Annual Events

The area is filled with festivals and celebrations year round that satisfy the tastes of many. They offer many cultural, historical, sporting and musical activities. The surrounding areas also offer a variety of annual events that are a nice compliment to your stay in Greater Burlington.

Mississippi Valley Calling Classic

February 9, 2008 - The Mississippi Valley Caller's Association hosts this annual event which includes four waterfowl calling competitions. The competitions include the Iowa State Duck Calling Championship, a youth duck calling contest, a goose calling contest, and a regional duck calling contest. The goal of the Association is to promote and expand Southeast Iowa's rich water fowling heritage right here on the shores of the Mighty Mississippi River. For more information contact Ron Vorwerk at 319-768-5903.

Family Spring Bluegrass Music Festival

April 4 & 5, 2008 - Enjoy a variety of different bluegrass bands during the 4th annual Family Spring Bluegrass Music. Festival being held at Comfort Suites. Join in the fun for just one or both of the days! For ticket information please contact Noble Boyd at 319-752-9541 or noshee@aol.com.

Port of Burlington Friday Fest

This Friday after-hours celebration brings a variety of live music, food and fun to the Port of Burlington! Dates in 2008 are May 23, June 27, July 11, August 1, August 22, and September 5. Admission is FREE! For more information, call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at (319) 752-6365 or (800) 82-RIVER.

Burlington Steamboat Days Cruise Nights

July 18, August 15, and September 19. Come view everything from a Rambler to a Corvette with the Mississippi River as a backdrop. For more information call The Burlington Steamboat Days Office (319) 754-4334, or www.steamboatdays.com.

Enjoy viewing bikes and cars on these Saturdays in 2008; May 17, June 7, July 19, August 16, September 13. Held at Heartland Harley-Davidson, 155 Roosevelt Ave., Burlington.

Thursdays: May - September - At the Port of Burlington. From 5-8 p.m. Fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, bedding plants, flowers, crafts, live music, hot food and much more! For more information, contact (319) 752-0015, chamber@growburlington.com, www.growburlington.com.

May 17, 2008 - Get a unique perspective of the Mississippi River as you walk or run across the Great River Bridge from Iowa to Illinois and back. This six-mile trek begins at the Port of Burlington and travels up Snake Alley before heading over the bridge. Spectators and participants alike will find this annual event fun and entertaining. For more information call Brad Selby at (319) 753-8134 or at selbyb@burlingtoniowa.org

May 23, 2008 - Reconnect with family and friends at the Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Port of Burlington. All proceeds benefit area youth. For more information visit www.burlingtonkiwanis.com

May 23-24, 2008 - Voted the 5th Best Criterium in the U.S. by a national cycling magazine, the weekend of racing excitement gets under way Friday, May 23, with the 80-mile Burlington Road Race. On Saturday, watch top cyclists from throughout the U.S. as they race up Snake Alley, "the crookedest street in the world." For more information and entry forms, go to www.memorialdayweekendbikeraces.com, or contact (319) 752-0015 or chamber@growburlington.com.

June 7, 2008 - Blues Boogaloo is a new musical offering associated with the Burlington Steamboat Days event held on the Burlington Riverfront in June of each year. Now in its third year, the Boogaloo kicks off Burlington Steamboat Days at 7 pm on Saturday June 7th in the Memorial Auditorium featuring outstanding local and nationally recognized blues artists in a cabaret setting. Bar-b-que and Miller beverages are offered along with the best in toe tappin' head bobbin' blues. It's a guaranteed good time. For more information, call (319) 754-4334 or visit www.steamboatdays.com.

June 9, 2008 - Begin Steamboat Days with this Jazz Festival which is held in the air-conditioned Burlington Memorial Auditorium. Jazz performers from around the state and midwest play various jazz favorites. This kick off celebration is dedicated to the preservation of jazz which has a long history in Burlington. Jazz personalities Louis Armstrong and Woody Herman have performed at the festival. For more information call The Burlington Steamboat Days Office (319) 754-4334.

