The 4th of July is upon us and this year more than ever our Curious Community is ready to celebrate Independence Day. Don’t know what to do? We have you covered. Multiple events are coming back full swing this summer with campgrounds and parks fully open. Here is a list of what you can do this 4th of July weekend.

Coralville 4thFest

A traditional 4th of July event in the area brings something for everybody. The multi-day 4thFest starts July 2nd and runs through the 4th with most of the action held at S.T. Morrison Park in Coralville. Kids will sure enjoy the carnival that runs the whole time starting Friday and features fun rides. Also on Friday is a free 4thFest feast and a D.J. playing tunes. Saturday starts with a morning 5K run/walk followed by different events in the afternoon and a free live concert in the evening. Food vendors will open and run through the end of the weekend. Sunday the 4th opens with a pancake breakfast then a giant parade you will not want to miss. More events will happen after the parade and fireworks will light the sky Sunday night. See full details here: coralville.org/310/4thFest

Iowa City Jazz Fest

Go to downtown Iowa City for two days of live jazz performances and delicious dishes. Starting July 2nd, this event will have nearly a dozen musical acts playing for you from four different stages. You will see a variety of well-known jazz musicians and up-and-coming talent alongside national and international artists. Several food vendors will open to settle your hunger. Fireworks will end the festival Saturday night at the old capitol building. Bring a blanket, chair, and get ready for a weekend jazz extravaganza! See full details here: summerofthearts.org/sota-events/iowa-city-jazz-festival

Bourbon and Blues Fest

Bourbon and Blues Fest celebrates Cedar Ridge’s first release of bourbon in Iowa. Nearly 8,000 people come to Swisher to celebrate. The event starts on Friday, July 2nd and goes until the 5th. It features local, regional, and national blues musicians highlighting a range of talent. Music at Cedar Ridge is free all day. This year the festival is expanding to include two ticketed shows on Friday and Saturday at DanceMor Ballroom in downtown Swisher. See more here: crwine.com/bourbon-and-blues/#faq

A Day on the Lake

What better way to spend a hot holiday than a day on the lake? Pack up the boat and go on the water where you definitely will not be the only one. Lake Macbride and the Coralville Reservoir are popular spots in the area both located on the north side of Johnson County. Make sure you know and follow lake laws as Lake Macbride has a 5 mph speed limit but the Coralville Reservoir is full throttle. There are several boat ramps on both lakes and many places to anchor down and swim. Don’t have or feel like going on a boat? Both lakes also have sandy beaches free to use. See more here: thinkiowacity.com/listing/coralville-lake-%26-devonian-fossil-gorge/78 and here: thinkiowacity.com/articles/post/summer-day-in-solon

Go Camping

Camping is another popular option people take on the 4th of July. Our area offers plenty of campgrounds perfect for the whole family whether you bring a camper or pitch a tent. The above mentioned Coralville Reservoir and Lake Macbride have several campgrounds between the two of them. Head south down the Iowa River and you will see more including Sugar Bottom and multiple spots by the Coralville Dam. Head west and you will hit Kent Park which is in between Tiffin and Oxford. So stock your coolers, pack your s’mores necessities, and start a bonfire because whatever campground you choose will be a good time. See more details here: thinkiowacity.com/places-to-stay/camping-and-rv-parks

If you are looking for something else to do this holiday weekend than visit our website thinkiowacity.com. There you can find lists of everything to do in our Curious Communities and a list of events that are happening each day.