a series of questions about Russia during the open question-and-answer period at the end of his speech.
FreedomFest 2018 “Where Is the Voice of Reason?” will take place July 11 – 14, 2018 at the Paris Resort in Las Vegas. For more information, please contact Valerie Durham, Conference Director, 855-850-3733 ext 101, [email protected] or visit 2018.freedomfest.com.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWSMAX REVEALS TOP 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL LIBERTARIANS
Las Vegas, Nev. (June 1, 2017) — Today Newsmax magazine, in conjunction with FreedomFest, unveiled its first “Top 100 Most Influential Libertarians” list.
To see the list, go to http://nws.mx/2rtCNvr
Ron Paul, the former congressman and presidential candidate, came in at the top spot.
The list of favorite libertarians in politics, academia, entertainment, finance and more was determined by Newsmax and a survey conducted in March by FreedomFest. Over 10,000 people responded to the Newsmax/FreedomFest Survey, making for a thrilling race with different names overtaking the pack throughout the month.
Newsmax and FreedomFest reviewed the results and selected their list of Top 100 Most Influential Libertarians with an assessment of their influence.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Photograph of Top Libertarians at This Year’s FreedomFest
FreedomFest is pleased to announce that it will be taking a photograph of the most influential libertarians at 5:00 pm PT on Friday, July 21, at the Paris Resort in Las Vegas, as part of its 10th anniversary celebration (July 19-22).
All top 100 libertarians on the list are being sent special invitations, and many have already confirmed they will be there for this landmark event. They include John Stossel, Lisa Kennedy, Steve Forbes, Nick Gillespie, David Boaz, Dan Mitchell, Jennifer Grossman, Matt and Terry Kibbe, Jeff Tucker, Doug Casey, Mark and Jo Ann Skousen, among many others.
FreedomFest is known as “the world’s largest gathering of free minds.” The annual libertarian conference takes place July 19-22, 2017, at the Paris Las Vegas Resort, in Las Vegas, NV, and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The official theme is “Exploring New Frontiers” and features a keynote address by William Shatner. For more information: 2018.freedomfest.com
Contact: Valerie Durham, Conference Director, FreedomFest, 1-855-850-3733 ext 101, or email [email protected]
###
FreedomFest 2023 Banner:
FreedomFest 2023 Logo:
FreedomFest Logo Generic:
FreedomFest Theme 2023:
FreedomFest Theme Logo 2023:
FreedomFest Logo Stacked:
FreedomFest 2022
Monty Python Icon Slams Woke Culture Having Disastrous Effect On Comedy, Daily Mail, July 20, 2022
Andrew Yang Hints 2024 Third-Party Run if Biden-Trump Rematch Takes Shape, Fox News, July 17, 2022
Inflation, Election Fraud and Freedom of Expression were Hot Topics at 2022 FreedomFest Town Hall, July 18, 2022
‘Life Behind the Berlin Wall’: An Antidote to the Myths of Socialism, National Interest, July 19, 2022
FreedomFest ’22: Andrew Yang Announces Forward Party and ‘Final 5’ Voting Reforms, RedState, July 16, 2022
FreedomFest 2021
FreedomFest Moving from Las Vegas to Rapid City for 2021 Conference, Rapid City Journal, January 16, 2021
Las Vegas Based Convention FreedomFest Coming to Rapid City, KOTA-TV, January 16, 2021
FreedomFest 2019
“Jack London: Socialist or Rugged Individualist?” with Mark Skousen, Book TV on C-SPAN2, July 29, 2019
Dave Sussman of Whiskey Politics Interview, Underscored, July 29, 2019
Thoughts on FreedomFest 2019, The Hayride, July 28, 2019
“The Meaning of Is” with Rep. Bob Barr, Book TV on C-SPAN2, July 28, 2019
“Mars and the Future of Space” with Ed Hudgins, Book TV on C-SPAN2, July 28, 2019
“Gun Control Myths” with John Lott, Book TV on C-SPAN2, July 27, 2019
FreedomFest and Vegas in a RV in July, RV Across America, July 27, 2019
