From decade-long traditions to a new festival making its debut on the Pedmall and unique parties rooted in absurdity, Iowa City will be buzzing with activity this weekend.
Here are six things to check out, from Northside Oktoberfest to live music.
Northside Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest, now in its 28th year, returns to the Northside neighborhood from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. The annual celebration allows guests to indulge in beer games, live entertainment, contests, and, of course, craft beer. Tickets are on sale online ahead of the event. Attendees can buy a BrewFest ticket or a Bier Hall general admission ticket. BrewFest tickets cost $72, which grant exclusive access to unlimited samplings from more than 45 beer and wine vendors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a custom 2024 Oktoberfest glass, and a $10 gift card to eat and shop at any Northside business. The Bier Hall general admission ticket costs $10 and comes with a commemorative mug that can be filled with beer or wine and consumed on the street during the festival. The first pour is free upon entry.
This year’s Oktoberfest will include a stein-holding contest and various games, like a keg toss, a beer slide, and a hammer game. Saturday’s festivities also include a brat-eating contest, a Lederhosen and Dirndl contest, Bavarian oompah music, and a maypole dance.
The Northside Oktoberfest features a Sodafest as well at 11 a.m. for kids and non-drinkers.
African Festival of Arts and Culture
The African Festival of Arts and Culture is Iowa City’s newest celebration. The festival will take place from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, and will honor the vibrant presence of Africans in Iowa. The event will highlight the rich cultural traditions of Africa, aiming to highlight and showcase the continent’s cultural diversity. There will be vendor booths serving up African cuisine and art, and the festival will also include live entertainment. The African Festival of Arts and Culture is free and will be held on the Pedmall.
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Infinite Dream Festival
The Infinite Dream Festival is a creation of the University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement. It begins Tuesday, Sept. 24, and runs through Sept. 28. Tickets are still available online for some events. The festival headliner, American singer-songwriter and poet Patti Smith will be reading a selection of poetry at The Englert Theatre, a free event that is a can’t-miss. Smith will take the stage at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.
Other Infinite Dream Festival events to check out:
Friday, Sept. 27: Andrew Bird and Maddison Cunningham at The Englert
Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept 28: Stamptown Comedy Night at the James Theater
Saturday, Sept. 28: Patti Smith and Her Band at Hancher
Saturday, Sept. 28: Aja Monet at Hancher Strauss Hall
More: Iowa City’s Infinite Dream Festival returns with Patti Smith, Andrew Bird and more
Get Outside Festival
The Get Outside Festival encourages Iowa Citians to head outdoors and enjoy the plentiful green space in the community by trying new recreational activities. In its second year, Get Outside will happen from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Lower City Park. Attendees will have the chance to engage in a wide range of recreational activities, from old favorites to new ones, from sand volleyball, rock climbing, archery, and more. The free festival also includes live entertainment and multiple food trucks.
Shrek Rave at Gabe’s
Hey, now you’re an all-star; get your Shrek on. Gabe’s is hosting a Shrek Rave on Friday, Sept. 27, a themed dance party revolving around the Dreamworks Animation film franchise. Expect people to dress and revel in the absurdity. The Shrek Rave will start at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and are available on Gabe’s website.
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Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters at The Englert
Billy Bob Thornton might be best known for his work as an Oscar-award-winning filmmaker, but he is also a musician. He is bringing his band, The Boxmasters, to The Englert Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Boxmasters, formed in 2007, combines rock and country influences to create the band’s distinctive sound. Thornotons’ experience as an actor and writer gives the lyrics of the band’s songs a cinematic feel. Tickets are available online and range from $25 to $54.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
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Publish date : 2024-09-24 03:29:00
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