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Iowa Events
* Sept. 3-6
* Davenport -- Chief Blackhawk Antique motorcycle Swap Meet, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. Antique motorcycle swap meet and sale. Motorcycle races on the half-mile dirt track Friday evening. For more information, call 563-326-5338.
* Sept. 4
* Coralville -- Fry Fest, 8 a.m., Coralville Marriott Convention Center, 300 E. 9th St. A celebration of everything Hawkeye: the world's largest Hawkeye tradeshow, evening concert and meet Hayden Fry. For more information, call 800-283-6592.
* Sept. 5-7, 12, 13, 19, 20
* Des Moines -- The Des Moines Renaissance Faire, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, Des Moines, Iowa, For three glorious weekends in September, partake in all the pomp and pageantry that the Des Moines Renaissance Faire has to offer.
* Sept. 5-6
* Dubuque -- Third Annual Throwdown on the River BBQ Competition, Grand Harbor, Port of Dubuque. Two-day festival including a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition featuring 50 competitors from across the country, live music and beer garden both days. Food vendors and bean bag competition, along with public BBQ tasting. Free admission. For more information, visit www.throwdownontheriver.com.
* McGregor -- Good Olde Summertime-Labor Day Parade & Festivities, 11 a.m., Main St. Corn Boil at McGregor Beer & Brats on the riverfront, Hole in the Sock Gang Re-enactment.
* Sept. 6
* Bellevue -- St. Joseph's annual pork roast, 12-9 p.m.
* Sept. 7
* Cedar Rapids -- Laura Ingalls Wilder Remembered, 1 to 5 p.m., Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum. A free program in the auditorium of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum and on the grounds of the Hoover National Historic Site celebrating Laura Ingalls Wilder.
* Sept. 11
* Cedar Rapids -- Cedar Rapids Community Concert with Papa Duke, U.S. Cellular Center, 370 First Ave. Ticket prices for general admission balcony seats are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets for balcony seats will be sold through Ticketmaster and may be purchased at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
* Sept. 11-13
Dubuque -- River Fest, Washington Park, 6th and Locust St. Dubuque's "last bash before the snow flies." A weekend of free family entertainment including a flea market, craft fair, children's events, commercial area, continuous live outdoor music and much more. Free Admission. For more information, call 563-583-8535.
* Sept. 12
* Cedar Falls -- ARTapalooza on Main Street. Don't miss this juried art show with over 40 participating artists. Downtown Main St. For more information, call 319-277-0213 or visit www.communitymainstreet.org.
* Dubuque -- Great River Film Initiative, MindFrame Theaters. Networking opportunity for professional and student filmmakers as well as those of us who've always dreamed of helping make a movie. Come visit us for a meeting or two and see if you would like to join our database of local movie makers. Free admission. For more information, visit http://www.greatriverfilm.com.
* Sept. 12-13
* Dubuque -- Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival, Miller-River Park. Teams of 21 people will paddle Taiwan dragon boats in a 300 meter sprint race on the mighty Mississippi River. Divisions will include the novice to the expert, as well as juniors and Breast Cancer Survivors. Vendors will also be on site for participants and spectators. Free admission. For more information, visit http://www.dubuquedragonboat.org.
* Sept. 13
* Dubuque -- Arboretum Autumn Fall Festival and Fundraiser, Arboretum Drive. The main attraction will be scarecrows created by community crafters and will be available by silent auction. Food and fun will be available for this family event. Free admission. For more information, call 563.556.2100 or 563.583.7128 or visit http://dubuquearboretum.com/autumn.html.
* Dyersville -- Antique Flea Market, 8-3 p.m., Plaza Antique Mall & National Farm Toy Museum, Dyersville, Iowa, Sept. 13th 2009 - There will be antiques and collectibles available for sale from a variety of vendors inside and outside. Adm. $1.00 563-875-8945.