Live from FreedomFest with Jim Woods, Unlock Your Wealth Today, July 26, 2019
FreedomFest 2019, Position to Win, July 25, 2019
Matt Kibbe on cable news, podcasting and why dogs are kinda communist, Underscored, July 20, 2019
RJ Cartoonist at FreedomFest Says 1 Goal is to Draw Blood, Las Vegas Review Journal, July 18, 2019
Treasure Investments Corporation Joins Forces with the Largest Liberty Conference of 2019, July 18, 2019
What I Learned from Steve Forbes, Stock Investor, July 18, 2019
Las Vegas on Wednesday, Patheos, July 17, 2019
Tellerian Wisdom, Way of the Renaissance Man, July 17, 2019
On FreedomFest, Blexit and Jexit, Las Vegas Review Journal, July 13, 2019
Will Amash Court Donors for a Presidential Run at FreedomFest?, The Libertarian Republic, July 13, 2019
FreedomFest 13 : The Best One Yet!, Financial Survival Network, July 13, 2019
FreedomFest and Quarterly Stock Market Update Featuring Renaissance Man Jim Woods, Unlock Your Wealth Today, July 12, 2019
Mark Skousen Interview (in hour two), Declare Your Independence with Ernest Hancock, July 10, 2019
Cowboys, and Vampires, and Laughs, Oh My!, BlogCritics, July 8, 2019
Mark Skousen Interview (1:44:25), The Glenn Beck Show, June 27, 2019
Newsletters Give Readers What They Want, Unfortunately, The Power and Market Report, June 20, 2019
The Inspiring “Tank Man” (Interview with Director Robert Anthony Peters), The Power and Market Report, June 19, 2019
Three Events That Could Derail our 10-Year Bull Market, Wall Street Unplugged, June 5, 2019
Mark Skousen Discusses FreedomFest, Free Talk Live, March 24, 2019
FreedomFest 2018
Mark Skousen Interview, Rogue Money Radio, July 7, 2018
Come to FreedomFest Featuring the Reason Media Awards, Reason Blog, July 5, 2018
Anthem Libertarian Film Festival’s Jo Ann Skousen on Film and the Voice of Reason, *Blogcritics, July 3, 2018
John O’Donnell interviews Mark Skousen, Power Trading Radio, June 29, 2018
Where is the Voice of Reason (interview with Mark Skousen), Financial Survival Network, June 25, 2018
Cryptocurrency Speakers, Debates & Growing Interest Among Attendees, BitCoin.com News, June 16, 2018.
Wall Street Raw interview with Mark Skousen, May 12, 2018
Wall Street Raw interview with Mark Skousen, April 21, 2018
FreedomFest 2017
CNN Reports on FreedomFest 2017, Circa, July 24, 2017
Legendary Investor Jim Rogers Talks Money, Education and Happiness, Circa, August 29, 2017
Congressman Thomas Massie’s Twitter Account is #Sassy, Circa, August 22, 2017
Rep. Thomas Massie Dishes on Education, Guns and Healthcare, Circa, August 6, 2017
Steve Forbes Talks Education, Politics, and the Economy, Circa, July 31, 2017
Dinesh D’Souza and The Big Lie, Whiskey Politics, July 28, 2017
FreedomFest Shows the Liberty Movement is Alive and Well, The Daily Signal, July 27, 2017
Crony Capitalism Against the Real Thing, The Washington Times, July 25, 2017
President Jedlicka of Liberland Discusses Political and Economic Vision, PanAm Post, July 24, 2017
James O’Keefe, Founder of Project Veritas: Something Big’s Coming, Whiskey Politics, July 24, 2017
Libertarians meet, talk Trump at ‘FreedomFest’, CNNpolitics, July 23, 2017
Steve Forbes Warns Washington DC, Whiskey Politics, July 23, 2017
20 Broadcasts from FreedomFest, SHR Media, July 19-22, 2017
Michael Cobb Discusses the Future of Central American Real Estate, PamAm Post, July 22, 2017
Coverage of FreedomFest by ChineseFN, with Jim Rogers, Stephen Moore [in Chinese and English], July 21, 2017
Helen Raleigh Critiques Trump’s Immigration Policy, PamAm Post, July 21, 2017
Trump has a Unique Opportunity to Include Some of the Dem Base, The Daily Caller, July 21, 2017
Libertarian Party at FreedomFest, July 20, 2017
Ayn Rand and Bitcoin: An Exclusive Interview with Jennifer Grossman, Atlas Society CEO, BTCManager, July 18, 2017
Are Free Markets Good for the Arts? with FreedomFest Panelist & Concert Pianist Hyperion Knight, Whiskey Politics, July 5, 2017
