Everything you need to know about the Iowa Arts Festival

IOWA CITY — Art, food and entertainment for all ages takes over downtown Iowa City this weekend as part of the 33rd annual Iowa Arts Festival.

The longest running festival in Iowa City starts at 4 p.m. Friday and continues through 4 p.m. Sunday.

'It's a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the arts,' said Lisa Barnes, executive director of Summer of the Arts, the organization hosting the event. 'What a great way to spend a beautiful weekend.'

Admission to the festival grounds, as well as all activities and entertainment, is free. Food, drinks and, of course, artwork is to be available for purchase.

Here is what you need to know before heading out:

Hours

Friday: 4-11 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location

Closure of Washington Street between Clinton and Dubuque streets is making the festival more compact this year, but organizers have extended the festival grounds along Iowa Avenue and Linn Street.

Weather

Friday: Mostly sunny; chance of scattered storms at night. High of 83 degrees.

Saturday: Partly sunny; chance of scattered showers and storms. High of 79.

Sunday — Mostly sunny; chance of scattered showers and storms. High of 73.

Parking

Chauncey Swan Ramp

Court Street Transportation Center

Dubuque Street Garage

Old Capitol Town Center Garage

Tower Place & Parking

A shuttle service is planned for those with disabilities. For a full list of ramps and prices, visit www.downtowniowacity.com.

Food and drinks

l Culinary Row, featuring 16 food vendors, is open 4 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

l The Beverage Garden is open 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Art

More than 100 artists from 15 states — including painters, sculptors, potters, woodworkers, photographers, jewelry makers, glass specialists and printmakers — will display and sell their work in the downtown area. Artist demonstrations are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Entertainment

Main stage acts:

Friday — 7 p.m. Aoife O'Donovan; 9 p.m. The Wood Brothers

Saturday — 10 a.m. Iowa City Community Band; 11:30 a.m. Red Rock Hill; 1 p.m. Sean Costanza; 2:30 p.m. Henhouse Prowlers; 5 p.m. Parsonfield; 7 p.m. Middle Western; 9 p.m. BeauSoleil with Michael Doucet.

Sunday — 10 a.m. Goin' Up Caney; 11:30 a.m. Parsonfield; 1 p.m. Cedar County Cobras; 2:30 p.m. Dandelion Stompers.

Linn Street LIVE stage features entertainment from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Kids activities

Daily — 'FUN Stops' throughout the festival.

Saturday — 'Children's Day' with activities and entertainment at the Ped Mall and the Family Stage at Weatherdance Fountain from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday — Global Village in Pedestrian Plaza, featuring cultural activities and entertainment on the Family Stage from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parade

5 p.m. Friday: Starts at the Chauncey Swan Ramp and weaves through downtown. Parade features music and characters in costumes to reflect stories of Iowans.

What to take

Cash, although many vendors accept credit cards and ATMs are throughout downtown Iowa City; sunscreen; comfortable shoes; lawn chairs if you plan to watch live entertainment.

More information

(319) 337-7944

summerofthearts.org