June 16: Snake Alley Art Fair
Snake Alley Art Fair is a daylong celebration of creativity and community, centering on a love for the visual arts. Growing from a start more than 50 years ago as a small gathering of local artists who set up for the day along historic Snake Alley, “The Crookedest Street in the World!”
Now an annual event, SAAF encompasses much to see and buy from more than 80 artists. Everything at the Snake Alley Art fair is handmade and original. Meet the artist and learn about what inspires them and how they create their art. Each piece is made with love and care. SAAF offers a one of a kind experience to see and purchase original works of fine art directly from the artists who create them!
For the third year running, Snake Alley itself has been home to the Emerging Artists feature, organized by Allied Creators Studios. Here, you can visit with rising local artists and enjoy unique works in a variety of styles and media.
This family event also entails art-making activities for children, live music, the best food vendors, and a beer/wine garden at the former Arts for Living Center, Majestic Estates.
The Fair is organized by Art Center of Burlington, a local non-profit organization with a mission to use the power of art to awaken the creative nature that is in every person, to connect us socially and to contribute to the vibrancy of Burlington.
Snake Alley/Heritage Hill Neighborhood
Intersection of North 6th Street & Columbia Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601
website / facebook
June 20 – 23: Snake Alley Festival of Film
The Snake Alley Festival of Film is dedicated to showcasing the best short films from around the world. Films will screen at the beautifully restored Capitol Theater in the heart of downtown Burlington, Iowa. The theater boasts state of the art equipment and can comfortably seat more than 400 people.
The Capitol Theater
211 North 3rd Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601
website / facebook
June 21: Outdoor Concert feat. Granger Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Hardy & More
Due to flooding on the Burlington River Front, venue has been changed to the Westland Mall Parking Lot. Burlington Riverfront Entertainment (BRE) & Inked Entertainment presents GRANGER SMITH, MITCHELL TENPENNY, & HARDY June 21 at the Westland Mall Parking Lot, located in West Burlington, Iowa! Tickets are just $30 and can be purchased on ticketmaster or at the Auditorium Box Office Tues-Fri 10:30am-4:30pm.
The Westland Mall Parking Lot
550 S Gear Ave, West Burlington, Iowa 52655
website
June 22: Outdoor Concert feat. .38 Special & More
Due to flooding on the Burlington River Front, venue has been changed to the Westland Mall Parking Lot. Outdoor Concert with headliner, 38 Special. Featuring performances by special guests Tucker Beathard and Craig Gerdes.
The Westland Mall Parking Lot
550 S Gear Ave, West Burlington, Iowa 52655
website
July 20: A Very Vintage Market
A Very Vintage Market is a one day extravaganza in beautiful, historic downtown Burlington on July 20, 2019 from 9 AM – 4 PM, inspired by the love of vintage and handmade goods. This outdoor event features antique and vintage décor, repurposed, re-imagined, or up-cycled items, handcrafted goods, architectural salvage, primitive and farmhouse accents, as well as local eats.
A Very Vintage Market is a place for shoppers and vendors to share their passion to reuse, remake, and restyle.
Downtown Burlington, Iowa
website
July 26: RAGBRAI
From the RAGBRAI Official Website:
“RAGBRAI, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into its 47th year, RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. […] This rolling celebration of Iowa attracts participants from all 50 states and many foreign countries. It has covered thousands of miles through the years, and hundreds of thousands of riders have hopped in the saddle to pedal part of those miles.”
In 2019, Burlington will host RAGBRAI riders for an overnight stay just before the end of their journey! Register to ride along for part or all of this great Iowa tradition, or just join the celebration in Burlington as riders arrive! Live music and special events abound… watch for details!
Downtown Burlington, Iowa
website
August 3-4: Gus Macker 2019 Basketball Tournament
Burlington is excited to host a Gus Macker Tournament for the second year. Burlington is located on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Conveniently located at the intersection of US Highways 34 and 61. All Macker games will be played on the Mississippi Riverfront.
While in town for Macker, don’t miss out on the many community attractions. Get Stung By the Fun at a Burlington Bees game, watch the cars zoom by at 34 Raceway or splash, zoom, and strike at FunCity. The adults will also have fun shopping locally owned boutique stores in Downtown Burlington, trying their luck at Catfish Bend Casino, or taking in the sounds of live music. Come for the tournament but stay for the experience of Greater Burlington!
All that fun can sure strike up an appetite, but there is no need to go hungry in Greater Burlington! Whether you’re wanting something new and authentic in a locally owned restaurant or a nationally recognized chain. The options are endless.
The Burlington Riverfront
Burlington, Iowa
website
August 24: Old Couch Music Fest
Pull up a couch – or a loveseat, chair, hammock, futon or whatever makes you comfortable – and enjoy an ice-cold beverage and delicious food while listening to great music from local and area bands. Entertainment lineup TBA. Tickets are $15 at the gate; kids 12 and under free. Inside the Capitol, family-friendly movies will be screened for free during the evening, and there will be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. A fun event for all ages!
The Capitol Theater
211 North 4th St
website