FRYfest
Friday, Sept. 1
On the eve of the Hawkeye’s season opening game against Wyoming, Iowa will score the first touchdown with FRYfest, the ninth annual one-day event celebrating the team and its legendary former coach, Hayden Fry. Highlights include the World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the Hawkeye Pep Rally at 7 p.m., both inside the Coralville Marriott’s Exhibition Hall; an 8 p.m. outdoor concert by the Pork Tornadoes and Arch Allies, with a beverage garden, in the hotel’s south parking lot; and finale fireworks at 10 p.m. The celebration also features a Small FRY Zone, Tailgate Row, Hawkeye fashion show, former-player panel discussions and autograph sessions. Proceeds from the concert and beverage garden help fund Coralville’s Fourth of July festivities.
FRYfest: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday (9/1), Iowa River Landing, Marriott Hotel vicinity, 300 E. Ninth St., Coralville; free trade show admission; $5 concert admission at the gate; Fryfest.com
NewBo Art Fest
Sunday, Sept. 3
Art is springing up throughout NewBo on Sunday for the district’s 11th annual art festival. The day begins with a half marathon and 10K at 7:30 a.m. If strolling is more your speed, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., wander through 40 artist tents along Third Street SE; sculpture inside the Cherry Building; a kids’ zone; the 2x2xU public art display; and Drawing Lessons by Mel Andringa at the Fire House next to CSPS. The event continues into the evening, with food vendors, entertainment, art demonstrations and $5 beer or wine cups from NewBo businesses.
NewBo Art Fest: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday (9/3), NewBo District, 1100 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids; free admission, $5 event cups; Newboartfest.org
Old Threshers Reunion
Today to Monday, Aug. 31 to Sept. 4
Horse power, steam power and people power will fire up for the annual salute to bygone eras. Each day at noon, gather at the grandstand for the Cavalcade of Power’s living history parade. The Grandstand opens again at 6:30 p.m. for free daily country concerts at 8 p.m. by Country Gold stars tonight, Home Free on Friday, Tracy Lawrence on Saturday, and Chris Janson on Sunday. The reunion also features food, demonstrations, displays, trolleys and train rides.
Old Threshers Reunion: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. today (8/31) to Monday (9/4), 405 E. Threshers Rd., Mount Pleasant; $15 one day, $30 multiday pass, free ages 10 and under; $10 Veterans Day today; concerts free or $10 reserved grandstand; (319) 385-8937 or Oldthreshers.org