Free activities and music for the whole family

Playing at the party

    What is new this year?

    There are a couple of things new for 2012. First, artists (such as painters and sculpters) will be onsite during the day to display and sell their work. Next, Red's Alehouse is bringing microbrews to the celebration. So, get ready for some outstanding beverages! Third, we have added The Musical Playing Ground, an area where kids make musical instruments from homemade materials. There is bound to be more in the coming months, so check back here often.

    What time do things happen?

    The party starts at 11AM. and ends at 11PM. Most of the kid rides and activities end at 7PM, though. (Otherwise, they would be jumpin' around in an unlit bouncy house.) Food vendors typically serve until sunset, but some of them stay the whole day. The BBQ contest starts at 4:30. The beverage garden is open the WHOLE time, but last call is 10:45PM.

    The fireworks detonator raffle ends at 9PM and the winner is announced from the stage at 9:15PM. Must be present to win. The winner pushes the IGNITE button on the fireworks show.

    Finally, the FIREWORKS are at 9:45PM.

    What bands are playing?

    This is a Blues festival, so we get the best Iowa Blues artists! You'll see some new bands, as well as some of your old favorites. As always, the party is free, so kick back and enjoy the music. No entrance fee. (That's right, listen to the bands for ZERO dollars!) We plan to have Ernie Peniston, Kevin B.F. Burt and the Instigators, Bryce Janey Group, Music4Life and more! Times to be announced.

    What rides and games are at the party?

    Here are activities we hope to have in 2012:

  • The Casey's Playing Ground including the climbing wall, obstacle course, monkey mountain, bungee run, inflatahoops, giant slide, and two bounce houses
  • Games from the Iowa Children's Museum
  • Quail Valley Farms Interactive Petting Zoo
  • Fishing for kids presented by the North Liberty Recreation Department
  • Temporary tattoos from Hometown Rewards
  • Ladder ball and bean bag toss with Iowa Donor Network
  • Baseball and speed pitching zone with the North Liberty Parks Department
  • Bucket toss with the North Liberty Food & Clothing Pantry
  • Face painting with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
  • Fire department Air Care helicopter
  • "I am a Fan" fans from University of Iowa Community Credit Union
  • Kaleo Church's Diaper Depot and duck pond
  • Balloons from MidWestOne Bank
  • Hope Evangelical Church bubble blowing and fruit cups
  • Dog hydration station courtesy The Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center
  • FRY Fest represented by the Iowa City/Coralville Area Visitors Bureau
  • The Musical Playing Ground - where kids make musical instruments from household items