Program
WHAT to EXPECT at the "WILD WEST" of FREEDOMFEST
The Round-Up
Kevin O'Leary
The Inside Story of Shark Tank and the Wild West of Capitalism "Mr. Wonderful" from the popular TV show Shark Tank will join us at FreedomFest 2019. A fierce defender of capitalism, business and profit-making, Mr. O'Leary will address the FreedomFest crowd on Thursday, July 18.
"I like to take risks. That's how I make money. But they are calculated risks.” - Kevin O'Leary
Penn Jillette
A FreedomFest first! Penn Jillette, well-known magician and author, will be speaking on "The Magic of Liberty". Followed by an interview with Mark Skousen and Q&A with the audience. Want to meet him personally? Sign up for the VIP private reception immediately following Penn's appearance on the FreedomFest stage.
"Every time something bad happens, people cry out for safety, and the government answers by taking away the rights of good people” - Penn Jillette
Candace Owens
We are delighted to welcome Candace Owens, Founder of BLEXIT Movement, to the FreedomFest stage for the first time ever! She will address the crowd in a keynote speech "On the Other Side of Race: A View for the Future" on Friday, July 19.
"I like to say now that the reason I'm conservative is because I used to be a liberal, and I learned a lot." - Candace Owens
John Stossel
John Stossel is one of the most ardent and visible defenders of freedom in the world today. His journalistic work on ABC News, Fox News Business, Reason and with Stossel in the Classroom, have contributed to millions of people's expanded understanding of the benefits of limited governments, the betterment of the world through free markets, and the blessings of civil rights for individuals. He'll be at FreedomFest to share the many ways he has been "Calling Out Politicians" over the years.
"Central authority is bad. The bias should be for freedom. And without a central authority, there are lots of little authorities, and we learn which ones to trust." - John Stossel
Stephen Moore
Steve Moore, one of Trump’s advisors and co-author of the new book “Trumpanomics,” has agreed to debate GMU professor Don Boudreaux on “Trump’s Trade War: Art of the Deal or No Deal?” Expect these two eminent economists to go at it in this war of ideas. This is Prof. Boudreaux's first FreedomFest, and he’s very excited to take on Moore and Trump!
"Trumpanomics will work!" - Stephen Moore
John Mackey
In another controversial session, John Mackey will team up with Bruce Friedrich (director of the Good Food Institute) to make the case that “Eating Meat Is Neither Healthy nor Ethical.”
"Food is intensely pleasurable, and people are afraid that if they change the way they eat, they'll stop having pleasure." - John Mackey
Lenore Skenazy
What’s happened to parenting and childhood in America? How did we go from Little House on the Prairie to 10-year-olds who have never walked two blocks from home? Lenore Skenazy will bring home the truth of modern day parenting, and the detrimental impacts on the future freedom of our society.
“You don't remember the times your dad held your handle bars. You remember the day he let go.” ― Lenore Skenazy
Rich Lowry
For more than 20 years, Rich Lowry has helmed the powerhouse conservative publication, National Review. Rich’s voice in all matters politics will be on the FreedomFest schedule again this year. Hear the very latest from the conservative political front from Rich.
“The debate about the war seems pretty robust and free. Many publications, from the New Yorker to the Nation, feel perfectly comfortable printing anti-American articles and that's fine. That's what the First Amendment is all about.” - Rich Lowry
Magatte Wade
The inspiring Magatte Wade will present her new film "Made in Mekhe" as part of the Anthem Film Festival. She'll also share her insights on the state of economies in Africa as part of the Global Economic Summit on Thursday morning.
"To get to the finish line, Africans must create scalable businesses based on African culture, businesses that produce high quality products... And that’s what I’m doing."- Magatte Wade
Michael Shermer
This year we will host a debate between Michael Shermer, publisher and editor of Skeptic magazine, and Dr. Hyrum Lewis, professor of history at BYU-Idaho and author of the new book, “There Is a God: How to Respond to Atheism in the Last Days.” The two will clash on all the arguments -- free will, materialism, suffering, near-death experiences, design, and science vs religion. Can’t wait!
