Fall into Marion this September and enjoy a full month of free, family-friendly outdoor activities. While the Swamp Fox Festival is typically held this time of year, and traditional events like the parade and 5K are on pause as Uptown gets an upgrade, there will still be many activities to enjoy.
September’s event line-up includes:
Friday, Sept 3
Fireworks & Fireflies presented by Hanna Plumbing & Heating
Lowe Park | 6 p.m.
Live music, food trucks, face painting and more will take place at the beautiful Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park. The fun begins at 6 p.m. leading up to the fireworks at dusk. More information can be found at:
cityofmarion.org/fireworks
Friday, Sept 17
Pop-Up Acts in the Artway: Billy Heller
Uptown Artway | 5 p.m.
Enjoy free live music in the Uptown Artway or from the patio of a nearby business. Billy Heller has a supernatural ability to channel the voices of James Taylor, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Dubbed the “Rich Little of Singers,” he can readily adapt to any audience or genre.
Friday, Sept 24
Pop-Up Acts in the Artway: Matt Gogel
Uptown Artway | 5 p.m.
Enjoy free live music in the Uptown Artway or from the patio of a nearby business. Matt Gogel plays the country and rock favorites you grew up with and many of today's hits.
Moonlit Movie Night featuring “Dolittle”
Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park | 7 p.m.
Join the Marion Parks and Recreation Department for a beautiful night under the stars and the feature presentation, "Dolittle." Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs for general lawn seating. Coolers and outside food/drink are permitted.
Saturday, Sept 25
Fall Marion Market
Corner of 8th Avenue & 12th Street | 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks and more – visit the Fall Marion Market and take home a wide variety of seasonal produce, artisan items and tasty treats. Note the temporary location at the corner of 8th Avenue and 12th Street.
Dog Fashion Show sponsored by Apple Creek Kennel
Uptown Artway | 10 a.m.
Get your dog ready for the spotlight! This unique event will occur in conjunction with the Uptown Fall Fest shopping event. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed pets, as determined by volunteer judges. To sign your pup up as a Dog Fashion Show participant, visit: https://forms.gle/uk16mfy1YYmEE2ZcA.
Uptown Fall Fest
Uptown Marion | 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Enjoy a fun day in Uptown Marion during this fall shopping event. Take in fall fashion trends, music, treats and prizes as you visit participating retailers and restaurants. And you won’t want to miss the Dog Fashion Show happening in the Uptown Artway hosted by the City of Marion and Apple Creek Kennel.
Marion Fall Family Ride
City Square Park (6th Avenue side) | 1 p.m.
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition and the City of Marion are teaming up to lead a family-friendly paced ride from Uptown Marion to Waldo’s Rock Park and back. Riders will get to experience the newly opened sidepaths along 6th Avenue and Grant Wood Trail extending east out of Marion. The route will be just over 6 miles on level terrain.
Doug T Hypnotist Show
Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park | 6 p.m.
Doug T takes comedy hypnosis to the next level by creating a show that is different from all the rest. He adds in his quick wit and spot-on impressions to make the show fun from beginning to end. Free to attend, seating will begin at 5:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for general lawn seating and a cooler. Food vendors will be onsite.
Sunday, Sept 26
Classic Car Show & Shine
Thomas Park | 9:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Join us for an all-car cruise-in at Thomas Park hosted by the Cedar Rapids Corvette Club. Donations will be collected to benefit Eastern Iowa Honor Flights. If it rains, the show will be cancelled.
