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We’re thick into the dog days of summer, and a plethora of events in Iowa this weekend will be bringing even more heat. The big event is the Hinterland Festival in Saint Charles with headliners Hozier, Vampire Weekend and Noah Kahan. James Baldwin would have turned 100 this Friday. To celebrate, Iowa City’s FilmScene is screening I Heard it Through the Grapevine, a documentary featuring the author’s commentary and insights on the Civil Rights Era. The film will be accompanied with readings from Baldwin’s works and there will be snacks. Over in Rock Island, the SPECTRA Reading Series returns with a multidisciplinary deep dive into Chicago House music. Author Marguerite L. Harrold will read from her upcoming book exploring the culture and community of Chicago House before guest Dj’s Samuel P. and Leja Hazer take over for a dance party. Check out the rest of the Weekender for more events throughout the region.
The Weekender is sponsored by:
COMING UP
I Heard It Through The Grapevine at FilmScene
Iowa City | FilmScene | Fri, Aug 2, 6:30 p.m.
Come celebrate James Baldwin’s 100th birthday at FilmScene! Arrive early at 6pm for cake from Elida’s Bakery followed by a special introduction featuring readings of some of James Baldwin’s works by Derek Nnuro and Darius Stewart.
College Green Steps Repainting
Iowa City | College Green Park | Sun, Aug 4, 10 a.m.
This Sunday at College Green Park the steps are being repainted with a new design by local PS1 artist Kymbyrly Koester by a large group of community volunteers. There will also be IC sustainable transportation information and park games happening around the painting. Fun for all ages!
The Weekender is sponsored by:
Early Girl EP Release Show
Iowa City | Gabes | Fri, Aug 2, 8 p.m.
Iowa City Power Pop band Early Girl celebrates the release of their EP: Do I Even Cross Your Mind? with a show at Gabes! General Admission $10
Funniest Person in Iowa Contest
Cedar Rapids | Iowa Brewing Company | Fri, Aug 2, 7 p.m.
See some of Iowa’s best and brightest comics vie for the title of Funniest Person in Iowa!
Iowa Metal Underground Fest 2024
Cedar Rapids | The Olympic South Side Theater | Sat, Aug 3, 3 p.m.
Midwest Metal Punks and Iowa Metal Underground presents Iowa Metal Underground Feat 2024 featuring: Maul, Labyrinth, Frontal Assault, ILL OMEN, Pit Lord, Phantom Threat, Gaunt, Hanging Wound, Brotherhood of the Mudkat, Ex Cathedra, False Providence, and Fungal Mass.
August First Friday
Des Moines | Mainframe Studios | Fri, Aug 2, 5 p.m.
Join us for Mainframe’s August First Friday – Photography: Visual Storytelling! Portraits, Abstract, Still Life, Fine Art, Landscape and Nature – you’ll find the work of 16 Mainframe photographers (and a filmmaker) throughout 4 floors of gallery spaces.
Hinterland 2024
Saint Charles | Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater | Aug 2 – 4
Hinterland Music Festival is a multi-day music festival held at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles, Iowa, which was first held in 2015. The festival occurs annually in August and is the largest music festival in Iowa. In addition to live music, Hinterland features art, craft vendors, and camping.
The Weekender is sponsored by:
SPECTRA Reading Series: Celebrating CHICAGO HOUSE MUSIC w/Marguerite L. Harrold
Rock Island | Rozz – Tox | Sat, Aug 3, 8 p.m.
The Quad Cities reading series, SPECTRA returns to Rozz-Tox on Saturday with a special “Books & Beats” celebration of Chicago House Music as well as the release of Chicago House Music: Culture and Community (forthcoming from Belt Publishing on August 13) by award-winning writer Marguerite L. Harrold.
Are You Dead Yet Movie Screening
Dubuque | The Jester’s Lounge | Sat, Aug 3, 8 p.m.
Are You Dead Yet? is a horror movie inspired by the 80s slasher craze of the time, Iowa natives set out to make a tribute film to the era. The movie follows four adventurers who journey into Hell’s Forest, woods residing deep in the heart of Minnesota with a legend surrounding it that the forest eats whoever enters it alive.
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