"I say you don't need religion, or political ideology, to understand human nature. Science reveals that human nature is greedy and selfish, altruistic and helpful." - Michael Shermer
Kevin Williamson
Kevin Williamson is a staunch supporter of freedom – the public square and the arena of private enterprise, and everything in between. Kevin will speak to the FreedomFest crowd about his new book, “The Smallest Minority: Independent Thinking in the Age of Mob Politics.” What could be more perfect for our audience of “free-minded” attendees!
“Health care and education are too important NOT to be left to the free market.” - Kevin D. Williamson
Jennifer Grossman
As the head of The Atlas Society, Jennifer Grossman is at the forefront of sharing the philosophy and benefits of Ayn Rand's Objectivism with people around the world, and in particular with young people. Hear her on the main stage with Terry Kibbe, Naomi Brockwell, Stephanie Lips and Jenny Beth Martin: "After Ayn Rand: The Power and Vision of Libertarian Women."
"Ayn Rand gives all women — all people — encouragement to put themselves first." - Jennifer Grossman
Richard Rahn
Richard W. Rahn is an economist, syndicated columnist, and entrepreneur who has served previous White House administrations and the US Chamber of Commerce. A prolific write and author, he.will serve as the moderator of the debate between Steve Moore and Don Boudreaux on Trump and economics.
"The big question, at least for me as an economist, is whether moderate global warming will be good or bad for mankind. Most evidence strongly suggests modest global warming will be beneficial.” - Richard Rahn
Hilary Kramer
A FreedomFest first! The founder of "GameChangers" will be on hand at FreedomFest to give her latest and most profitable investment advice. You won't want to miss her wealth-building and actionable money-making insights!
"Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve." - Hilary Kramer
Kevin Sorbo
You may know him from the popular TV series "Hercules" in the title role, plus his countless movies, but he's also an ardent defender of liberty in Hollywood. He'll be at FreedomFest for the screening of his new movie "Miracle in Texas" as part of the Anthem Film Festival, and address the entire FreedomFest crowd during our opening ceremonies.
"It is astonishing how fragile we are as well as how strong.. The act of suffering does not make you a victim—only your point of view can do that. It is truly the only way to love your job: keep challenging yourself to do better." - Kevin Sorbo
John Fund
Uncivil War and Closing Panel
"Rhetoric is cheap, evidence comes more dearly." - John Fund
Randy Barnett
A More or Less Perfect Union, A Constitution in Writing for Constitution Day on Friday, July 19, plus his annual review of Supreme Court cases with Ilya Shapiro and Anastasia Boden.
“If legislation is truly necessary, one would expect the government to be able to provide proof of this beyond anecdote and speculation. Such proof is the least we can expect before we accept a government restriction of liberty as legitimate.” - Randy Barnett
Katherine Mangu-Ward
Reason Day
"In every state, people are free to feed others in their filthy, unregulated homes, it's only when money changes hands that home cooks transform into a public health hazard." - Katherine Mangu-Ward
Herman Cain
What I Would Have Done at the FED! Two recent nominees (Herman Cain and Steve Moore) to sit on the FED Board will join us at FreedomFest to discuss what they would have done if they had gotten the appointment. A fierce look at the needed changes at the controversial Federal Reserve! Plus Cain will share from his new bio-flick...
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Herman Cain
Charles Murray
The Final Frontier: Moon Landing, Star Wars, and Space Exploration with Catherine Cox
“Responsibility for the consequences of actions is not the price of freedom, but one of its rewards.” - Charles Murray
Prof. Alan Dershowitz
The Nominating Travesty: What's Gone Wrong with Our Process of Appointing Judges
Prof Dershowitz (via Skype) and Prof Randy Barnett will discuss the Kavanaugh nomination hearings and the "new rules" of the judicial appointment process, and why it's so dangerous for our civil rights.
"Judges are the weakest link in our system of justice, and they are also the most protected.." - Alan Dershowitz
Terry Anderson
Democracy and Anarchy: How Wild Was the Wild West? with PJ Hill.
