Established 2001 | Always free!
It’s an early Wednesday Weekender thanks to the awkward midweek landing of Fourth of July this year. Speaking of which — chances are, if you’re like us, the current onslaught of local and national news events makes celebrating our country’s independence feel more than a little fraught right now. Consider this list of events around Central and Eastern Iowa as opportunities to celebrate what’s good about our communities, whether it’s checking out an all-ages drag show at Cedar Rapids Pride Festival, taking in the piñatas and lowriders at ¡Viva! La Cultura Latina in Des Moines or appreciating some quality hip hop at the Finest in the City Showcase in Cedar Rapids. There are tons of things to get your mind off the whole “this is fine” feeling accompanying the loud booms.
The Weekender is sponsored by:
COMING UP
iCity Salsa Social
Iowa City | Wildwood | Fri, July 5, 9 p.m.
Our DJs will be spinning the spiciest of SALSA, BACHATA, CHA CHA, MAMBO, and more!
The Finest in the City Showcase
Cedar Rapids | CSPS | Fri, July 5, 6:30 p.m.
319’s finest presents The Finest in the city showcase. 319 is bringing the best artists from all over the state to give Cedar Rapids the party of the summer.
CR Pride Festival
Cedar Rapids | Newbo Market | Sat, July 6, 12 p.m.
Performances on the main stage from EIAA, Nikkie H, 2 drag shows and a performance by up and coming artist Ian McConnell. Lady J is back to spin the beats!
The Weekender is sponsored by:
Dirty Blonde, Kensett, Carly Rene & The Fools
Des Moines | xBk | Wed, July 3, 7 p.m.
Check out local Des Moines indie rock outfit Dirty Blonde with opener singer-songwriter Carly Rene.
July First Friday
Des Moines | First Frame Studios | Friday, July 5, 5 p.m.
Join us for a community-wide celebration of Latino art and culture. There will be art, food trucks, piñatas, lowriders and art activities – all designed and organized by artists Seso Marentes and Siricasso.
BABYLON
Rock Island | Rozz Tox | Fri, July 5, 8 p.m.
Raw and smoldering, Babylon follows a young dancehall DJ in South London as he pursues his musical ambitions, battling fiercely against the racism and xenophobia of employers, neighbors, police, and the National Front.
The Weekender is sponsored by:
RiverLoop Rhythms: Kris Lager
Waterloo | Riverloop Expo Plaza | Fri, July 5, 5:30 p.m.
Kris Lager Band will be performing at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre delivering some funky, feel-good blues-rock tunes to start the weekend.
Author Event: Lucy Knisley
Dubuque | Carnegie-Stout Public Library | Fri, July 5, 3 p.m.
Award-winning comic creator Lucy Knisley is visiting Dubuque! Join Carnegie-Stout to celebrate her latest release, Woe, a collection of her comics featuring her beloved and dramatic cat Linney.
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