Sara Evans will headline the 2012 FRY Fest. (Facebook)
There are more than 180 fun things to do this weekend in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area, including 57 live music shows. Below we focus on our best bets. What will you be doing this weekend?
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Friday
Wine Tasting - Cover charge: $20 includes Wine tasting. Bring a chair and enjoy wine, music and a relaxing garden for a great cause at First Avenue Wine House.
Sara Evans + Lee Brice - Sara Evans will headline the 2012 FRY fest — A Celebration of All that is Hawkeye, presented by The Eastern Iowa Airport on Sept. 7. Lee Brice will open the outdoor concert at 7 p.m., followed by Evans at 8:30 p.m., on the Two Rivers Bank and Trust stage at Coralville’s Iowa River Landing. Tickets are $15, on sale now online. All proceeds benefit the annual Coralville 4th Fest celebrations
Inside Out with Tony Hawk - Hawk is a role model to millions of young skateboarders and athletes throughout the world. His surprising ascent to CEO of several successful businesses makes him an inspiration to people of all ages. He appears as the second speaker in the Inside Out series presented by the Cedar Rapids Public Library.
The Pines - The Pines play a special concert in celebration of the vinyl release of their new album Dark So Gold. It follows their radio-charting Tremolo, which received rave reviews and was highlighted in PopMatters and CMT.com as one of the top Americana albums of the year.
Saturday
Iowa fans tailgate around Soldier Field before Iowa's game against Northern Illinois Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012 in Chicago. (Brian Ray/The Gazette-KCRG)
Allstate Tailgate Tour - The Allstate Tailgate Tour is heading to Iowa City this week as the Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Iowa State Cyclones. At the Allstate Tailgate Tour, Hawkeye fans can participate in games for a chance to win tailgate items and take part in a variety of family-friendly activities.
Handicap This! - Handicap This! is a live stage show with a message of possibilities. They have received rave reviews, standing ovations, and left the audience cheering for more. Mike and Tim’s story will raise awareness about people living with severe physical handicaps and inspire individuals to achieve their own goals and dreams. Profits of the show go to Camp Courageous.
“True West” - Austin, an ambitious Hollywood screenwriter working on a potential million-dollar project and Lee, a vagabond thief with a compulsion for six-packs and toasters, are reunited in their mother’s home. The two brothers battle their demons and each other in Sam Shepard’s brutal and acidly funny masterpiece.
Single tickets are $15-$28 with discounts for youth 18 and under, as well as for those Over 60 or Under 30.
Sunday
Orchestra Iowa will launch its 2012-13 season Sept. 9 with a grand celebration of Americana on the front lawn of Brucemore mansion.
NFL Punt, Pass, Kick Contest - The annual NFL Punt, Pass, Kick Contest offered by Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation will take place this year in conjunction with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department’s (CRFD) Firebowl on Sunday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Coe College.
Anamosa Motorcycle Hillclimb - Watch Semi-Pro Motorcycle Hillclimbers compete at the Best Specator Event in the Midwest. Family Friendly.
Fall Flower Show - The Good Earth Garden Club will stage the 37th Annual Flower Show in cooperation with Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation at Noelridge Greenhouse. Anyone is welcome to enter this judged competition with ribbons awarded. There are separate categories for adults and children.
Brucemorchestra - Come to the Brucemore front lawn for a classical concert under the stars. Bring your blankets and picnics to celebrate the official start of the annual cultural season.