“Incentives matter. If you don’t find a way to compensate people for doing good, you’re going to be hard pressed to get good done.” - Terry Anderson
Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck of The Blaze is back at FreedomFest! Glenn will given an electric keynote address about the 2020 election: Get Ready for the Ultimate Showdown: It’s Either Trump or the New Socialists! And in a never-seen-before, never-will-be-again treat, Glenn Beck will interview Penn Jillette on our stage. Watch the wit fly between Glenn and Penn!
"Political Correctness doesn't change us, it shuts us up." - Glenn Beck
Senator Mike Lee
Known for his outstanding and consistent support for liberty throughout his service in Washington, Mike Lee will address the FreedomFest crowd on Saturday morning on the latest on the state of liberty in the federal government.
"We ought to have more people who believe in constitutionally limited government. We have to have more people come to Congress with that mindset. I think we can make this a better place, if, when elections happen, we support candidates who share that philosophy." - Sen. Mike Lee
Rep Justin Amash
Will he? Won't he? If he does, will it be LP or GOP? One thing is for certain, we are looking for a presidential candidate that embrace principles of liberty to the MAX. Is Justin Amash the one?
"I follow a set of principles, I follow the Constitution. And that's what I base my votes on. Limited government, economic freedom and individual liberty." - Rep Justin Amash
Click Here to See the Complete List of Our Current Speaker Lineup
Duels at FreedomFest 2019
The Libertarian Duel in the Vegas Sun
On Thursday, we also have the ultimate “Libertarian Duel in the Vegas Sun” — a one-on-one debate between Kevin O’Leary and John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market and author of “Conscious Capitalism.” Mackey argues that business has a higher purpose besides making money — the true, the beautiful and the heroic. By contrast, O’Leary argues that “business has only one purpose, to make money. If you want a friend, buy a dog!” I will be moderating this fiery debate that you won’t want to miss.
Food Fight!
Socialism vs Capitalism
Immigration: Open Borders vs Walls
Immigration policy is one of the biggest issues facing America today. With migrant caravans approaching the border, asylum-seeking families being separated, welfare and healthcare systems being overwhelmed, immigration laws being ignored, everyone agrees SOMETHING must be done. But what is the right answer?
In this electric and timely debate, Rakesh Wadhwa and Doug Casey will take the case for open borders and immigration policy, while Candace Owens and Wayne Allyn Root will advocate for Trump's wall to secure our borders. Rich Lowry will wrangle these passionate voices on immigration as the moderator!
Trump's Trade War: Art of the Deal or No Deal?
Steve Moore vs Don Boudreaux
Who’s Winning the Battle on Campus?
“Funding Libertarians on Campus: Hostile Takeover or the Promotion of Academic Balance?" with Daniele Struppa (Chapman University), Jim Gwartney (FSU) and Don Boudreaux (GMU). Marxists are famous for quietly taking over departments at colleges. Is it time for libertarians to do the same?
God, or No God: The New Atheists
One of the most memorable debates we ever had at FreedomFest was between Dinesh D’Souza and Christopher Hitchens on “Religion: What Good Is It?”. It was standing room only, and Dinesh barely won the debate in favor of religion.
It’s time for an encore. This year we will host a debate between Michael Shermer, publisher and editor of “Skeptic” magazine, and Dr. Hyrum Lewis, professor of history at BYU-Idaho and author of the new book, “There Is a God: How to Respond to Atheism in the Last Days.” The two will clash on all the arguments -- free will, materialism, suffering, near-death experiences, design, and science vs religion. Can’t wait!
Progressive or Oppressive? Balancing the History on Manifest Destiny
American Progress, (1872) by John Gast An idealized perception of history?
It was the notion of "Manifest Destiny" that led to the very existence of the Wild West in America's history. Inherent was the idea that expansion into the American west by settlers was not only inevitable but inspired, and the American way of life should spread across the entire continent. But from the beginning, leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant were against the principle, while others believed it was integral to the development of the United States as a cohesive nation.
In recent years, the reality of how harshly indigenous peoples were treated because of the Manifest Destiny doctrine has led to criticism and attempts to revise the traditional historical narrative.