100 Most Influential Libertarians : A NewsMax/FreedomFest List, June 1, 2017
Debating Liberty in the Age of Trump, The John Batchelor Show (FreedomFest Producer Mark Skousen interview), June 15, 2017
Jumping aboard “The Free Enterprise” at FreedomFest 2017 with Dave Sussman and Mark Skousen, Whiskey Politics, June 12, 2017
Joe Thomas Interviews Mark Skousen, “Joe Thomas In-The-Morning” WCHV Radio, June 1, 2017
FreedomFest 2016
2016 FreedomFest Straw Poll, Election Science, July 20, 2016
STEVE FORBES: This Election Trump will Lose, CNBC, June 27, 2016
Why FreedomFest?, Warren’s Space, June 7, 2016
Big Business Shuns Freedom Fest, Except for Whole Foods CEO, Newsmax, July 11, 2016
Improving polls might get Libertarian Presidential Gary Johnson on the debates, Review Journal, July 15, 2016
FreedomFest 2015
A PLAYBOY CONVERSATION WITH GARY JOHNSON ABOUT THE POLITICS OF SPINELESSNESS, Playboy, July 20, 2015
SHR MEDIA AT FREEDOMFEST (10 BROADCASTS)
ANTHEM FILM FEST: TOP 10 LIBERTARIAN FILMS ROCK WITH JENNIFER LAWRENCE, SCARLETT JOHANSSON AND NATALIE PORTMAN, Blogcritics, July 18, 2015
WHAT IS TRUMPISM? PERSONAL AMBITION AND POLITICAL CONTROL, Foundation for Economic Freedom, July 17, 2015
ANTHEM FILM FEST: COUNTY CHARGES FARMER $15,000 FOR HOSTING A BIRTHDAY PARTY, Blogcritics, July 16, 2015
LIBERTY WORKS EVERYWHERE, Business Day Live, July 15, 2015
MY DEBATE WITH PAUL KRUGMAN, Investor’s Business Daily, July 15, 2015
WATCH THIS MEXICAN ECONOMIST COMPLETELY SCHOOL DONALD TRUMP, Latina, July 15, 2015
DONALD TRUMP ROCKS VEGAS CROWD, Huffington Post, July 15, 2015
BEHIND THE SCENES OF STOSSEL’S FREEDOMFEST VEGAS SHOW, FOX Business, July 15, 2015
ARE LIBERTARIANS CRAZY CULTISTS WHO SHOULD BE DROWNED? PLAYBOY INVESTIGATES, Playboy, July 14, 2015
ANTHEM FILM FEST: PUTTING PEOPLE BACK TOGETHER, Blogcritics, July 14, 2015
TRUMPISM: THE IDEOLOGY, Liberty.me, July 14, 2015
ANTHEM FILM FEST: HELP ME, OBI PENN JILLETTE – YOU’RE MY ONLY HOPE, Blogcritics, July 13, 2015
DONALD TRUMP AT FREEDOMFEST IN LAS VEGAS, PART II, Let’s Talk Nevada, July 13, 2015
IN LAS VEGAS, DISCUSSING WHY GERMANY TOOK SOCIAL DARWINISM ALL THE WAY, Evolution News, July 13, 2015
DONALD TRUMP’S ‘COMPETENCE’ RHETORIC RESONATES WITH LIBERTARIAN-FRIENDLY CROWD, Washington Times, July 12, 2015
TRUMP USES FREEDOMFEST SPEECH TO ARGUE AGAINST FREEDOM, National Monitor, July 12, 2015
TRUMP IN VEGAS, PHOENIX: ILLEGALS ‘WREAKING HAVOC ON OUR POPULATION, NewsMax, July 12, 2015
DONALD TRUMP AT FREEDOMFEST IN LAS VEGAS, PART I, Let’s Talk Nevada, July 12, 2015
FORMER PAYPAL CEO PETER THIEL: PAYPAL WOULD ALLOW FIREARMS TRANSACTIONS IF I WAS STILL THERE, The Daily Caller, July 11, 2015
DONALD TRUMP: DON’T WORRY, WE’LL TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK, NBC News, July 11, 2015
ECONOMIC FIGHT CLUB, PART 2 AT FREEDOMFEST: PETER THIEL V. JOHN MACKEY ON MONOPOLIES, COMPETITION, PJ Media, July 11, 2015
ELECTION 2016 LIVE THREAD: DONALD TRUMP, FREEDOMFEST EDITION, Let’s Talk Nevada, July 11, 2015
TRUMP TELLS LAS VEGAS CROWD HE’S BEHOLDEN TO NO ONE, Las Vegas Review-Journal, July 11, 2015
WHOLE FOODS CEO JOHN MACKEY: MICROSOFT WAS ‘BETTER OFF WHEN BILL GATES’ WAS IN CHARGE, The Daily Caller, July 11, 2015
TRUMP CRITICIZES BORDER POLICY AS WELL AS TRADE AGENDA, Beaumont Enterprise (TX), July 11, 2015
DONALD TRUMP TALK IMMIGRATION, US TRADE POLICY IN PAIR OF SATURDAY SPEECHES, The Times Picayune (LA), July 11, 2015
REASON’S GILLESPIE, WELCH TALK ABOUT HOW TO GO FROM LIBERTARIAN MOMENT TO LIBERTARIAN ERA, PJ Media, July 11, 2015
TRUMP CRITICIZES BORDER POLICY AS WELL AS TRADE AGENDA, Miami Herald, July 11, 2015
RUBIO REVISITS CHILDHOOD IN VEGAS, CALLS PUTIN A CRIMINAL, Associated Press via ABC News, July 11, 2015
MARCO RUBIO TALKS ABOUT HIGHER EDUCATION AT #FREEDOMFEST, Let’s Talk Nevada, July 11, 2015
FREEDOMFEST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, Liberty.me, July 10, 2015
GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE HOPEFUL MARCO RUBIO SHARES PERSONAL ODYSSEY AT FREEDOMFEST, Las Vegas Review-Journal, July 10, 2015
ELECTION 2016 LIVE THREAD: MARCO RUBIO, FREEDOMFEST EDITION, Let’s Talk Nevada, July 10, 2015
ELECTION 2016 LIVE THREAD: T-486 DAYS, Let’s Talk Nevada, July 10, 2015
ENERGY FOR TRUMP EXPLOSIVE IN LAS VEGAS AT FREEDOMFEST, Breitbart, July 10, 2015
A FEW THOUGHTS ON MARCO RUBIO AFTER HEARING HIM SPEAK, Playboy, July 10, 2015
THE ENDURING ANGLO AMERICAN RELATIONSHIP? FREEDOMFEST GETS INTERNATIONAL, Breitbart, July 10, 2015
THE INCONCEIVABLE SUCCESS OF OBAMACARE, New York Times, July 10, 2015
DONALD TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION RANTS MAY COST GOP A SHOT AT THE WHITE HOUSE, RIVAL SEN LINDSEY GRAHAM SAYS, New York Daily News, July 10, 2015
MOORE VS KRUGMAN THROW DOWN AT FREEDOMFEST, Breitbart, July 10, 2015
CHINESE INVESTORS.COM APPEARING AT FREEDOMFEST CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS, Baystreet, July 10, 2015
ELECTION 2016 LIVE THREAD at FREEDOMFEST, Let’s Talk Nevada, July 9, 2015
WHOLE FOODS CEO: ECONOMIC FREEDOM HAS LIFTED HUMANITY OUT OF THE DIRT, PJ Media, July 9, 2015
FREEDOMFEST: SHRINK GOVERNMENT, GROW OPPORTUNITY, Las Vegas Review-Journal, July 9. 2015
RACE FOR WHITE HOUSE COMES TO LAS VEGAS, KSNV News 3LV, July 9, 2015
SHOWDOWN ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP: DONALD TRUMP VS MARCO RUBIO AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD, Breitbart, July 9, 2015
KRUGMAN, MOORE MEET FOR ‘ECONOMIC FIGHT CLUB’ AT FREEDOMFEST, PJ Media, July 9, 2015
EXCLUSIVE – MOORE: KRUGMAN WILL DEFEND OBAMANOMICS WHICH IS BASED ON SOCIALISM, Breitbart, July 9, 2015
DOES DONALD TRUMP BELONG AT FREEDOMFEST?, Reason.com, July 7, 2015
FREEDOMFEST IS THE HOTTEST GAME IN VEGAS, PJ Media, July 7, 2015
RUBIO, TRUMP TO SPEAK AT LIBERTARIAN CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS, KNPR, July 7, 2015
RUBIO & TRUMP TO SPEAK IN VEGAS THIS WEEK, KTVN, July 6, 2015
TRUMP TO SPEAK AT FREEDOMFEST IN VEGAS SATURDAY, Las Vegas Review-Journal, July 6, 2015
INTERVIEW: JO ANN SKOUSEN, ANTHEM FILM FESTIVAL FOUNDER, Blogcritics, June 27, 2015
FREEDOMFEST: BECK, FORBES, STOSSEL, FARAH: Great Debates, discussion at ‘greatest libertarian show on Earth,’ World News Daily, May 3, 2015
SEE HOW AMERICAN DREAM LIVES AT FREEDOMFEST, Orange County Register, March 8, 2015
- After a three year hiatus from Sin City, FreedomFest returned to Las Vegas at its new home, The Mirage Resort & Casino. FreedomFest will be in Las Vegas every other year. [2022]
- British comedy legend John Cleese stole the show Friday night with his takedown of cancel culture and his interview on the power of creativity with Reason’s Nick Gillespie. [2022]
- Supreme of Wu Tang Clan showed up unannounced to perform at the Saturday Night Banquet, resulting in a night when we had comedy with Lou Perez, a hilarious keynote speech by Senator Rand Paul, a medley of songs from “Oklahoma” by James O’Keefe, a rap by Supreme, and live music and dancing with Good Vibrations Beach Boys cover band, all emceed by Lisa Kennedy. Talk about something for everyone! [2022]
- Lisa Kennedy had everyone in stitches when she graced the stage in her AOC parody #TaxationIsTheft dress. She dazzled the audience with many amazing outfits over the course of her four days emceeing the event from the Mirage Main Stage. [2022]
- FreedomFest is livestreamed on Fox Nation for the first time ever, reaching a record crowd of tens of thousands. [2022]
- Andrew Yang and Larry Sharpe met on stage to talk about how to collaborate to bring down the corrupt duopoly of the two-party system. [2022]
- FreedomFest launched several new initiatives, including the Punching Up Comedy Festival, Subversion Summit, Eureka! Summit for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and Wilder Summit, highlighting women’s voices in the liberty movement.
