FRYfest ready to rev up University of Iowa Hawkeye football fans

CORALVILLE — It’s time to fight, fight, fight for Iowa, and FRYfest is ready to kick off the Iowa Hawkeye football season.

Coralville’s Iowa River Landing, East Ninth Street and Quarry Road, is the place to be from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, (or in Hawkeye terms, FRYday). That’s where you’ll find family-friendly activities ranging from the “World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow” to the signature Hawkeye Pep Rally the day before the Hawkeyes tackle the Utah State Aggies at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.

The 14th annual “celebration of all that is Hawkeye” is named in honor of the legendary late University of Iowa football coach Hayden Fry. The event offers Hawkeye swag to buy, opportunities get autographs from current and former players and coaches, and the chance to test your Hawkeye trivia, compete in a bags tournament, and shake your pompoms at the High Porch Party and concert.

The spotlight also will be on the UI’s big bird on campus, Herky, who turns 75 this year.

“Herky is an essential part of the fan experience at every University of Iowa sporting event and one of the community’s most well-known faces,” said Josh Schamberger, president of Think Iowa City.

FRYfest, presented by The Eastern Iowa Airport, will include a panel of former Herky mascots, sharing their experiences as a fan favorite on and off the field throughout the years, from cheering in national tournaments to making appearances at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Herky’s Birthday Bash will begin at 7:30 p.m., featuring other recognizable mascots, and birthday cake for fans. Attendees are encouraged to make a birthday card for Herky in the Kids Zone throughout the day.

The High Porch Block Party gets underway at 1 p.m., with activities for all ages, bags tournament, food trucks and beverage garden. The music cranks up at 7 p.m. with Trophy Dads, followed by high-energy headliner PopROCKS at 8:45 p.m., rocking covers of the hits from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts to Shania Twain. Tickets are free, through a sponsorship from Scheels.

For details, go to facebook.com/fryfest, Twitter @FRYfest, Instagram @FRYfest or FRYfest.com