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It’s the second weekend of June in central and southeastern Iowa, and your local communities are jam-packed with things to do in these (hopefully — knock on wood and all that) sun-drenched days ahead. We’re talking citywide parades, block parties, arts festivals and everything in between. Iowa City will have its fill of arts makers and appreciators at the Iowa Arts Fest. Davenport is getting the people together for a summer kickoff block party. And, of course, the month-long Pride festivities continue with the Cedar Rapids Pride Festival and the 45th Capital City Pride celebrations in Des Moines.
The Weekender is sponsored by:
COMING UP
Iowa Arts Festival
Iowa City | Downtown | Fri – Sun, Jun 7 – 9,
The Iowa Arts Festival is an award-winning, weekend-long community celebration and Iowa City tradition that celebrated 40 years in 2023.
Warped: Brenda with Northern Parallels
Iowa City | The Box | Fri, Jun 7, 9 p.m.
A night of quality techno at The Box, a new venue in downtown Iowa City. Northern Parallels is proud to present Brenda, a resident DJ at Smartbar in Chicago, A&R at Format Recordings, and co-producer of the Format.FM podcast series.
Carvell Wallace in conversation with Kaveh Akbar
Iowa City | Prairie Lights | Thurs, Jun 6, 7 p.m.
Award-winning journalist Carvell Wallace will read from and talk with author Kaveh Akbar about his memoir, Another Word for Love.
The Weekender is sponsored by:
Ballet Des Moines’ Summer STEM Tour – Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids | Brucemore | Fri, Jun 7, 5 p.m.
Ballet Des Moines’ annual statewide tour shares inspiring artistry alongside interactive science activities. This year the ballet company will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Tom Mattingly’s new work Love Letters.
Cedar Rapids Pride Parade
Cedar Rapids | NewBo City Market | Sat, Jun 8, 1 p.m.
Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Cedar Rapids pride parade!
Capital City PrideFest
Des Moines | East Village | Fri – Sun, Jun 7 – 9
Capital City Pride’s 45th PrideFest! Capital City Pride was born when a group of courageous people marched from the Iowa State Capitol to the Blazing Saddle in the East Village.
Cody Canada & The Departed w/Duke Oursler
Davenport | Racoon Motel | Thurs, Jun 6, 6 p.m.
Appearing IN PERSON, CODY CANADA & THE DEPARTED w/very special guest DUKE OURSLER!!!
Summer Kickoff Block Party
Davenport | Downtown | Fri, Jun 7, 5 p.m.
Kick off the summer in style at the downtown Davenport Summer Kickoff Block Party! Featuring three rockin’ local bands – Einstein’s Sister, The Crew, and QC Rock Academy.
Free Film at the Figge: “Jimmy in Saigon” (2022)
Davenport | Figge Art Museum | Thurs, Jun 6, 6:30 p.m.
FREE screening at the Figge John Deere Auditorium. Documentary filmmaker Peter McCowell explores radical life, forbidden romance, and tragic death of his brother, a 24-year-old Vietnam veteran who died in Saigon in 1972.
My Waterloo Days
Waterloo | Lincoln Park | Fri, Jun 7, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
For more than 40 years, residents and visitors have gathered to celebrate, showcase and enjoy all that the city has to offer. From the iconic My Waterloo Days Parade to concerts, kids events, food vendors and loads of entertainment.
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