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 7, 2009 - 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 3 & 4, 2009 - 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 2009 are May 22, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 14, and September 4. 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 7 until October 29.  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 16, 2009 - 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, 2009 - 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 22-23, 2009 - 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 - 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 p.m. Come out early and enjoy a find summer evening in the park. For more information call Mark Eveleth at (319) 753-6900 or visit www.muniband.org.

June 16-21, 2009 - 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 - 21, 2009 - 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 John at (319) 750-1670.

June 21, 2009 - Located on historic Snake Alley. Sponsored by the Art Guild of Burlington, this one-day Fine Arts fair is in its 42nd 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, 2009 - 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 11, 2009 - 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 29 - August 4, 2009 - 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.

Southeast Iowa Wine & Beer Festival

August 29, 2009 - This one day outdoor event will take place on the PZAZZ! Party Patio. The festival will feature a variety of regionally made wines and beer 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 17, 2009 - 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 25-26, 2009 - 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 3, 2009 - 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 8, 2009 - 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 28, 2009 - A holiday tradition in Downtown Burlington. For more information, call Downtown Partners, Inc., at (319) 752-0015, or www.growburlington.com.

December 3, 2009 - 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