* Guttenberg -- St. Mary's Fall Festival 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (This year's info) Rain or Shine - Under Cover Polka Mass, Guttenberg musicians, Deep Fried Chicken and Ham Dinner with Salad Bar, Pies and Strudel, Bingo, Raffles, Produce, Country Store, Homemade Candy, Baked Goods, Christmas Corner, Silent Auction, Plant Booth, Craft Tent, Children's Activities. For more information, call 563-252-1247.
* Sept. 18
* Cedar Falls -- Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, 7:30 p.m., Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 8201 Dakota St. There's no harmony quite as pure as family harmony. For more information, call 877-549-7469 or visit www.gbpac.com.
* Sept. 18-20
* Guttenberg -- 28th Annual Plagman Barn Show Days. Featuring Farmall Tractors, Slow Tractor Race, Parade & Short Tractor Ride, Antique Tractor Pull, Mule Jumping, Horse Pull, Rodeo Fun Day, Live Music, Great Food and lots of Children's Activities. For more information, call 563-920-4188 or visit www.plagmanbarn.com.
* Sept. 19
* DeWitt -- The MJL Foundation's 3rd Annual Walk For Hope Saturday, 10 a.m., 5k walk at the Clinton County Fair Grounds Auditorium. For more information visit www.mjlfoundation.org or getmeregistered.com.
Sept. 19-20
* Davenport -- Quad Cities Family Fun and Kite Festival, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Centennial Park on the Riverfront. Featured activities include free kite building for youth, giant 75 foot show kites, and stunt kite performances by 180Go! Quad line stunt team, fun games and prizes, candy drops, and appearances by the Quad Cities Juggling Club. Competitions include traditional Rokkaku kite battles, in which flyers attempt to bring down their opponents' kites, and racing where participants run against the wind pulling a parachute style kite. Children and adults are welcome to fly non-competition or power kites throughout the day. Bring your own kites or kites will be available for sale. Free admission. For more information, call 563-650-4143.
* Sept. 20
* Cedar Falls -- Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Chamber Concert, 2 p.m., Russell Hall, UNI Campus. This Chamber music performance will spotlight the Symphony's multi-talented music director Jason Weinberger on clarinet along with the UNI faculty string quartet. For more information, call 319-233-3373 or visit www.wcfsymphony.org.
* Cedar Falls -- Jungle Jack Hanna, 3 p.m., Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 8201 Dakota St. He is instantly recognizable by his khaki safari outfit, deep tan, Southern twang, pseudo-serious delivery, and shaggy hair. For more information, call 877-549-7469 or visit www.gbpac.com.
* Maquoketa -- JCHS Annual Pioneer Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pearson Hall Jackson County Fairgrounds, 1212 Quarry St. This year's theme for the Jackson County Historical Society Pioneer Day is the Civil War Era/Lincolns 200th Birthday. There will be many exhibitors and vendors, plus a food stand. Cost: $4 at the gate; free admission to the museum. For more information, call 563-652-5020 or visit www.jciahs.com.
* Sept. 25-26
* Kalona -- Kalona Festival includes: kids activities, hand made arts, home-made food, old world demonstrations, antiques, live music, old time photos.
Sept. 26-27
* Dubuque -- Czipar's Annual Apple Festival, U.S. 52, south of Dubuque. Childrens activities, inflatables, games, etc. Face painting, wine tasting, lunch on the grounds, arts and crafts, bakery items and more. Fun and family hospitality. Free admission. For more information, call 563.582.7476
* Guttenberg -- 19th Annual German Fest, River Park Drive. Event features, arts and crafts, German food, live music and dancing, storybook characters, marathon, beer and wine making contest and much more. For more information, call 563-252-3820.
* Oct. 2-4
* Guttenberg -- Pumpkin Days, Church between Guttenberg and Garnavillo Fall produce items, baked goods, crafts, hay rides, pony rides, corn maze, petting zoo, kid's games and activities, apple shooters, kid's crafts, retail booths, lunch on the grounds by St. John's Luther League and so much more. For more information, call 563-252-3076 or 563-880-8547
* Oct. 3
* Bellevue -- Movin' and March'n on the River, 10:30 a.m. parade on North Riverview and State St., 1 p.m. field judging at Bellevue High School. Admission charged. For more information, call 563-872-4961.