But what's the balance? What's the reality?
In this pivotal conversation, historians and authors John Prevas, Stephen Hicks and Thomas Clavin will discuss the history of the Old West and the impacts of Manifest Destiny - then and now.
The Big Bull and Bear Debate
After 10 years of a remarkable and record-breaking bull market, are we finally at the precipice of a shift into a down market? Our panel of investment experts including Louis Navellier, Alexander Green, Jeff Berwick and Brad Thomas will debate!
Wild Panels on Wild Topics
Robbers, Rustlers and Rogues: Wild West Outlaws in Story and Song
One of our speakers, historian Mark Lee Gardner, is the author of the cover story in National Geographic this month: “Jesse James: Rise of an American Outlaw.” He and his partner, Rex Rideout,will speak and perform at FreedomFest on the topic, “Robbers, Rustlers and Rogues: Wild West Outlaws in Story and Song.”
UnCivil War: Can a Divided America Stand?
Americans have never been more divided by tribalism and party politics. Can the gridlock be broken in 2019? Join a special panel on “Uncivil War: Can a Divided America Stand?” with John Fund (National Review); Grover Norquist (Americans for Tax Reform); Candace Owens (Blexit Movement).
Wide Open Spaces of the Wild West
50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing
Saturday July 20 will be special. Because it’s the 50th anniversary of the landing on the moon, Charles Murray and his wife Catherine Cox, authors of “Apollo: The Race to the Moon,” will speak about the future of space travel and space force (military).
Ed Hudgins will continue the conversation with a session entitled "Mars and the Future of Space - When Will We Be Celebrating the First Man on Mars?" Will Mars be the next era of a "wild west" for humankind?
"Wild Men" in History
Our “Wild West” is an opportunity to discuss "wild" men in history:
New York Times best-selling author Tom Clavin will appear at FreedomFest to discuss his latest book, Wild Bill Hickok: The True Story of the American Frontier's First Gunfighter. You will be fascinating to learn the lesser known and extremely amazing facts about the original "Wild Bill."
Mark Skousen will speak on “Call of the Wild West: Jack London, Socialist or Rugged Individualist?” Skousen will review the life and themes of the most popular writer of the 20thcentury. He will also read my favorite London short story.
You Need a Plan! A Portfolio Approach to Planned Giving
Lawson Bader and Jeffrey Zysik of DonorTrust gives you the inside view on the best ways to create a secure, strategic and efficient plan for charity giving.
The Real Story of Brexit & Its Aftermath: Politics vs the People
Barbara Kolm, Richard Rahn, Brendan O'Neill and Robin Koerner will lay out the story of Brexit, including all the latest updates and developments - and what its aftermath means not only for the people of the UK and the EU, but for future of global politics.
Thanks, Facebook: The Demise of Free Speech on Social Media
Censorship is rampant on social media...political speech in particular, conservative and libertarian free speech especially, are regularly removed, hidden, stricken, barred and restricted. But does it even end there? What ELSE are the powers that be behind Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram censoring. And what does that mean for our future? Join George Gilder, Daryl Kane and Avens O'Brien for this critical and informative panel.
The Cure for "Toxic Masculinity" is....Real Masculinity
Robin Koerner leads a fascinating panel including Avens O'Brien, Jennifer Grossman and Dr William Farrell on the subject of "toxic masculinity" to investigate the notions of gender roles, equality, "radical feminism" and how these are creating a new mix in our society today. Are human relationships improving as a result of these new ideas? What have we lost? Get ready for a potentially highly "triggering" panel!
Capitalism VS Socialism: No Contest!
