ia: The best of Iowa arts and culture

The Blake Shaw Quartet is one of a slew of jazz acts in next weekend's Iowa City Jazz Festival. (Photo: Jason Smith)

Around Iowa

All that jazz in Johnson County

The annual Jazz in July festival is a well-established tradition in Des Moines. But the Iowa City Jazz Festival has quite a following, too.

This year’s big weekend is July 5-7, with a slate of local and regional acts ready to hit several stages in downtown Iowa City. The lineup features Fareed Haque and His Funk Brothers, Ingrid Jensen and the Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra, the Blake Shaw Quartet and a dozen more – plus fireworks at the Old Capitol on Friday, July 5.

You can grab a bite to eat at an outdoor booth called “Culinary Delights and Beverage Garden” or start Sunday in style with a jazz brunch at the Vue Rooftop. Find all the details online.

Connie Heim donated all of the Barbies at a new exhibit in Jefferson. (Photo: Barbie by the Bells)

Around Iowa

Come on, Barbie, let’s go party!

For one more weekend, Jefferson is home to a Barbie Dream House with a display of more than 1,000 collectible Barbie dolls in their original boxes. This exhibit is divided between two locations: the Sensibly Chic boutique on the downtown square and the nearby Greene County Historical Museum, the proud beneficiary of all exhibit proceeds.

The “Barbie by the Bells” exhibit, near the Mahanay Bell Tower, began when a generous local resident donated more than 600 dolls to the museum, adding to its already impressive collection of 400 vintage dolls. Visitors can dive into Barbie’s glamorous world, complete with fabulous costumes and a selfie booth to capture those "Barbie Girl" moments.

The museum exhibit is open noon to 5 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Watch the Okoboji fireworks show from land or from water. (Photo: Dylon Ireland Photography)

Food & Dining

Independence Day firework shows

Independence Day is right around the corner. You know what to do: Grab the lawn chairs and head outside for fireworks.

Okoboji: The popular summer vacation spot hosts a fireworks show over West Lake Okoboji every Saturday through August 31, but they throw in an extra extravaganza on July 4, which lands on a Thursday this year.

Ames: As part of the community’s star-spangled celebrations, a fireworks display will erupt on July 3 east of Jack Trice Stadium, near the Southeast Recreation Complex. Find stadium parking for the best viewing.

Coralville: The city’s 4thFest includes fireworks in S.T. Morrison Park on July 4.

The Fort Dodge Grain Silo Mural won an iTIP award for arts, culture and heritage. (Photo: Travel Iowa)

Arts & Culture

Visit Iowa’s best: statewide awards highlight tourism

Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP), the leading statewide association for Iowa's tourism and hospitality sector, celebrated the achievements of the industry during the second annual iTIP Awards at its annual meeting this month in Sioux City. The awards highlight excellence across Iowa’s tourism landscape, recognizing individuals, businesses and organizations that enhance visitor experiences and contribute to the state’s economic vitality.

Visit these winners across the state to see the best Iowa has to offer:

Charles City: The Town of Colors murals at the Charles City Art Center were recognized for their contributions to the town’s vibrant art scene.

Fort Dodge: The Grain Silo Mural won an award for arts, culture and heritage. The mural turned an industrial structure into a distinctive landmark that celebrates Fort Dodge’s innovative history.

Clear Lake: The Surf Ballroom and Museum was honored for its role in preserving Iowa’s rich musical history. This iconic venue where Buddy Holly performed his last concert remains a nostalgic destination for music lovers.

Boone: The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, which winds through picturesque landscapes and preserves Iowa’s railroad heritage, won the “Only in Iowa” award. The popular train ride offers a unique glimpse into the state’s history and natural beauty.

Winterset: Petite Café, a beloved spot where locals and visitors enjoy Pammel Park Coffee, earned a nod for impeccable service.

Mason City: Wright on the Park also won an award for its dedication to service while preserving the architectural history of the last remaining hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Iowa City and Des Moines: Both locations of Wilson’s Orchard & Farm won awards for their commitment to sustainability. The business evolved from a simple apple orchard into a year-round destination for fresh produce, farm-to-table dining, live music and more. Read the full list of award winners on the iTIP website.

Two NTT IndyCar Series 250-mile races will take place July 12-14 at the Iowa Speedway. (Photo: IndyCar)

Arts & Culture

Race to Newton for cars and concerts

The Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend set for July 12-14 at the at the Iowa Speedway in Newton has more moving parts than a souped-up engine: camping, tailgating, a pit stop challenge on “Free Family Friday” and, of course, plenty of races around the 7/8-mile oval track.

There are some big-name concerts, too. On Saturday, Luke Combs revs up the crowd at 4:15 p.m. for a pre-race concert, then American Country Music Award winner Eric Church performs for winners and losers alike at the 9:30 p.m. post-race show. On Sunday, see Kelsea Ballerini and Post Malone perform back-to-back in the afternoon. Get tickets online.

Lavender starts went into the ground in April, and now some blooms are ready for sale. (Photo: Quakerdale Farms)

Arts & Culture

New lavender farm now open

A new agritourism venue called Quakerdale Farms opened its lavender fields to the public on June 18. The new fields spread across the 700-acre campus of the former Quakerdale School in New Providence, an orphanage founded in 1851 to teach young children Quaker-based principles.

The farms’ owner, Lance Thornton, was a student at the school before stepping up to purchase the property in January. His goal is to turn the land back into a working farm and event venue, starting with the lavender fields and expanding with greenhouses, cultivated gardens, a stocked fish pond, walking and hiking trails, an event center and wedding venue, a campground, fitness center and even an equine aquatic center to help rehabilitate workhorses.

The lavender farm is open for tours. You can visit the plant lab, where seeds and starts are nurtured; purchase your own plants, soaps and candles; or stop by the on-site cafe. A percentage of all proceeds from the farm support children and family nonprofits through the Quakerdale Foundation, which continues the property’s original philanthropic spirit.

Architectural sketches adorn William Wagner's recreated studio at the Forest Park Museum in Perry. (Photo: Mathany Ahmed)

Food & Dining

Nature trails and historic tales

Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast or weekend wanderer, the Forest Park Museum and Arboretum in Perry is worth a stop on your small-town adventures. It offers self-guided tours through exhibits on Iowa’s past, from indigenous people to the first settlers.

Much of this history was collected by architect William Wagner, who authored the out-of-print “Sixty Sketches of Iowa’s Past and Present.” The museum showcases his collections, original sketches of Iowa’s historical buildings and his recreated studio.

The site also features the Alton Schoolhouse, the last one-room schoolhouse in Dallas County, and an 1860 log cabin. Visitors can stroll trails through 12 acres of restored prairies, just a short stroll from the Raccoon River Valley Trail.