* Dubuque -- Cable Car Square Chili Cook-off, Fourth and Bluff St. The day is filled with hospitality, entertainment, food and beverage vendors, and the ever-popular chili cook-off contest. Celebrate the autumn season with numerous shops, boutiques, antiques, and eateries, along with trolley and carriage rides available throughout the day. This is a great fall celebration for the whole family. This event allows Cable Car Square to donate its proceeds to an area charity of our choice. Free admission. For more information, call 563-557-8159.
* Oct. 3-4
* McGregor -- 34th Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Triangle Park. Numerous vendors sell items which are at least 50 percent handcrafted by the vendors. Food, live music and lots of fun. For more information, call 800-896-0910.
* Oct. 9-10
* DeWitt -- Autumn Fest. A family fun filled weekend with food, entertainment, petting zoo, kid's inflatables and much more. New this year our openhouse for the German Hausbarn. Visit the chamber's new location in the Hausbarn and visit the beautiful museum with German artifacts displayed.
* Oct. 10
* Dubuque -- "Diamonds in the Ruff" is the theme for the Dubuque Regional Humane Society's annual fall dinner/auction at the Diamond Jo Casino, Port of Dubuque. This event features a cash bar, silent and live auction, and a sit down dinner. Tickets, $50. For more information, visit http://www.dbqhumane.org.
* Oct. 10-11
* LeClaire -- Apple Festival, Mississippi Valley Welcome Center, 900 Eagle Ridge Road. Apple vendors from across the area are in attendance to hand out samples of fresh apples and cider to tempt your taste buds, as well as sell a variety of apples, desserts and more. Activities for kids include hayrack rides and a petting zoo. Visitors can also enjoy brats, hot dogs, chili and baked potatoes. There is going to be a display of antique cars and blacksmith demonstrations. Free Admission. For more information, call 563-322-3911.
* Oct. 16-17
* Sherrill -- Oktoberfest, Black Horse Inn. The Octoberfest tradition will be brought back with an old style German Oktoberfest complete with heated Fest Tent, schnitzel, brats, beer, and with Polka Bands leading off the entertainment on both Friday and Saturday night. Cover charge is $5. For more information, visit www.blackhorse-inn.com.
* Oct. 17-18
* Marquette -- Oktoberfest, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eagles Landing Winery. German food, strolling musician and free wine tasting. For more information, call 563-873-2509.
* Oct. 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, Nov. 1
* Davenport -- Feargrounds Haunted House, Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W Locust St. Beware, Haunted house under the grandstand at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. For more information call 563-326-5338.
* Oct. 24-25
* Cedar Falls -- UNI-Dome Annual Arts and Crafts Show, 9 a.m., UNI-Dome, 2501 Hudson Road. One of the largest arts and crafts shows in the state. For more information, call 563-652-4529.
* Oct. 30-Nov. 1
* Maquoketa -- Big Boar Gun Show - Pearson Hall, Jackson Co. Fairgrounds, 1212 E. Quarry St. For more information, contact Mark Quade at 563-590-4282.
* Nov. 6
* Dyersville -- National Farm Toy Show, National Farm Toy Museum. Owned and operated by Toy Farmer, the Toy Show is held on the first weekend in November each year since 1978. The show, lovingly labeled as "The Grandaddy of 'Em all," attracts about 15,000 people each year. Over 400 tables of farm toys and collectibles are for sale! A show auction is held on Saturday. Admission charged. For more information, call 800.533.8293 or 701.833.5206 or visit htp://www.toyfarmer.com.
* Nov. 8
* Maquoketa -- Jackson County Historical Society Heritage Dinner - Pearson Center, Jackson Co. Fairgrounds, 1212 E. Quarry St. Program at 2:30 p.m. and dinner is from 4-7 p.m. - For more information, call at 563-652-5020
* Nov. 9
* Iowa City -- Rob Kapilow "Green Eggs and Hamadeus", 7:30 p.m., Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa. Rob Kapilow tells stories both through Dr. Seuss and Mozart. For more information, call 319 -335-1160.
