Cedar Rapids Will Be the New Home of the Bourbon & Blues Festival

A popular annual festival is moving from Swisher to Cedar Rapids this summer! It was announced last week that the Bourbon & Blues Festival is headed to the McGrath Amphitheatre in August.

According to the Linn County Blues Society website, the new version of the Bourbon & Blues Festival is a combination of two local events: Cedar Ridge's 'Bourbon & Blues Festival' and Linn County Blues Society's 'Czech Village Blues.' Cedar Ridge's annual celebration has been happening since 2010 and attracts around 8,000 people each year. The Czech Village Blues event started in 2018.

The 2022 Bourbon & Blues Festival is shaping up to be a huge event! The website reads:

"With the intent of growing to a multi-day event attracting blues enthusiasts throughout the midwest, this year’s line-up has grown to four acts. The female, award-winning blues artists include headliner Shemekia Copeland, Caroyln Wonderland, Danielle Nicole, and Molly Nova and the Hawk featuring Bryce Janey."

You'll be able to enjoy music from all four artists at the Bourbon & Blues Festival on Saturday, August 20th beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $38 apiece. You can purchase yours HERE.

The Bourbon & Blues Festival is just one of MANY Eastern Iowa festivals centered around food or beverages this summer! There's Houby Days in the Czech Village, Mac & Cheese Fest Dubuque, Center Point Pork Days, the Blues & BBQ Festival in North Liberty, Solon Beef Days, and more! Check out a full list of all the fun events to look forward to HERE.

30 Cool Outdoor Patios to Dine On This Summer Around the Corridor

Now that spring is here, patio season is right around the corner! With the help of Eastern Iowans in the Deetz - Let's Support Local! Facebook group, I put together a list of 30 awesome patios in the area where you can dine and/or drink when the weather gets warmer. Here are some of the popular places!