RiverFest 2012 is bringing music, art, kickball, and more to the University of Iowa campus April 22–29

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Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Written by: Anne Kapler

RiverFest is raging through Iowa City April 22-29 with its annual pre-finals spring rush of music, food, art, and more.

Highlights include performances by noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells (8 p.m, April 24, in conjunction with SCOPE Productions and KRUI) and rock band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (8 p.m., April 26, in conjunction with SCOPE Productions and the 10,000 Hours Show), as well as a weekend of theme parties featuring plenty of food and live music from local bands.

RiverFest 2012 promotional poster

The theme party weekend includes a Pajama Jam (7 p.m., April 27), where students are invited to show up in PJs or other comfy gear, and the return of the Zombie Prom (7 p.m., April 28). Both events are free, and will be held in Second Floor Ballroom of the Iowa Memorial Union.

“We had a ferociously enthusiastic turnout for the first Zombie Prom last year, and there was a high demand for it to return this year,” says Nico Ward, marketing director for RiverFest 2012. “We’re excited to make it a new RiverFest tradition.”

Another new tradition returning for 2012 is the Java Jog (4 p.m., April 23), a tour of four downtown Iowa City coffee shops, complete with acoustic sets from local musicians.

Longstanding RiverFest favorites RiverRun and the Riverbank Art Fair will be back as well.

RiverRun, featuring 5K run/walk/wheelchair and 10K run/wheelchair races, as well as a fitness fair and a 50-yard Hawkeye Hustle for children ages 2 to 8 will be held on April 29 in Hubbard Park. Proceeds from the entry fee ($20 for students, $25 for nonstudents) will benefit Uptown Bill's Small Mall. See riverrun.uiowa.edu for more information or to register.

The Fine Art Council’s Riverbank Art Fair, a two-day art exhibition and sale in the Iowa Memorial Union, will be held from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. April 28 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29. More information is available at fineartscouncil.uiowa.edu/riverbank-art-fair.

Other 2012 RiverFest events include a Battle of the Bands, a UI-themed trivia night, a photo op with Herky in front of the Old Capitol, a kickball tournament in Hubbard Park, a Hip-Hop Showcase, a film festival, comedy shows, and more.

A full schedule of events is available at riverfest.uiowa.edu.