Fairs & Festivals

Memorial Day festivals

Looking for something to do this Memorial Day weekend? Here’s a quick look at the fairs & festivals happening around the state.

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Camp Courageous car show

Camp Courageous will hold the 22nd annual “Cruisin’ for Camp Courageous” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Presented by the Cedar Valley Street Rods, it is one of Iowa’s largest charity car shows.

Marion Arts Fest

What do you get when you combine amazing art from across the country and a quaint city park? The Marion Arts Festival, of course! And there’s so much to do at the 17th annual, award winning (It was recently named the no. one festival of this size in a 13-state Midwest region. Take that Des Moines!) event that you’ll want to stay all day. The self-proclaimed “come-as-you-are” festival offers stunning art for purchase, hands-on art activities, entertainment (local favorites Junk Funk will be back), food and fun for the whole family. And best of all, it’s free.

Houby Days Festival set for next weekend

CEDAR RAPIDS — Last summer’s flood won’t prevent the biggest annual event in Czech Village from happening. The Houby Days Festival, scheduled for Friday through May 17, will celebrate the mushrooms for which it’s named and the resurgence of Czech Village.

Free Concert Fridays in Iowa City

I don’t know about you, but the word FREE always gets my attention. The folks at Summer of the Arts, an organization in Iowa City that supports four outstanding local arts and cultural events, have combined two of my very favorite things: FREE and live music. That’s right. Every Friday night they bring great live music to downtown Iowa City and it won’t cost you a thing.

Head Downtown for Uptown Friday Nights

Friday’s in Cedar Rapids are extra special thanks to Uptown Friday Nights sponsored by the Cedar Rapids JayCees. It’s safe to say some of the most memorable times I’ve had in Cedar Rapids happened at Uptown Friday Night… but that’s a story for another day and another blog. Uptown Friday Night is an ideal way to usher in the weekend. Every Friday from Memorial Day weekend through July, you can find a party happening at Green Square Park located on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 5th Street SE in Cedar Rapids. The fun gets rolling promptly at 5 until 8 p.m. Parents, find your babysitter now because the kids are staying home. Alcohol is served and you must be 21 to enter and plan to pay a cover charge. By the way, don’t forget your ID, because you’ll be carded at the gate regardless of your wrinkles. (Thank you, Jaycees, for preserving my fragile ego.)

Blues & BBQ in North Liberty

You’ll find family fun in the corridor in North Liberty on Sunday, May 24, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Blues & BBQ is one day, one party, one cool time. Bring your lawn chairs or your blankets to Liberty Centre located near the intersection of Penn Street and Hwy 965. But leave your coolers at home because they’re not permitted. The only alcohol allowed will be at the beverage garden where the beer is cold and the music sizzles. Be sure to bring your ID.You’ll find free great regional blues talent jamming on the stage all day. Catch David Zolo, Ernie Peniston Band, Bob Dorr and the Blue Band, Kevin B.F. Burt and The Wise Fools.

Amanas welcome Maifest

The Amana Colonies’ Maifest celebration welcomes springtime and offers a variety of entertainment. The 2009 celebration is themed Hope Springs Eternal.

captureIowa

captureIowa is a fun place to check out artwork, photos, videos, audio and other creativity from Iowa natives.

Fun & Games

Looking for fun? We have Iowa jokes, quizzes and activities as well as links to cool games.