NH Liberty Dinner, Freedom Palooza, & Ron Paul’s 90th!
DATE: Friday, July 11, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
Did you think PorcFest was the only great Free State event happening this summer?
Of course not — we've only just begun.
Let's hop right in.
In two weeks, the 2nd annual "Freedom Palooza" music festival kicks off at Roaring Brook Farm in the North Country.
The musical performances are great, the region is beautiful, and the North Country Porcupines are a welcoming community of liberty lovers to spend time with.
I have already purchased my ticket to camp out for the full weekend — and I look forward to singing a song or three with my friends in the Free State Acoustics.
I am personally inviting you to join us this July 25-27 for Freedom Palooza in Northumberland, NH.
Visit for a day (day passes are available) or stay for the whole weekend at Roaring Brook Farm in the NH North Country.
Grab your tickets and use my discount code — Porcupine2025 — to save 5% on your Freedom Palooza tickets.
To learn more about Freedom Palooza, watch this week's episode of the Porcupine Report!
Porcupine Report #71: “Freedom Palooza is Coming!” with Keith Bessette
Eric welcomes Keith Bessette, founder of Free State Acoustics, for a lively discussion on music, liberty, and the upcoming Freedom Palooza festival. Keith shares his journey from Florida to becoming a regular in New Hampshire's liberty scene, emphasizing how community and creativity are thriving among Free Staters.
They dive into the evolution of PorcFest, the role of music in the movement, and the unique culture of spontaneous collaboration. Freedom Palooza, set for July 25–27 in the North Country, promises a weekend of camping, liberty, and live music under the stars. The episode closes with performances and reflections on how liberty is lived, not just debated.
For those in the Free State next Saturday, July 19, please consider joining our friends at the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance for their annual Liberty Dinner.
This is a fancy affair.
Many wear their best formal attire for this ticketed event.
NHLA Liberty Dinner. At last year's NHLA Liberty Dinner, Eric Brakey (FSP Executive Director) and Chris Lopez (FSP Welcome and Engagement Director) snap a photo together with the torch of liberty. Grab your tickets for this year's dinner.
Last year, I had the honor of stepping in last minute to serve as the event's keynote speaker — sharing my 5 lessons for liberty legislators.
This year, the NHLA is hosting someone far better: Justin Pearson of the Institute for Justice.
Justin Pearson is a Senior Attorney at the Institute for Justice, where he directs IJ’s national food truck work and is also the Managing Attorney for IJ’s Florida office in Miami.
Justin has devoted his career to vindicating the constitutional rights of small-business owners.
He has argued on their behalf as lead counsel hundreds of times in courts across the nation, and many of Justin’s victories have involved novel constitutional arguments.
This year's Liberty Dinner will include:
Hors d'oeuvre, buffet dinner, and plated dessert with cash bar.
Awards for Legislator of the Year and Activist of the Year.
Unveiling of the 2025 Liberty Rating and the NHLA legislative scorecard.
Keynote address: Justin Pearson of the Institute for Justice
Silent auction.
Click here to grab your tickets for the NHLA Liberty Dinner.
And that's not all! After an action-packed month of July in the Free State, many are heading south for a reunion of the Ron Paul Revolution.
On August 9th, we are celebrating Ron Paul's 90th birthday — hosted by our friends at Young Americans for Liberty and sponsored by the Free State Project.
Like many in our movement, I would not be here today if it were not for Ron Paul's courage and sage wisdom during his two Republican campaigns for President in 2008 and 2012.
I hope you will consider joining us in Lake Jackson for this once-in-a-lifetime reunion of the Ron Paul Revolution.
We are sending down a strong delegation from the Free State to wish Ron Paul well on his 90th birthday and build more connections with potential libertarian movers. I hope to see you there!
Click here to secure your tickets for Ron Paul's 90th Birthday BBQ.
Dr. Ron Paul Answers Questions at PorcFest XXI. At last year's Porcupine Freedom Festival, Dr. Ron Paul took questions from participants — including fond memories of campaigning in New Hampshire. Click here for the full video.
Looking ahead, mark your calendar for Columbus Day weekend.
On Sunday, October 12, the Free State Bitcoin Digital Asset Conference returns with discussions on the cutting-edge issues and opportunities in the emerging realm of cryptocurrencies.
For the entire three-day weekend (October 11-13), our friends at Independence Realty are also organizing several events for Fall Fest in the Free State. There will be fun for the whole family, including apple picking, corn mazes, and more.
I'll be sharing more information about these events in future newsletters, but expect many good reasons for liberty lovers to join us in New Hampshire this autumn.
On a final note, please join me TONIGHT at 7:00 PM for the next installment of our Digital Dialogue Series on our Free State Project X account.