* Nov. 12
* Elkader -- The Smothers Brothers, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Opera House. For more information, call 563-873-2378 or visit elkaderoperahouse.com.
* Nov. 13
* Dubuque -- Holiday arty and Art Auction, 6 p.m., Dubuque Museum of Art. Annual fundraiser for the museum. Admission charged. For more information, call 563-557-1851.
* Nov. 18-22
* Cedar Falls -- Festival of Trees. Holiday trees and events are in abundance at this grand annual event. For more information, call 319-268-3161 or visit www.covhealth.com/festival.asp
* Nov. 19
* Dubuque -- Mercy Festival of Trees - Black and White Gala, 6:30 p.m., Hotel Julien. "An Enchanted Evening," the theme for this year's Black & White Gala. The Gala will reach for the stars and fill the halls with black-tie encumbered men and holiday-festive gowned ladies. The night will be captured in the many exquisitely decorated trees, cheerful wreaths, imaginative gingerbread creations all surrounded by the wafting of music through the air. The excitement begins with the bidding for the silent auction items and continues through the live auction that features some incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and then finishes with a spectacular Fund-the-Cause bidding. For more information, visit http://www.MercyFOT.com.
* Nov. 20
* Dubuque -- Tony Kenny's Christmas Time in Ireland, Grand Opera House. A Holiday Celebration of Music, Song, Dance and Comedy. Christmas Time in Ireland is a dynamic concert presenting vocalist Tony Kenny, Ireland's Entertainer of the Year, the lineup includes Kathy Durkin, Ireland's Queen of Country, Joe Cuddy, Ireland's funniest Comedian, the dazzling Dublin City Dancers and Musical Director Joe Fitzgerald. Ticket cost: $26.00. Available only through Shamrock Imports.
* Nov. 20-21
* Maquoketa -- A Christmas Carol, 7 p.m., Ohnward Fine Arts Center, 1215 East Platt St. The Peace Pipe Players and the Ohnward Fine Arts Center present this perennial family holiday favorite.
* Nov. 20-22
* McGregor -- Iowa Gun Show, Friday and Saturday 5 to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 to 3 p.m. McGregor's Landing Event Center, 111 First St., Near Triangle Park. For more information, call 563-873-2387 or visit www.iowaantiquearmscollectors.com.
* Nov. 21-29
* Davenport -- Quad City Arts Festival of Trees, noon to 3 p.m. daily, River Center, 136 E. Third St. Experience the magic of the most loved holiday tradition in the Quad Cities, Quad City Arts Festival of Trees is a spectacular 10 day event that ushers in the season. Recognized as one of the top 100 Events in North America, Festival features many attractions unique to the Quad City area including a holiday Gift Shop; original holiday decor for purchase and display; one of the largest helium parades in the country on Nov. 21; a gingerbread village; the North Pole, an over-sized activity center for kids and so much more. For more information, call 309-793-1213.
* Nov. 24
* Maquoketa -- The Nutcracker, 7 p.m., Ohnward Fine Arts Center, 1215 East Platt St. Experience the joy and wonder that has made The Nutcracker a holiday tradition.
* Nov. 24-25
* Dubuque -- Sesame Street Live!, Five Flags Arena. The Dubuque Family tradition of Sesame St. Live before Thanksgiving continues this year. Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends! Check fiveflagscenter.com for more information as it becomes available. Tickets will be available at Five Flags Box Office, ticketmaster.com, ticketmaster outlets, or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Admission charged. For more information, visit http://www.fiveflagscenter.com.