- Mark Skousen interviewed Senator Rand Paul, which Sen. Paul said was the best interview ever! [2022]
- “Bueller? Bueller?” Ben Stein, keynote speaker at the first iteration of FreedomFest in 2002 (FEEFest), returned 20 years later to debate Art Laffer on the Laffer Curve, the very topic he famously droned on about in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” (2022)
- Michael Shermer and Eric Metaxis faced off in the debate, “Is Atheism Dead?” (2022)
- For the first time ever, FreedomFest moved from Las Vegas to somewhere new… Rapid City, South Dakota, drawing a record turnout of over 2,500 people. Attendees visited historic landmarks Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument on FreedomFest excursions before and after the “Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise” conference. [2021]
- Gov. Kristi Noem, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhodes, and their spouses welcomed the largest libertarian conference ever in South Dakota. The popular governor of South Dakota spoke on “Staying Open in a Time of Lockdowns: South Dakota, the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.” [2021]
- John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market and co-ambassador to FreedomFest, debated Yaron Brook, chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute, on “The only purpose of business is to maximize profits.” Mackey won the debate. [2021]
- Larry Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, spoke on “Hillsdale’s Support for the Constitution and its Two-Generation Fight Against the Government.” [2021]
- Talk show host Larry Elder took a break from his California recall election campaign to address FreedomFest on “Healing a Divided Nation.” [2021]
- Brulé, a popular Native American performance group, performed and received a standing ovation at the Saturday night banquet. [2021]
- Anthem Film Festival celebrated its 10th Anniversary at the historic Elks Theatre in downtown Rapid City. FreedomFest executive director Valerie Durham interviewed actor Dennis Quaid about his film “Reagan.” [2021]
- Senators Mike Lee (UT) and Cynthia Lummis (WY) spoke on threats to our liberties. [2021]
- FreedomFest put the pandemic lockdowns on trial with Dr. Drew Pinsky as the judge, Catherine Bernard as the prosecutor, and Michael Shermer as defending attorney. The jury voted 9-3 against the lockdown. [2021]
- Author Ayaan Hirsi Ali spoke on “Clash of Civilization: Islam and the West.” [2021]
- Old friends Penn Jillette and Glenn Beck looked forward to sharing the stage together in what became the Penn and Glenn show. Sheriff Mark Skousen (the theme that year was The Wild West) tried to moderate the discussion but he was no match for those two mavericks. Glenn began to complain that he couldn’t get comfortable in his chair and after about five minutes he got up and walked to the edge of the stage, where he promptly sat down and started swinging his legs. Penn came too, and the audience roared their approval. Not to be left out, Sheriff Skousen moseyed on over to the precipice as well. What followed was a rollicking free-for-all of bantering, bickering, and philosophizing. It was one of those great FreedomFest moments that can’t be scripted. [2019]
- Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary and Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey debated on the purpose of business–O’Leary insisted that the purpose of business is profit, pure and simple, while Mackey argued that there was higher purpose of business, to improve people’s lives. [2019]
- Kevin “Hercules” Sorbo was a keynote speaker at the Anthem Film Festival, introducing his film “Miracle in East Texas,” which won the Anthem award for Best Narrative feature. He and his wife Sam also helmed the Master Class at the Anthem Filmmakers Reception, talking about their careers in Hollywood and offering advice for giving a strong “pitch.” [2019]
