Summer Festivals in Iowa

If art and music can't get you out in Iowa this summer, maybe one of the biggest television stars of all time will do the trick. Here is a hint for you. She had a show named after her, and she hailed from the state with 'ow' in the middle.

Do you like big band music? Not the kind people used to Swing to back in the day, but the kind that marches down football fields and entertains thousands of crazy high school football fans on cold fall nights? Think Nick Cannon in the movie Drumline. That is the kind of band I am referring to. If this is the kind of big band you love watching in action, you can find twenty eight of them at the North Iowa Band Festival. The festival, at East Park in Mason City, takes place over three days, this year from May 25 - 27, 2007. There are carnival games and rides, arts and crafts, food, and a stage with even more entertainment, but it is truly the bands that bring people out. While in Mason City, you can also see the new Music Man Square, as well as the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed hotel that is left standing in the world. Find out more about the festival at http://www.nibandfest.com/

The Donna Reed Festival for the Performing Arts takes place, fittingly enough, in Donna Reed's hometown of Denison, Iowa. The festivities are held on the Denison High School grounds from June 19^th through 23^rd. Los Angeles and New York-based professionals from the entertainment world are brought in to teach workshops and hold seminars, but this is not an industry event by any means. There is also a community picnic, a parade and performances for everyone. Get all of the information on this festival at http://www.donnareed.org/html/templates/dr_section.php?dr_section=festwork

Seventy-five artists carefully selected by panel are brought in for the College Hill Arts Festival, taking place on July 20^th and 21^st this year in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Held on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa, the festival is highly regarded on the art festival circuit. Live music, food, and hands-on activities for the creative children visiting make this a treat for the entire family. The Student Only Gallery offers paintings by the artists for $5 or less. Get all of the information at http://www.chaf.cfu.net/

The Annual Nordic Fest brings ethnic entertainment to Decorah, on July 26 - July 28, 2007. With live music, dance, performance art, visual art, and plenty of food and drink, this festival brings the spirit of Norway to life. Find out more about this Nordic Fest at http://www.nordicfest.com/2006.asp

From big time celebrity to a celebration of Norway, you can find a lot going on this summer in the various festivals happening in Iowa.