Established 2001 | Always free!
The last weekend of June is jam-packed with events in Central and Eastern Iowa. The Des Moines Arts Festival returns to the capital with art and food vendors, live music across two stages and nearly 30 free interactive art activities. Another DSM highlight is the continued theater run of The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body, which, “meditates on Black women’s experiences from the perspectives of mind, body, and spirit.”
Iowa City has two new summer series kicking off this weekend. Lit lovers can check a rooftop reading series held by the Porchlight Literary Arts Center on the deck atop Market House, while fashion aficionados can check out Fashion Fest at the Wright House of Fashion.
The David R. Collins Writers’ Conference at Augustana College features workshops from their stellar conference faculty. In addition to the workshops, the conference will have free public events, including a community conversation event and faculty reading.
The Weekender is sponsored by:
COMING UP
Rooftop Reading Series
Iowa City | Market House Roof | Fri, June 28, 7 p.m.
Join Porchlight Literary Arts Center on the lovely deck atop Market House for an evening interweaving local live music, poetry and prose from some of our areas most exciting artists: poet Anna Morrison, prose writer Rachel Yoder and musician Deb Talan.
Fashion Fest at Wright House of Fashion
Iowa City | Wright House of Fashion | Sat, June 29, 5 p.m.
HMUIRL Art and Studios, in collaboration with Wright House of Fashion, is thrilled to announce “Fashion Fest,” an exciting series of pop-up events set to take place this summer. This first event showcases the innovative designs of four emerging brands: VISION, RAISING STARS, CLOUDED DREAMS, and MIRI LOVE.
Trekfest 39
Riverside | Downtown Riverside | Thurs, June 27 – 29
Get ready to boldly go where thousands have gone before! It’s Trekfest 39. This year’s featured guests are Terry Farrell, Bonnie Gordon, David Q. Combs, Lolita Fatjo, and John Paladin.
Living Improverty at CSPS
Cedar Rapids | CSPS | Thurs, June 28, 8 p.m.
Living Improverty is an improv troupe specializing in short form and musical improv. The group has been doing improv in and around the Cedar Rapids area since 2017.
Waitress at Theatre Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids | Theatre Cedar Rapids | Thurs, June 27 – 30
TCR is proud to present the regional premiere of the smash Broadway and London hit, Waitress!
The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body
Des Moines | Stoner Theater | Thurs, Fri, Sun 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. (Sun)
The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body meditates on Black women’s experiences from the perspectives of mind, body, and spirit. What makes the piece unique is its focus on middle-aged and older Black women.
Summer Concert Series – Jasper Winery
Des Moines | Jasper Winery | Thurs, June 27, 6 p.m.
The Damon Dotson Band plays the Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series.
Des Moines Arts Festival 2024
Des Moines | Western Gateway Park | Fri, June 28 – 30, 11 a.m.
One of the world’s most respected arts festivals hosting 190 of the nation’s top artists. A wonderful opportunity to celebrate the arts in a beautiful downtown setting.
Pride Family Picnic
Davenport | West Lake Park | Sun, June 30, 1 p.m.
Out & Proud in the QCA invites you to our Pride Picnic happening on Sunday. We will meet at the Arrowhead Shelter. If able, please bring a side to share and a game to play!
Collins Writers’ Conference
Rock Island, Davenport| Rozz-Tox and the Figge Art Museum | Thurs, June 27 – 29
The David R. Collins Writers’ Conference returns to the campus of Augustana College. Public events include a Community Conversation keynote event, a public reading, and a concluding luncheon.
Urinetown at Bell Tower Theater
Dubuque | Bell Tower Theater | Thurs, June 27 – 30
Bell Tower Theaters 11th-Annual High School Musical June 21 to 30, 2024 This Tony Award–Winning musical pokes fun at capitalism, bureaucracy and musical theater itself!
Craft Invitational Opening Celebration at Dubuque Museum of Art
Dubuque | Dubuque Museum of Art | Sat, June 29, 10 a.m.
A dramatic new exhibition in Dubuque includes sneakers designed by a Pulitzer Prize-winning podcaster from Chicago, shoes made of handmade paper—and human hair, artists whose works are in the collection of the Smithsonian, ancient Indigenous and European traditions, and a seven-foot rabbit.
OllieWoodstock
Dubuque | OllieWood Skatepark | Sat, June 29, 1 p.m.
Olliewoodstock isn’t just a music festival; it’s a community gathering that celebrates the vibrant culture of skateboarding and biking alongside the joy of live music. Whether you’re shredding the park, grooving to the beats, or just soaking in the atmosphere, Olliewoodstock promises a day full of fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
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