2010 Annual Events

Download: 2010 Area Event Calendar

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 6 - 7 - The Mississippi Valley Caller’s Association host this annual event at the PZAZZ! Convention and Event Center which includes four waterfowl calling competitions. The first event starts at 9 AM.  Admission is free; there is an entry fee for competitors. For more information, contact Ron Vorwerkat 319-768-5906.

Family Spring Bluegrass Music Festival

April 16 - 17 - Enjoy a variety of different bluegrass bands during the 7th Annual Family Spring Bluegrass Music Festival.  The Festival will be held at the PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center.  Join in the fun one or both days!  All ages welcome.  For more information, visit www.tsbafestivals.org.

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 2009 are May 28, July 9, July 30, August 13, September 3, and September 24. Admission is FREE! For more information, call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 319-752-6365 or 800-82-RIVER.

Riverfront Farmers' Market

Join in on this popular community event at the Port of Burlington from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. every Thursday beginning May 6 until October 28.  Fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, bedding plants, flowers, crafts, live music, hot food, and much more.  Contact Downtown Partners at 319-752-6365 for more information.

May 15 - 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 selbyb@burlingtoniowa.org.

28th Annual Snake Alley Criterium

May 28 -29 - Voted the 5th Best Criterium in the U.S. by a national cycling magazine, the weekend of racing excitement gets under way with the 80-mile Burlington Road Race. On Saturday, watch top cyclists from throughout the world as they race up Snake Alley.  Visit www.snakealleycriterium.org for more information.

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

May 29 - Reconnect with family and friends at the Annual Pancake Breakfast, 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Port of Burlington. All proceeds benefit area youth. For more information, visit www.burlingtonkiwanis.com.

Burlington Municipal Band

June - August - The Burlington Municipal Band plays a one hour concert each Sunday evening at the Crapo Park band shell, which overlooks the beautiful Mississippi River.  Band concerts begin at 7:30 PM.  Come out early and enjoy a fine summer evening in the park. For more information, call Mark Eveleth at 319-753-6900 or visit www.muniband.org.

June 15 - 20 - 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 19 - 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 and Gladys White Memorial Park. For more information, contact John Herring at 319-750-1670.

June 20 - This daylong fine arts and crafts fair is the largest event of its kind in the region. Taking place on historic Snake Alley —  the crookedest street in the world! — and in the leafy Heritage Hill neighborhood, the fair features works for sale by more than 100 exhibitors, as well as live music, family activities, food, and craft demonstrations. The Snake Alley Art Fair is held annually on Fathers Day from 8 AM - 4 PM. For more information, contact the Art Guild at 319754-8069, arts4living@aol.com, or visit www.artguildofburlington.org.

July 4 - 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, call 319-752-5451.

July 17 - The Lake Geode Challenge has been described as on 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. Fore more information or to register, visit www.lakegeodechallenge.com. To volunteer, email volunteer@lakegeodechallenge.com.

July 28 - August 3 - Young and old will enjoy the atmosphere of the county fair. Home economics, 4-H projects,livestock shows, tractor pulls, horse pulls, musical programs and fireworks will comprise the 2010 Fair celebrating its 157th year. Held at the Des Moines County Fairgrounds. For more information, call 319-394-9613.

Southeast Iowa Wine & Beer Festival

August 28 - On the PZAZZ! Party Patio. This is a one-day outdoor event. The festival will feature a variety of regionally grown wines and breweries to sample and buy. All day live entertainment, demonstrations, cork guessing contests and other activities. Fantastic food and wonderful artists will also be showcased. 21 and over. For more information, visit www.thepzazz.com.

September 16 - 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 PM. For more information, visit www.burlingtonrotary.org.

Heritage Days

September 24 - 25 - In its 23rd year, come enjoy live music, lots of family activities, great food and historical demonstrations that highlight this fun-filled celebration of our community's rich, multiethnic heritage held in downtown Burlington. For more information, call 319-752-6365.

October 2 - 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 14 - 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 319-752-6365.

November 27 - A holiday tradition in Downtown Burlington. For more information, call Downtown Partners, Inc., at 319-752-6365.

December 2 - 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 319-752-6365.