Corridor Area Special Events, unique like no other!
June 30, 2017
Make plans for some special events unique to the corridor area. Do you like football? There's a festival for it. Are you a Star Trek fan? Yes, there's a festival for it. Are you really into food? Yep, there's a special event for that too. Corridor area festivals embrace holidays, celebration, music, fun and games, tradition. The following unique events are listed by month.
January
Coralville BrrrFest - Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center Exhibit Hall
300 E. 9th St., Coralville. Brew Up a Celebration of Craft Beers Coralville BrrrFest celebrates the beers of winter and the brewers who make them. Sample and purchase craft beers showcased by breweries from across the Midwest. A portion of the proceeds benefit Coralville's annual 4thFest celebration.
WinterFest - Experience the wonders of an Iowa winter at Coralville’s annual WinterFest. Since it began in 2008, thousands of people each year enjoy a showcase of winter-time demonstrations, indoor and outdoor hands-on activities, entertainment, food, and frosty fun for all ages. WinterFest is held at various venues in the Iowa River Landing, just off Interstate 80 exit 242, at the corner of E. 9th Street and Quarry Road.
June
St. Joe's Fun Days: This community event will include: carnival rides, food, raffle, bingo, live music, beverage tent, a teen tent, and a country store. Visit www.stjosephfundays.org to learn more and find ways to get involved.
Iowa Arts Festival: The Iowa Arts Festival is a weekend-long, free, community celebration featuring over 115 local and national visual artists displaying and selling their artwork, a music festival, a “Culinary Row” serving regional and ethnic food, a variety of activities and entertainment, both creative and educational, for children and families. The Iowa Arts Festival is the most anticipated visual art-centered event of the summer. Location: Downtown Iowa City, starting on Clinton Street.
The St. Ludmila Kolach Festival is a celebration of all things delicious. Fruit filled pastries are the highlight of the three day festival along with games, carnival rides, music and food. Held the second weekend in June, it's sure to be a family pleaser for everybody. The 2019 St. Ludmila Kolach Festival is June 7-9, 2018: KOLACHES ARE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.
Trek Fest: If you've never seen a Klingon up close and personal, you might get your chance if you warp into Riverside, Iowa during a special summer weekend. Riverside's annual Trek Fest is a celebration of the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk. Good food, music, a parade, contests of all kinds and of course, a lot of people dressed up in Star Trek costumes.
July
Iowa City Jazz Festival - Since its humble beginnings in 1991 the Iowa City Jazz Festival has transformed into a nationally recognized event with an average annual audience of more than 50,000. Over the years, the festival has featured some of the biggest names in jazz. A key ingredient in the ongoing success of the festival is its accessibility. Admission has always been free thanks to our sponsors who underwrite all costs of producing the event, allowing it to transcend socioeconomic barriers and provide free access to families and individuals regardless of income. Join us in front of the Old Capitol and on Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue for a weekend full of some of the best jazz music around! Click HERE for a complete schedule.
North Liberty Blues & BBQ - Held in North Liberty’s new Centennial Park, at 1565 St. Andrews Drive. Our free celebration started as a way to highlight a newly completed park and commercial district. Since then, we have drawn thousands from across the state with kids’ activities, great music, local craft beers, and mouth-watering food. And we have weathered rain and storms and seen the continued loyalty that our community has for Blues & BBQ.
Solon Beef Days - Solon Beef Days is an annual celebration held in the town of Solon, Iowa the third Friday in July each year. Join us for entertainment, parade, beer tent, beef dinner, and a load of events for kids and adults alike. Since its start in 1971 we've been growing and going strong ever since. Beef Days is held every year beginning on the 3rd Friday in July.
August
Hoover's Hometown Days: An annual event of West Branch, Iowa, birthplace of the 31st president and home to his presidential museum. Each August, West Branch celebrates its most well known resident with music, food, rides, and the world championships of Hooverball. This two day event is capped off with a patriotic fireworks display timed to the music of the Eastern Iowa Brass Band.
St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival: An annual three day event in early August and as the name suggests this festival celebrates corn! Over 25,000 ears of corn are bought locally for the festival which also includes carnival rides, games, music and so much more. Great family fun!
September
FRY fest: Named in honor of former University of Iowa football coach Hayden Fry, FRY fest is a one day ‘Celebration of all that is Hawkeye’ to kick-off the Hawkeye athletic seasons the Friday before the first home football game. With over 20,000 members of Hawkeye Nation in attendance, it has become a tradition for fans to travel to Coralville, Iowa each year to take part in the numerous family-friendly activities. Fan Favorites: Hawkeye Car Show, blood drive, World's Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow and Tailgate Party, autographs, athletes, coaches, athletic demonstrations, kids' activities, food, pep rally, concert. Located at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville.
Throughout the summer
Coralville's Sounds of Summer - Enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment in Coralville's parks this summer! Each month from May through September we'll feature games, activities, and live music in a different location each time. Bring along your lawn chairs or a blanket, pack a picnic or get something to eat from a food vendor, and enjoy an evening out!
Friday Night Concert Series - Iowa City. All kinds of music for all kinds of people! Join the fun mid-May through mid-September. Concerts are held outside of the Sheraton Iowa City Hotel from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy FREE live entertainment! *September 18 will be a special block party! Watch for more info to come! In event of rain, the Friday Night Concert Series will move to the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp on the corner of Washington and Gilbert Streets in Iowa City.
December
Aisle of Lights - Coralville. See how 30,000 white paper sacks, each filled with sand and a votive candle, create a magical scene on a winter evening! The City of Coralville’s annual Aisle of Lights luminaria display, started in 1980, is held in December. Area businesses and organizations host a merry day of activities for all ages, and then residents and businesses who choose to participate light luminarias at 5:00 pm to burn throughout the night. Miles of luminarias are available for viewing by foot or car. View the twinkling lights at your leisure, or take a tour. The City of Coralville provides one free wheelchair-accessible bus, departing from City Hall approximately every 45 minutes beginning at 5:15 pm. The last tour departs at approximately 8:15 pm. Each round is limited to 40 people, first come, first served. Open to the public.