The students and college football are back, which means the Iowa City corridor will be buzzing with activity over the weekend.
The Labor Day holiday typically brings an unofficial close to the summer, but with a bevy of events planned, the end is anything but near.
Here are five things to check out this weekend:
Hancher's Welcome Back Concert
The annual Hancher Welcome Back Concert ushers in the start of the new school year for University of Iowa students and the greater Iowa City community. This year's free concert starts at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, on the front lawn of Hancher Auditorium.
The concert lineup includes Reyna Tropical, Dawes, and Cory Wong. The first act of the night is Reyna Tropical at 6 p.m. Then, Los Angeles-based rock band Dawes will perform at 7:15. Cory Wong of The Fearless Flyers will perform a solo set at 9 p.m. The Hawkeye Drumline will perform in between sets.
More: Friday's 15th annual FRYFest features a former American Idol winner, Herky on Parade
15th annual FRYfest
FRYfest is celebrating its 15th year on Friday. The annual tradition was named for and originally planned as a celebration of former Hawkeye football coach Hayden Fry.
The festival will once again help kickstart Iowa's athletic year from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. The festivities precede University of Iowa football teams as they take the field for their regular season opener against the Illinois State Redbirds on Saturday.
The FRYfest lineup includes a concert from American Idol season 16 winner and Iowa Native Maddie Poppe and a celebration of Iowa's eight-person Hall of Fame class, along with autograph sessions.
More: Herky on Parade 3.0 comes to an end during next week's FRYFest celebration
BBQ & Boots Fest feat Eli Alger & The Faster Horses
The BBQ & Boots Festival celebrates barbeque food and country music. Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon will host a night of dancing at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, featuring Eli Alger & The Faster Horses, a dynamic and passionate musical ensemble that blends country, rock, and western. Tickets are available online and range in price from $15 to $45.
Comedy Game Show at AlleyCat
The Comedy Game Show will be held at 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31 at the multi-genre venue AlleyCat. This interactive show is different from other comedy programming, with audience members playing and winning games, hosted by Travis Coltrain. Guests can stay for a night of karaoke after the show.
The cost to attend is $5.
Gimme Gimme Disco
Looking for a man after midnight? The Gimme Gimme Disco at Gabe's might be the perfect opportunity. This DJ dance party is inspired by the stream of hits from the band Abba and other top songs from the 1970s. Tickets for the party from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 31 are on sale for $17 to $25.
Iowa Craft Beer Bash
Hosted by Millstream Brewing Co., the Iowa Craft Beer Bash invites attendees to indulge in samples of beer, cider, and seltzers from over 50 of the best craft breweries in Iowa. The one-day festival in Amana features live music, food truck vendors, and beer tastings. The festival will run from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1.
VIP tickets cost $60 and give attendees early entrance and the opportunity to try exclusive Millstream Brewing Co. products. General admission tickets cost $45.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Start Labor Day weekend with Hancher's Welcome Back Concert, FRYfest and a craft beer bash
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