ia: The best of Iowa arts and culture

Lucy Sparrow in a pile of her felt artwork. (Photo: Art Farm Iowa)

Head up to Northwood for 'Artfarmaganza!'

Art Farm Iowa, an art collective in Northwood, is hosting a weekend of art, music and celebration during Artfarmaganza! The event, set for July 4-6, showcases three artists in the heart of the Iowa countryside.

British artist Lucy Sparrow is best known for her hand-sewn, full-scale felt environments. She's making her Iowa debut with what may be the world's largest felt SPAM sculpture. (It's hard to prove, but the odds are pretty good in her favor.) The rest of the Art Farm Iowa gallery will feature paintings from well-known regional and international artists.

“This festival is about celebrating creativity and community in one of the most inspiring rural settings in the Midwest,” Art Farm Iowa co-founder Steve Hanson said in a press release.

The Iowa singer-songwriter Dan Bern plans to share a few stories and Americana tunes on July 4 and 6, while Australian Nigel Wearne will perform folk, blues and outlaw country music only on July 4.

Stay all day to enjoy food trucks, art stations, kids’ crafts and a fireworks display. Festivities are set to begin at noon on July 4 and continue through 6 p.m. on July 6.

Read about Art Farm Iowa's origins in a previous story from ia magazine.

Dolliver Memorial State Park is stacked with natural rock formations. (Photo: Iowa DNR)

Get off the beaten path in Webster County

It’s time to get outside and be one with nature. Dolliver Memorial State Park in Webster County is unique for its natural bluffs and geological formations. The park has more than 5 miles of trails, taking hikers through canyons, forests, hillsides and prairies. Discover unique sandstone formations, known as the Copperas Beds, as well as Boneyard Hollow, which features rocky streams and cliffs.

Stay overnight in one of the family cabins, equipped with small kitchens and room for four guests. Or stay at the park’s campgrounds, which overlook the Des Moines River and include a modern restroom and shower station.

Balloons get ready to fill the sky with color in Pela. (Photo: Travel Iowa)

Take to the skies over Lake Red Rock

Lake Red Rock will be filled with hot air balloons, live music and more from July 11-13 for the 14th annual Balloonfest.

The opening balloon launch and tether rides take off on July 11, followed by a "night glow" expo. The following day begins with a sunrise balloon launch a 5K and 10K run/walk, followed by kids' activities, a boat parade and more balloon launches throughout the high-flying weekend.