The Future of Freedom Foundation will investigate the impacts, pitfalls and potentials of socialism in the world today with two back-to-back sessions: Drinking Beer Across Socialist Europe with James Bovard and Conservatives Are Socialists Too with Jacob Hornberger and Richard Ebeling,
After Ayn Rand: The Power and Vision of Libertarian Women
From the start, there have been pivotal female voices in the development of libertarian thought: Rose Wilder Lane, Isabel Paterson and of course, Ayn Rand. At FreedomFest this year, we will feature a powerhouse panel of some of the libertarian movement's most influential leaders and thought-influencers. They will reveal how progress in libertarian thought and influence is being created by the vision of these key women. Featuring Terry Kibbe (Free the People), Jennifer Grossman (The Atlas Society), Naomi Brockwell (Rainsworth Productions), Jenny Beth Martin (Tea Party Patriots), and Stephanie Lips (Atlas Network)
Freedom in the Oceans: The New 'Western' Frontier
Our oceans are one of our greatest and still vastly untapped resources. Is the next frontier on earth in the sea? Hear from Joe Quirk and Carly Rose Jackson of Seasteading, as well as Greg Rehmke on the ways that the oceans can provide new opportunities in economics and personal freedom.
Opt Out Alternative Education that Completely Ignores Our K-12 and HIgher Ed Systems
As Mike Rowe so aptly points out, "We are lending money we don't have to kids who can't pay it back to train them for jobs that no longer exist." In this highly "educational" panel, Ed Hudgins, Robby Soave, Lisa Sparks, Sam Sorbo, and Charlie Copeland will share the initiatives and ideas underway to overhaul not only our education system, but our entire society and economic foundation.
Is the Economic or the Moral Case More Important for Libertarianism?
What do we want? Liberty!
When do we want it? Whenever we can convince everyone else!
Donald Boudreaux, Richard Ebeling, Robert Lawson and Nicolas Sarwark will discuss the dynamics of the "best" way to approach non-libertarians with the case for liberty.
The Wild West on Wall Street
Kevin O'Leary
The Cold Hard Truth About Business and Investing
Volatility, uncertainty and chaos are all too common in today’s financial markets under the Trump era. You can make a killing, or be killed.
We’re putting together a special three-day financial conference at FreedomFest called “The Wild West on Wall Street,” with experts on how to arm yourself with the protection you need during these dangerous times. Leading the posse will be none other than Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank fame, who regularly offers sound financial advice on CNBC.
Louis Navellier
My Favorite Way to Beat the Market 3:1
Vince Foster
Investing in Private American Businesses: Democratic Capitalism at Its Best or The Gain in MAIN Has Really Been Insane (we think he’s got it!)
Hilary Kramer
Doug Casey
Gold Fever: How to Invest in Penny Stocks Without Losing Your Shirt
Alexander Green
How to Beat the Market Without Predicting the Future
Peter Schiff
The Big Bull and Bear Debate
Ed Moy
History of Currency and 10 Big Predictions!
Jeff Berwick
Dollar Vigilante: Surviving and Prospering During the Coming Dollar Collapse
Adrian Day
What Every Investor Needs to Know about the "Gold Rushes" of Today: From California to South Africa
Alan Pell Crawford
How Not to Get Rich: What You Can Learn From the Financial Misadventures of Mark Twain
The Second Amendment on Trial
Anthem Film Festival
Every year we host the Anthem Film Festival, directed by Jo Ann Skousen, and the attendance keeps getting bigger.
Anthem offers the year’s best films about personal and civil liberty. We present movies and documentaries about self-reliance, innovation, entrepreneurship, individual rights, and the triumph of persuasion over force. Libertarian films often point out the unintended consequences of government intervention, but they’re just as likely to be about a protagonist’s personal struggle for self-expression or self-reliance. Libertarian stories can be found in any family, community, or industry. Our best heroes create their own paths; they don’t conform to the expectations of others. When something goes wrong, they fix it themselves. When something goes right, they give credit where it’s due. Libertarian films show us how to make the world a better place simply by making our own lives better.
Enjoy a screening of a libertarian film at the Anthem Film Festival...only at FreedomFest!
View all the 2019 Anthem Selections.
"Constitution Day" at FreedomFest 2019
This year, Free to Choose Network will sponsor "Constitution Day" at FreedomFest. Featuring a main stage presentation on the Constitution from the astute and respected Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg, there will be three additional sessions on Friday July 19 that look at the new Free to Choose Media documentary series "A More or Less Perfect Union" - exploring the vital principles and tenets of the US Constitution that give us our current rights....but also are in serious jeopardy.