In keeping with the Independence Day season, we will be discussing the question: "What happened to the American Republic?"
I will be kicking it off with my own analysis, and then kicking the question to participants for open discussion.
This dialogue will be conducted live with X Spaces.
It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.
If you would like to support our continued outreach efforts, then please CLICK HERE to become a patron of the Free State Project.
Thank you for supporting our mission to achieve "Liberty in Our Lifetime" — one new mover at a time.
Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared by our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.
For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project
Carla's Corner
Manch Talk: "Explore Your Education Options in the Free State of New Hampshire."
Special guest, founder and President of EdOpt, Jody Underwood of Croydon, joins Carla Gericke to discuss the myriad of education options available in the Free State of New Hampshire. Learn more about how to find schools, compare programs, and discover resources for your child’s success. Learn more: EdOpt.org.
"Hey Elon Musk! New Hampshire is the model for success." - Carla Gericke
News from the Free State
EIN Presswire: "Ross Ulbricht Makes Triumphant Public Return at PorcFest 2025"
FSP: “We may have lost the republic, but we’re rebuilding it here.” (Last week's FSP newsletter)
Islands.com: "One Of The Most Hiked Mountains In The World Is An Iconic New Hampshire Peak With Unmatched Views"
NHPR: "How fast will NH's universal school choice program grow? Predictions vary widely."
NH Bulletin: “With income cap gone, New Hampshire families rush to apply for school vouchers"
Keene Sentinel: "New budget removes $50 bet restriction in NH casinos"
Seacoast Online: "NH lawmakers to explore private funding model for affordable housing"
NH Business Review: "NH leads the country in trade complexity"
Concord Monitor: "New Hampshire legalizes public alcohol consumption in designated ‘social districts"
Lanconia Daily Sun: "30 reasons why New Hampshire stands out as a place to live"
PorcFest XXII
We have begun publishing content from this year's Porcupine Freedom Festival.
Just as we did earlier this year with the NH Liberty Forum, we will be publishing PorcFest content on a rolling basis, several times a week, across multiple social media platforms. Please find below all content published since our last newsletter (plus two bonus items)!
You can find all video content from FSP events on YouTube and all audio-only content on our Spotify podcast channel: "FSP Talks."
"Welcome Home" with Ross Ulbricht (Extended Cut).
Ross Ulbricht makes his first in-person appearance at PorcFest following his full pardon, greeted by overwhelming love and support from the Free State community. The event features heartfelt speeches, symbolic gifts, and a powerful performance of the “Free Ross” anthem by Jordan Page, now transformed from a plea into a celebration.
Ross reflects on his journey through prison, the emotional toll on his family, and the inner peace he found by letting go of desire. He offers hard-won wisdom on the nature of freedom—both political and personal—and expresses deep gratitude to the Free State Project and all who fought for his release. The gathering is filled with hope, healing, and the enduring spirit of those who believe in justice and voluntary cooperation.
"The Revolution Will Be Tokenized" with Aaron Day of the Daylight Freedom Foundation.
Current fellow at the Brownstone Institute and the Chairman/CEO of the Daylight Freedom Foundation, Aaron Day, outlines the urgent battle between technocracy and freedom in the age of digital finance. He explains how centralized databases and stablecoins are paving the way for programmable surveillance money, already backed by legislation like the Stable and Genius Acts.
Day warns that central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and regulated stablecoins are tools of control—not innovation—designed to track, censor, and restrict personal financial freedom. He proposes privacy-focused alternatives like the Zeno platform and Freedom Dollar, which allow peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. The message is clear: tokenization is inevitable, but the revolution must be private, voluntary, and free.
"The Israel-Iran War" with Scott Horton.
In this explosive talk, Scott Horton breaks down the hidden forces behind decades of U.S. foreign policy, focusing on the Middle East and the role of neoconservatives and the Israel lobby. He traces the origins of America’s entanglements in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and beyond, exposing how misinformation, regime change agendas, and geopolitical alliances have fueled endless war.
Horton critiques both Democratic and Republican administrations for perpetuating cycles of violence under the guise of national security. He explains how U.S. policies have empowered extremist groups and endangered global stability. Drawing on deep historical knowledge, Horton delivers a powerful indictment of empire and interventionism. Don't miss this deep dive into the real reasons behind America's wars.
"Is Liberty One Generation Away from Extinction?" with Sean Themea
Chief Operating Officer at Young Americans for Liberty, Sean Themea, delivers a compelling talk on the future of liberty and why he's optimistic despite cultural and political challenges. Sharing his journey from a pro-government college student to a committed liberty activist, he highlights how YAL empowers young people to challenge authority, change policy, and run for office.