June 10-15, 2008 - National rock, country, pop, rhythm and blues, jazz, big band and oldies groups perform daily on outdoor stages. Other entertainment and events are held in Memorial Auditorium and the Port of Burlington building. This regional event attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually. Special days you don't want to miss are Kid's Day and Senior Citizen's Day. Other attractions include fireworks, a parade, North American Midway Entertainment and lots of food. For more information, call (319) 754-4334 or visit www.steamboatdays.com.

June 14, 2008 - Juneteenth is the oldest African American holiday observance. This celebration of freedom began in 1865. Juneteenth should be a day of celebration. The day is filled with fun, family, friends, music, food, sport events, singing, and dancing. This event takes place at the DeEdwin & Gladys White Memorial Park. For more information regarding this event please contact MarScine Brown at (319) 752-2080.

June 15, 2008 - Located on historic Snake Alley. Sponsored by the Art Guild of Burlington, this one-day Fine Arts fair is in its 41st year and is the largest event of its kind in the region. Live music, lots of family activities, great food, craft demonstrations and sales by over 100 artists are offered on the "crookedest street in the world" in the historic Heritage Hill neighborhood from 8-4 pm. For more information, contact Ann Distelhorst at (319) 754-8069, arts4living@aol.com, www.artguildofburlington.org.

July 4, 2008 - This annual celebration held in downtown West Burlington includes the fireman's pancake breakfast, a wide variety of children's games, a large craft show, and bingo. Come browse around at the classic car display. A late afternoon parade kicks off the evening. Live entertainment and fireworks at dusk, makes this event one you do not want to miss. For more information please call West Burlington City Hall 319-752-5451.

July 12, 2008 - The Lake Geode Challenge has been described as one of the 'most challenging' races in Iowa! This Olympic distance triathlon which is part of the Heart of America triathlon series takes place in and around beautiful Geode State Park in nearby Danville, Iowa. Spectators are welcome to watch and cheer athletes as they swim, bike, and run their way through the scenic beauty of Geode Park. For more information or to register visit: www.lakegeodechallenge.com. To volunteer, email volunteer@lakegeodechallenge.com

July 23-29, 2008 - Young and old will enjoy the atmosphere of the county fair. Home economics, 4-H projects, livestock shows, tractor pulls, horse pulls and musical programs comprise the 2008 Fair celebrating its 155th year. Held at the Des Moines County Fairgrounds. For more information, call Sherlyn Beckman at (319) 394-3730.

Summer/Fall 2008 - Burlington is a port-of-call for the American and Mississippi Queens. Visitors are welcome to view the steamboat as it is docked next to the Port of Burlington Welcome Center. For docking times call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 827-4837, or www.growburlington.com.

September 18, 2008 - Dine In or Drive Thru for your feast of chicken and sides during the Annual Rotary Chicken BBQ that supports area youth. Serving begins at 4:30 p.m. For more information, www.burlingtonrotaryclub.org.

September 27-28, 2008 - In its 21st year, come enjoy live music, lots of family activities, great food and historical demonstrations highlight this fun-filled celebration of our community's rich, multiethnic heritage held in downtown Burlington. For more information, call Downtown Partners, Inc., at (319) 752-0015, or www.growburlington.com.

October 4, 2008 - This event celebrates Burlington's German Heritage with traditional German food, beer, and entertainment. Held at the Port of Burlington, from 4:00 - 10:30 p.m. For more information call Ray Siefken at (319) 752-3262.

November 9, 2008 - Kickoff the holiday season in Downtown Burlington featuring the giveaway of $1,000.00 worth of Downtown Dollars. For more infor-mation, call Downtown Partners, Inc., at (319) 752-0015, or www.growburlington.com.

November 22, 2008 - A holiday tradition in Downtown Burlington. For more information, call Downtown Partners, Inc., at (319) 752-0015, or www.growburlington.com.

December 4, 2008 - Now one of Southeast Iowa's favorite holiday events, Living Windows features more than 60 Downtown window fronts and includes drama clubs, carolers, church choirs, a live Nativity, storytellers, Santa & Mrs. Claus, free horse-drawn trolley rides and lots of complimentary food and hot beverages. For more information, call Downtown Partners, Inc., at (319) 752-0015, or www.growburlington.com