Session 1: David Bobb and Judge Ginsburg on "A More or Less Perfect Union"
Session 2: Randy Barnett on A Constitution in Writing
Session 3: Clark Neily on A Constitution for All?
Hosted by Rob Chatfield
"Reason Day" at FreedomFest 2019
Each year, Reason Foundation sponsors thought-provoking sessions on current events and libertarian thought. Reason will host a main stage presentation Saturday morning followed by three breakout sessions, featuring some of your favorite Reason editors!
This Year's Reason Day Sessions:
General Session: How To Argue Against the “Socialists of All Parties” with Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie
Session 1: How to Unsuck Your Videos with Austin and Meredith Bragg (aka the Bragg Brothers)
Session 2: The New Drug War Hydra with David Nott, Geoffrey Lawrence, and Jeffrey Singer
Session 3: The Past, Present, and (Very Far) Future of Healthcare Peter Suderman and Katherine Mangu-Ward
The Pitch Tank
Our special Pitch Tank Event provides Angel Investor Network (our partners who organize Pitch Tank) with tremendous deal flow opportunities receiving over five hundred or more applications from new companies who want the chance to participate in this very popular and highly attended event session.
After careful consideration and many conversations, AIN then whittles down the list and invites 20-25 companies to join us in Las Vegas where, for a fee, they receive their own six foot table in the exhibit hall to present their company’s abilities to FreedomFest attendees and investors.
The preliminary judging round allows each of the participating companies a chance to deliver a live investor pitch to our preliminary judges who then discuss and evaluate each presentation within a non-disclosed criteria list rating each company on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the best.
Judged Categories include:
- Market Opportunity and Solution
- Team
- Growth Plan
- Progress
- Financial Projections
- Capital Strategy
- Presentation
- Risk
After the preliminary round, the top five companies are then invited to do their pitch in front of the entire FreedomFest audience on the Main Stage. The main stage Pitch Tank finals are attended by over 2,000 people and provides the five finalists the opportunity to gain valuable experience speaking and presenting to a large and discriminating audience of educated and sophisticated investors. An invaluable experience for new entrepreneurs!
Enter Here
General Store (aka our Exhibit Hall)
The Tradeshow for Liberty
There's good times, good people, good food and good ideas to be found in our ultimate "general store" -- the FreedomFest Exhibit Hall!
John Mackey calls it the "tradeshow for liberty" because it's the one place you'll find all the biggest and best think tanks, grassroots organizations and non-profits, plus financial services companies, coin dealers and precious metals businesses, real estate investing, healthcare companies, and much more.
Whether you are looking to get involved, invest, buy a great new product, meet some terrific new people, get a book signed, have some coffee or a bite to eat, the FreedomFest Exhibit Hall is THE place to gather throughout the conference.
Non-Stop Action in the Exhibit Hall: The Hunt for Gold Begins!
One of the favorite spots for attendees is the Exhibit Hall, where over 100 freedom organizations, think tanks, book sellers, and financial services gather for 3 ½ days. That’s where we have our cocktail parties, lunch sales, places to relax, visit with friends, and play games (try your hand at the “White Mates in Two” chess problem each day).
Terry and Sue Easton wrote after last year’s show, “We had non-stop traffic at our booth!!! Fantastic response. We could not have hoped for a better reception to our new program/project.”
This July we will have something special in the Exhibit Hall – a Treasure Hunt for a lock box worth $1,776, including gold and silver coins! Open to all attendees. Details to follow.
See Our Growing Line-Up of Sponsors and Exhibitors Here.
A Rootin' Tootin' Good Time at FreedomFest!
Rip-Roaring' at the Saturday Night Banquet
Featuring Loop Rawlins and The Amish Outlaws!
The FreedomFest Saturday Night Farewell Banquet is the not-to-be-missed celebration that is the perfect ending to a glorious four days of intellectual feasting.Opening with a festive cocktail reception where you can visit with new found friends and long-held colleagues, the banquet doors open to invite everyone in for an elegant three-course gourmet meal, plus keynote speakers, live entertainment, the Anthem Film Festival awards and music and dancing!
