FREELAND, MI – The popular Freeland Walleye Festival is back and bigger than ever. On Friday, April 25, the Anderson Midway Carnival rides were open, the Walleye Festival Parade drew a large crowd, the beer tent opened, the second annual Walleye Comedy Night show was held and so much more. Hundreds of people lined the streets of the parade route and children rushed to collect the candy thrown from all the participants. Vendor James Gilbert wasn’t one of the people rushing anywhere as he relaxed in his Nature’s Lounger while the parade strolled by. “It’s a rough job, but someone’s got to do it,” Gilbert said. Related: Fishing tournament, live comedy and rummage sales: Your guide to the 2025 Freeland Walleye Festival The fun continues through the weekend featuring a Texas hold’em tournament, phish pong tournament, a casino at Burt Watson’s only on Saturday, April 26, a car show, disc golf tournament and bingo. See the full schedule of the 2025 Freeland Walleye Festival events by clicking here. The walleye fishing tournament officially begins at 12 a.m. Saturday, and final weigh-in takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Hayes Park (Tittabawassee Township Park). Awards will be handed out after the weigh-in. Check out the gallery above for scenes from Friday or click here. Visit www.freelandwalleyefestival.com to learn more.