Rand Paul to speak at FreedomFest 2026 in Las Vegas

FreedomFest will bring Sen. Rand Paul and other speakers to Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from July 8-11, 2026, as the conference marks America’s 250th anniversary. The event will feature talks, film, business, comedy and debate programming centered on liberty, free markets and civil liberties. Why it matters: - FreedomFest is positioning its 2026 edition as a major gathering around liberty, free markets and civil liberties at a moment when the conference also ties its programming to the 250th anniversary of American independence. - Rand Paul’s appearance adds a high-profile political voice to an event built around constitutional conservatism, anti-interventionism and open debate. What happened: - FreedomFest said the 2026 conference will take place July 8-11 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. - The conference will open Wednesday, July 8 at noon and end Saturday, July 11 with an Independence Ball. - Sen. Rand Paul is scheduled to speak at the event. - The conference expects more than 2,500 attendees. - FreedomFest founder Mark Skousen launched the conference in 2002. The details: - FreedomFest describes itself as the world’s largest annual gathering of free minds and one of the world’s most influential conferences devoted to liberty. - The event is built around philosophy, economics, science, technology, health and the arts. - Programming includes the Anthem Film Festival, the Global Financial Summit, the Tradeshow for Liberty, the Punching Up Comedy Festival and the Principled Business Pitch Competition. - The 2026 lineup also includes Steve Forbes, John Mackey, Adam Carolla, Rob Schneider, Kennedy, Dean Cain, Glenn Beck, Nick Shirley and Marissa Streit. - Newly added programming includes a UFC special with Renato Moicano, Don Frye and Dan Severn, plus a VIP meet-and-greet. - Kelsey Grammer has also been added to the lineup. - Special 250th-anniversary programming includes a live reading of the Declaration of Independence by Dean Cain, Glenn Beck’s history lesson, PragerU’s Freedom Truck mobile museum, and a Spirit of ’76 musical revue with Steve Forbes as George Washington. - The conference also plans debates and sessions on lessons from the last 250 years and how to preserve the nation’s future. - Registration options include full conference passes, Anthem Film Lovers passes and one-day passes. - FreedomFest’s website is More information . - FreedomFest lists its LinkedIn page at LinkedIn . Between the lines: - Rand Paul’s quoted remarks frame the conference appearance as part of a broader argument against unilateral military action and in favor of Congress reclaiming war powers. - The event’s mix of politics, business, comedy, film and entrepreneurship reflects a broader effort to turn FreedomFest into a multi-track gathering rather than a single-issue conference. - The 250th-anniversary theme gives the 2026 edition a national-history angle that may help the conference draw beyond its core audience. What’s next: - FreedomFest will run July 8-11 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. - Additional speakers and session details may continue to be rolled out before the conference. - Attendees can register through FreedomFest’s event passes and specialty programming options. The bottom line: - FreedomFest 2026 is betting that a mix of Rand Paul, anniversary-themed programming and wide-ranging cultural events will broaden its appeal while keeping its liberty-focused identity front and center.