This year we will be entertained by two fantastic performances. First legendary Wild West performer Loop Raulins will amaze us with his gun spinning, whip cracking, and rope tricking. Then the effusive and infectiously fun Amish Outlaws, known for their enthusiastic versions of classic songs from Motown, country and rock'n'roll through to today's biggest pop hits.
Tickets are normally $250 each but are just $125 for our FreedomFest attendees.
Cowboys and the History of the Wild West....
Billy the Kid and Jesse James: Robin Hoods or Wicked Outlaws? Mark Gardner has written extensively on both of these infamous outlaws. This illustrated presentation will include both factual background on their lives and a review of how the two have been portrayed in movies, art, and literature.
Robbers, Rustlers and Rogues: Wild West Outlaws in Story and Song Mark Gardner and Rex Rideout join forces for this session, which will include a live performance of such famous American folk ballads as "Jesse James," "Cole Younger," "Sam Bass," "Billy the Kid," among others. Primarily a musical session, it will also present brief backgrounds on the outlaws, as well as the stories behind the songs themselves.
Mark Gardner and Rex Rideout will be featured during our Welcome Reception during the Grand Opening of the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday night. Enjoy their traditional cowboy music live and firsthand!
A Little Square Dancing for All...
Have a rip-roaring good time at an old-fashioned square dance....right at FreedomFest! The shindig will begin with a performance of clogging and yodeling by Mama's Wranglers, leading into some audience participation line-dancing!
Mama's Wranglers, the Jackson Family Band & Cloggers, are one of the most sought after acts around! They've performed in 49 states, Canada, and Europe. They sing old time western music, clog and America's yodeling sweetheart, 17-year old Skyler, will bring down the house! The media, radio and television love their confidence, charisma, hot instrumentation, dancing, and powerful vocal harmonies that only siblings can achieve.
Then our traditional square dance caller will take over, leading us all through the moves and patterns for an authentic square dance. You can partner up, doh-si-doh and do a right-and-left grand with your friends from FreedomFest. No experience or partner necessary! The caller will tell you exactly what you need to know to square dance. Can you walk, stomp and turn in a circle? Then YOU can square dance!
Put on your dancing shoes and be ready to square up on Thursday, July 18.
Special Events
The Inside Story of Shark Tank
Special Event Luncheon
Thursday, July 18 12pm
VIP keynote speaker Kevin O’Leary will give a special private luncheon on “The Inside Story of Shark Tank.” Includes a full three-course lunch and a signed copy of O’Leary’s best-selling book “The Cold Hard Truth on Men, Women and Money.” Thursday, July 18th at 12pm.
$125 per person
Anthem Filmmakers Master Class and Reception
VIP Reception
Thursday, July 18 7pm
Join us for a filmmakers reception and master class special event. Includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Thursday, July 18th.
$75 per person
Meet Penn Jillette!
VIP Reception
Friday, July 19 7:30pm
Treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime at our exclusive VIP reception with keynote speaker, Penn Jillette. Meet Penn Jillette personally and have a photo taken with him. Includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Strictly limited to 100. Friday, July 19th 7:00pm.
$125 per person
Investing for Two: How Couples Can Successfully Manage Their Finances
Mark and Jo Ann Skousen
Special Event Breakfast
Saturday, July 20 7:30am
Mark and Jo Ann Skousen have both worked together to achieve financial independence for over 45 years, despite having two different approaches to investing — Jo Ann is more conservative and Mark more speculative. In this lively presentation, the Skousens will reveal their unique strategy of apply the law of comparative advantage to saving, investing, consumer and business debt, and personal finance that maximizing net worth and minimizing fighting over money (a major cause of divorce). A first at FreedomFest. Full breakfast included. Saturday, July 20th.
$60 per person
Saturday Night Farewell Reception & Banquet
Featuring Loop Rawlins and The Amish Outlaws
Saturday, July 20 6pm
No FreedomFest conference experience is complete without enjoying our fabulous Saturday Night Banquet. Join the FreedomFest family for a festive reception (with live acoustic guitar), gourmet three-course dinner, live entertainment, the Anthem Film awards, special guest speakers and live music and dancing with the amazing Amish Outlaws! (You won’t believe who gets out on the dance floor every year!).