* Nov. 26
* Dubuque -- Reflections in the Park, Louis Murphy Park. The hills of Louis Murphy Park will be alive with glitter and glitz as the glow of thousands of Christmas bulbs and animated displays light up the 13th annual Reflections in the Park: A Hillcrest Lights Festival. The festival is open 41 days to the public. All new displays will be blinking their colors and strutting their charm to an estimated 50,000 visitors. Cost: $7.00 per car benefits the many programs and services offered by Hillcrest Family Services For more information, call 563.583.7357 or visit http://www.hillcrest-fs.org/reflections.html.
* Nov. 27
* Dubuque -- Cable Car Square Christmas Candle Walk, Bluff St. Join us for Santa's last ride down the 4th street elevator. With Bluff St. lit with luminaries and Christmas specials throughout the stores.
* Nov. 28
* Bellevue -- Unwrap the Magic of Christmas, throughout the town. Event includes: craft fair, breakfast with Santa, children's activities, Christmas parade and fireworks.
* Nov. 29
* Clinton -- Christmas in the Mansion, 1 to 4 p.m., George Curtis Mansion. Events include a tour of the 1880's home, which is listing on the National Registry, various candies and lighted wine bottles will be sold. For more information, call 563-249-5861.
* Dec. 3
* Manchester -- Holiday Window Walk, 6:30 to 8 p.m., storefront windows display Christmas delights. For more information, call 563-927-4141.
* Dec. 2-6
* Dubuque -- It's A Wonderful Life, The Grand Opera House. A Christmas classic. Admission charged. For more information, call 563.588.1305 or visit http://www.thegrandoperahouse.com.
* Dec. 4-6
* Dubuque -- Dubuque Symphony Holiday Pops Celebration, Five Flags Theater. Enjoy a special holiday concert with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and the Dubuque Chorale. The show includes arrangements of traditional favorites and well-known holiday pops songs. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the Five Flags Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Admission charged. For more information, visit http://www.dubuquesymphony.org.
* Dec. 5
* McGregor -- Beggar's Ball, 7 p.m. to midnight, McGregor's Landing Event Center, 111 First St. A Charles Dickens Holiday Event an evening of fun and friendship. Historical food and drink, live music and dancing. Formal or casual historic dress is encouraged. Admission $15 at the door, advance reservations $12. For more information, call 563-873-2387.
* Dec. 8
* Maquoketa -- JCHS Annual Soup Supper and Basket Auction, Clinton Engines Museum Program Center, 605 East Maple St., 5 to 7 p.m. soup supper, 7 p.m. auction.
* Dec. 12
* Cedar Falls -- Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Holiday Pops Concert, 7:30 p.m., Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 8201 Dakota St. An annual Cedar Valley holiday tradition. This year's program will showcase vocal talents from area congregations and include the popular audience sing-along. For more information, call 877-549-7469 or www.wcfsymphony.org.
* Dubuque -- Jim McDonough Holiday Grande 2009, Five Flags Theater. Once again this year, Iowans can ring in the Christmas season with "Iowa's Own Pianist" Jim McDonough and his orchestra and singers. Tickets for his annual "Holiday Grande" concert tour are on sale now. For the fourth consecutive year, the tour will benefit Camp Courageous of Iowa, a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. Shows at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale September 9, 2009, at 10 a.m. Tickets available at Five Flags Center Box Office, ticketmaster.com, ticketmaster outlets, or at 1-800-745-3000. Group tickets, 20 or more, call 800-375-7095.
* Geneseo -- Christmas Walk, 5 to 9 p.m. Each storefront window has family, friends, or even some animals depicting scenes from a time long ago. Enjoy chestnuts roasting, a horse-drawn carriage ride, and bringing back memories from a time past. The night is filled with music and laughter and families having fun together. For more information, 309-944-2686.
* Dec. 18
* Cedar Falls -- Mannheim Steamroller, 7:30 p.m., Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 8201 Dakota St. Celebrate the spirit of the season with the "18th century rock band" that has become one of the most popular and best-selling acts in the last 30 years. For more information, call 877-549-7469.
* Iowa City -- Iowa City Press-Citizen Friday Night Concert Series, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Weather Dance Fountain Stage, Iowa City's Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Enjoy outdoor concerts. Details: 319-337-7944.