Live Music, Car Shows, & Festivals -- Iowa Weekend Events

Summer is quickly approaching, which means weekends are getting pretty busy here in Eastern Iowa! Here are some of the big events happening on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:

Uptown Friday Night
- McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids
- May 17th from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Featuring Slap 'n' Tickle and Speedboat Jesus
- Must be 21 or older
- Tickets are $5 at the gate
42nd Annual Houby Days
- Czech Village in Cedar Rapids
- Dates/Times
  - May 17th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  - May 18th from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  - May 19th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Featuring a parade, live music, a carnival, a mushroom sale, Czech Folk Dancers, a mushroom contest, food, vendors, and more
- Admission is free
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Theatre Cedar Rapids
- Dates/Times
  - May 17th at 7:30 p.m.
  - May 18th at 7:30 p.m.
  - May 19th at 2:30 p.m.
- "With songs from the beloved Disney movie, Victor Hugo’s epic masterpiece comes to life in a visually stunning tale of passion, acceptance, and what it means to be a hero"
- Recommended for ages 10 and up - this production contains darker, more mature themes than most Disney stories
- Tickets range from $22 to $50 - get yours HERE
Taste of Czech & Slovak
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- May 17th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- "Sample delicious appetizers, soup, salads, sides, entrées, and dessert recipes handed down by generations of Czech and Slovak cooks"
- Tickets are $15 for adults and children 10 and under are free - get yours HERE
Downtown Summer Shop Crawl
- Downtown Iowa City District
- May 17th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- "We invite you to join us for an evening of fun summer drinks, appetizers, and great shopping at our unique downtown businesses"
- Ticket purchase includes a customized glass, ICDD sunglasses, an ICDD tote bag, access to sales and drinks, and chance to be entered into the gift card basket raffle
- Tickets are $15 - get yours HERE
Weekly Racing: The Gazette Free Night
- Hawkeye Downs Speedway and Expo Center
- May 17th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. - race begins at 7:30 p.m.
- Admission is free
Rock the Block
- NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids
- May 17th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Featuring The Bamboozlers
- Event is free
Music in the Park
- Ely City Park
- May 17th from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
- Featuring Sam Joens
- Event is free
Ronnie Milsap
- Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
- May 17th at 8 p.m.
- Tickets are SOLD OUT
Tool
- Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines
- May 17th at 8 p.m.
- Tickets range from $49.50 to $125 - get yours HERE
Chicago
- McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids (Show has been moved to the U.S. Cellular Center due to the forecast of rain and lightning)
- May 18th at 8 p.m.
- Tickets start at $41 - get yours HERE
The Temptations and The Four Tops
- Five Flags Center in Dubuque
- May 18th at 7 p.m.
- Tickets range from $33 to $93 - get yours HERE
27th Annual Marion Arts Festival
- Marion Square Park
- May 18th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- "The event features fifty artists hailing from coast to coast, a slate of emerging artists, and family activities, including wet clay play with the Iowa Ceramics Center. Add in specialty food vendors and a warm welcome from retailers and restaurants in Uptown Marion!"
- Admission is free
The Magical Music of Harry Potter
- Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
- Dates/Times
  - May 18th at 7:30 p.m.
  - May 19th at 2:30 p.m.
- "Music from Harry Potter’s films has set the stage for millions of Harry Potter fans worldwide to be swept away to the magical world at Hogwarts. Experience John Williams’ awe-inspiring scores like never before"
- Tickets range from $18 to $55 - get yours HERE
Marion Farmers Market
- Taube Park in Marion
- May 18th from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cars and Coffee!
- NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids
- May 18th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- "Come down to NewBo City Market to see some great rides and chat with even better people"
Robins Fire Department Annual Pancake Breakfast
- Robins Fire Department
- May 18th from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Cost is a free will donation
Hiawatha Farmers Market
- Guthridge Park in Hiawatha
- May 19th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ellis Cruise Spring 2019
- Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids
- May 19th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- No registration or fees - all types of vehicles are welcome
Cruisin' for Camp Courageous
- Camp Courageous in Monticello
- May 19th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- "Cruisin' for Camp Courageous is one of Iowa’s largest charity car shows with over 400 cars, trucks, and motorcycles, a live and silent auction, kids and family games and activities, a large arts and crafts show, great food, music and much more!"
- Tickets are $5 for adults - 12 and under are free
Spring Family Day at Turkey Creek
- Turkey Creek Preserve in Solon
- May 19th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- "Enjoy outdoor activities for kids of all ages, experiencing the sights and sounds of creek life, learning about different prairie trees, plants, and finding answers to all of your outdoor questions! Outdoor environmental educators will be on hand. Refreshments provided"