Plus legendary Wild West performer Loop Rawlins will entertain us with his gun spinning, rope cracking, lasso wielding skills! You may have seen Loop on America's Got Talent, and you will never forget his incredible performance at our banquet!
Normally $250/person, discounted by 50% with your FreedomFest registration!
Freedom Art Exhibit VIP Unveiling Reception
Wednesday, July 17, 7:30pm
Meet the artists of the Freedom Art Exhibit and be the first to see the art pieces. Enjoy cocktails and a celebratory atmosphere as you are present for the unveiling of the specially selected art pieces from Michael Ramirez and SABO. Treasure Investments will also display two beautiful Americana statuary art as part of the unveiling.
Michael will also add a personalized artwork just for you on the spot, in a complimentary copy of his art book. You will have the first opportunity to purchase these high-end and impactful art pieces.
How to Take Advantage of These Special Events:
Not registered for FreedomFest yet? Add these special events when you register here.
Already registered for FreedomFest? Add these special events here.
FreedomFest Student Debate Showcase
FreedomFest and American Logos are partnering to bring the best of the best students in the United States to the “Wild West!”
Eighteen domestic and international students will come together to demonstrate their excellence in critical thinking and public speaking while having discussions about the most pressing issues facing society today.
These students participate regularly at international competitions, facing off with students from dozens of countries. This group of young people truly represents the “best of the best” and the future leaders of tomorrow. Alumni have gone on to the finest colleges and universities, such as King’s College, Point Loma University, and William Jewell College, to earn degrees and pursue careers in a variety of different fields.
The 1st Annual FreedomFest Debate Showcase will take place concurrently with the FreedomFest conference, July 17-20, 2019 at the Paris Resort in Las Vegas.
Student teams will each participate in three debates for FreedomFest attendees during lunch and breakout sessions.
You will want to check out these dynamic and exciting debates!
FreedomFest and American Logos are collaborating to bring debate to a new and large audience because debate offers an unusually balanced perspective to discussing issues. With today’s ‘tribalism’ and the ability to limit news and social circles to perspectives that match one’s beliefs, the need to have both sides of an issue represented equally and respectfully in a structured manner is more important than ever.
Planned Topics:
Freedom Art Exhibit
Art is a powerful messenger and outlet for free speech! FreedomFest will host an art exhibit featuring the political satire and art of Michael Ramirez (National Review) and SABO (street artist). You'll be inspired, moved, and maybe even offended at the unique art pieces Michael and SABO will have on display. But isn't that the point of art and free speech?
SABO
I believe the Right has a great message, sadly the only people telling it are those on the Left and they do a damn fine job making us look like ass holes and what do Republicans do about it, NOT A D*MN THING!!! @&$* it! I guess it’s just going to have to be me, I thought. My aim as an artist is to be as dirty, ground level, and mean as any Liberal artist out there, more so if I can. Use their tactics, their methods, appeal to their audience, the young, urban , street urchins with a message they never hear in a style they own. My name is SABO, I'm an UNSAVORYAGENT.
Michael Ramirez
In a world of textual information, Ramirez combines an encyclopedic knowledge of the news with a captivating drawing style to create consistently outstanding and highly incisive satirical cartoons. His commentary on everything from the economy and markets to politics and international affairs offers a unique perspective on today’s issues. They take a humorously insightful look at the world around us, making readers laugh while informing them on the issues of our times.
Welcome to the Free Speech Zone - enter at your own free will and choice!
There will be a VIP Reception on the opening night for art lovers who want to see the unveiling of these unique art pieces, and meet with the artists directly. In addition to work by Michael Ramirez and Sabo, Treasure Investments will also display two beautiful Americana statuary art as part of the unveiling. And Michael Ramirez will be "signing" a cmplimentary copy of his book with a custom drawing, just for each attendee! (Add to your registration, $100 each)
Register now!
Register today for FreedomFest and become part of the the world's largest gathering of free minds.