- With “The Voice of Reason” as its theme, FreedomFest celebrated the 50th anniversary of Reason Magazine and Reason Foundation at its Saturday night banquet. [2018]
- Judge Andrew Napolitano gave a keynote address: “What If You Lived in a Country Where the Constitution Meant Nothing?” [2018]
- Yeonmi Park, North Korean defector and author of the book “In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom” was a keynote speaker. Another keynote speaker was Senator Mike Lee. [2018]
- Scandal hit the jury box when FreedomFest put the Public School System on trial. Although the plaintiffs garnered twice as many votes in an 8-4 decision, the jury foreman decided it would be more equitable if the debate ended in a tie, so he announced a hung jury. It wasn’t until the next day that the truth came out and a retraction had to be printed. FreedomFest vowed to poll the jury going forward! [2018]
- FreedomFest celebrated its 10th anniversary with William Shatner and Greg Gutfield as keynote speakers, with 2,200 attendees. Mark Skousen prepared carefully for his interview with William Shatner, scouring Wikipedia for details of Shatner’s career that he could ask Shatner to foment on. Shatner called him out on the Wiki research, and soon the two relaxed into a genuine conversation that culminated in Skousen commenting on Shatner’s spry health and then challenging Shatner to a standing arm wrestler. Shatner, 15 years Skousen’s senior, handily threw the host off balance and won the challenge. [2017]
- Larry Elder defended the police and wins by a surprising margin, 10-2, when FreedomFest puts the “Police On Trial.” [2017]
- Mark Skousen appeared as Benjamin Franklin and Jennifer Grossman appeared as Ayn Rand. [2017]
- John Stossel gave a keynote address on “Confrontation: My Run-ins with Donald Trump, Ted Turner, and Other Celebrities.” [2017]
- Steve Forbes and Bill Baldwin presented a session on “100 Years of Forbes.” [2017]
- Special photo of the top 100 libertarians and celebration of Steve Forbes’ 70th birthday at the Saturday night banquet. [2017]
- New York Times columnist and Nobel laureate Paul Krugman and chief economic analyst for the Heritage Foundation Steven Moore debated “What’s the Best Policy to Restore the American Dream?” [Thursday, July 9, 2015, 10:30am MT]
- Author and film maker Dinesh D’Souza‘s first public talk since spending eight months in a “Community Confinement Center” in San Diego for violating federal campaign election rules. [Friday, July 10, 2015, 12:30pm MT]
- In 2015 we put “The Federal Reserve on Trial” for its inflationary bailout of a highly leveraged and defective banking system. [Friday, July 10, 2015, 5:20pm MT]
- Now in its fifth year, the Anthem Film Festival seeks the best stories and documentaries about individuals who choose their own paths and make things happen for themselves. The 2015 films explored new concepts of the American Dream, while also warning of threats to personal liberty. More at AnthemFilmFestival.com [runs concurrently with FreedomFest]
- Glenn Beck shared insights from his new book, “Conform: Exposing the Truth about Common Core and Public Education.” [Friday, July 10, 2015, 6:30pm MT]
- John Stossel did an in-depth show on the subject of the “American Dream” during a live taping [Thursday, July 9, 2015, 7:00pm MT]
- North Korean defector Yeonmi Park shared her inspiring story of how she came to realize the repressive nature of the North Korean government and how she managed to escape the most oppressive regime in the world. [Saturday, July 11, 2015, 12:30pm MT]
- Donald Trump faced a libertarian crowd including Roberto Salinas of Mexico when he addressed the FreedomFest crowd at SRO capacity.
contact us
For media inquiries, contact Hayley Aragona, Media Liaison, at [email protected] or call 855-850-3733 ext 203.