He outlines YAL’s strategy to build "Liberty Lighthouse States," like New Hampshire, by training students, mobilizing voters, and holding politicians accountable. Themea underscores the importance of messaging liberty in relatable ways and stresses that education is only the beginning—action is key. With inspiring stories of student victories and legislative wins, he makes the case that liberty is not one generation away from extinction, but one generation away from revival.
The Impossible Mission. Lyn Ulbricht comes on the Digital Cash Network podcast with Joel Valenzuela (live from PorcFest) to talk about her unending quest to free her son Ross Ulbricht from prison, which culminated in a successful pardon, as well as her Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing nonprofit. Click here for the full interview.
Drone Footage from PorcFest XXII by Mickey Mullin. As a bonus treat, here is a short video of drone footage from the 22nd annual Porcupine Freedom Festival, courtesy of Free Stater Mickey Mullin. Watch the full video.
As Seen In the Free State
Defend the Guard. Several women of the Free State remind Granite Staters at 4th of July celebrations that real patriots don't let their National Guard troops be sent off into undeclared forever wars.
Fireworks. Free Staters Olga and Jason Sorens watch the fireworks light up the sky on Independence Day.
Jam Session at The Pine. The Free State Acoustics hold a jam session at "The Pine" — the newly opened Free State community clubhouse in the North Country.
Some Upcoming Events:
Saturday, July 12th
Keene, 12pm-6 - Monadnock Market Day - Come network with liberty lovers and support local vendors in Southwest NH, near Keene. Hosted by Nik Steckley. (Liberty Tree Farm, 1114 NH-12, Westmoreland)
Lempster, 12pm-3 - Ryan’s Handgun Improvement Part 1: Accuracy - We will be focusing on two fundamental skills: trigger control and draw stroke. Part 1 is a clinic on basics with a heavy emphasis on trigger control, which translates to accuracy. NOTE: if you sign up for both Part 1 and Part 2 at the same time you get both for $200. Secure your spot TODAY! Hosted by Jesse Smith. (N.O.RO. Tactical, 186 Keyes Hollow Rd, Lempster)
Portsmouth, 12pm-3 - Seacoast Cryptocurrency Meetup - Come out, chat about crypto, learn more about it and how to use it, and of course use it to buy your food and drinks! Hosted by Joël Valenzuela. (La Maison Navarre, 121 Congress St, Portsmouth)
Lempster, 12pm-3 - Ryan’s Handgun Improvement Part 2: Better Draw - Part 2 is all about drawing from your holster. This portion will hone your skills towards a faster, consistent draw. Part 2 requires a holster, preferably one with retention and a rigid shell, and 50 rounds. NOTE: if you sign up for both Part 1 and Part 2 at the same time you get both for $200. Secure your spot TODAY! Hosted by Jesse Smith. (N.O.RO. Tactical, 186 Keyes Hollow Rd, Lempster)
Grafton, 4pm-7 - Grafton Potluck - Monthly potluck for friends of liberty, i.e., Free Staters and friends, that meets every second Saturday. Call Rich Angell for location and further details at 207-370-7282.
Madison, 4pm-6 - Carroll County Freedom Potluck - A monthly meet-up is in your area, so come on up and say hi! Please RSVP to mdj@freestatefiles.com for directions or call our landline 603 367 7257 and indicate that you're with the FSP. Hosted by Mark & Michelle.
Sunday, July 13th
Ossipee, 12pm-2 - Ossipee Porcupines Meetup - Come meet your neighbors at Harley Jacks for lunch with mountain views. We'll be sharing how we're living free and what practical efforts we want to try to keep increasing liberty in the east of the Free State! Hosted by Tim Bauman. (Harley Jacks Burgers & Brews, 1020 NH-16, Ossipee)
Lancaster, 12pm-6 - Game Day and Amy’s Birthday Bash! - All Amy wants for her birthday is to play games! So come prepared to play lots of board & card games and bring a dish to share! (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)
Candia, 1:30pm-4 - Weekly Ruck - Join the Garnet School Ruck Club as we explore the land around the Garnet School! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Down the hill from 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
Manchester, 5pm-7:30 - Manchester Crypto Meetup - We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St, Manchester)
Keene, 5pm-6 - Social Sunday - Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH's longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Wade. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)
Nashua, 6pm-8 - Nashua Liberty Social - Weekly Nashua Meet-Up - Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem.
Strafford, 6pm-8 - Porcupines in Action - Come and hear what active Porcupines are passionate about. Find out what new fronts are opening, who's doing what, and how projects are advancing. Cheer each other on; enquire, support, or even join up, if you are so inspired. Hosted by Dennis Pratt. (Independence Inn, 6 Drake Hill Rd, Strafford)