You can’t shop and eat all of the time, which is why Uptown Marion has also become famous – locally, for sure, and in some cases nationwide – for creating and hosting family-friendly events of extraordinary range and quality, year around.
Spring
Uptown Real Estate Showcase
SPRING DATE CANCELED
The Uptown Marion real estate market is primed with opportunity! Whether a business owner, investor, aspiring entrepreneur, or looking for a great apartment we’re excited to share the opportunities that a wait you in Uptown Marion. Join us for Uptown Marion’s Real Estate Showcase on Thursday, March 14th, from 4:30pm – 8:00pm, for a short program, properties tour, and networking event. Don’t miss out on this exciting time of revitalization, growth, and prosperity.
Ladies Day Out
SPRING DATE CANCELED
Grab your girlfriends and enjoy a fun day in Uptown Marion! From your morning latte to your afternoon glass of wine, you’ll be sure to make memories as you shop and dine Uptown.
M
arion’s Art Festival & 5K / Half Marathon
CANCELED
This one-day event showcases 50 high caliber artists from across the country. Continuous live music and specialty food vendors are also featured. Admission is free to the public. Brought to you by the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
This competitive 5K run/walk takes runners and walkers on a flat course through residential Marion. Refreshments and door prizes available after the race. A half marathon is also included in the weekend. More information.
Marion Farmers’ Market at Taube Park
May 2–September 26, 2020
Saturdays from 8:00am –11:30am
Taube Park–2200 31st Street
The Marion Farmers’ Market offers a variety of locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, flowers, homemade crafts, and much more. Stop by Taube Park on Saturday morning and check out all the fantastic offerings that are produced right here in your own community.
If you are interested in being a vendor at the Marion Farmers’ Market for the 2019 year, please contact the Marion Parks and Recreation Office at 447-3590 for availability, rental rates, and any other questions. More information.
Summer
Marion By Moonlight
June 4 – June 25, 2020
Thursdays, 6:00pm
Virtual – Tune in at KCRG 9.2
Uptown Market
June 13 – August 8, 2020
8:00am – 12:00pm
Marion Square Park – 7th Ave. & 10th St.
The Uptown Marion Market is happening the second Saturday of each month, June through August, from 8:00 am – Noon in Uptown Marion’s City Square Park.
Due to COVID19 only farm produce vendors will be able to fend at the June Market. There will be no programming and no children allowed. It is encourage only one person per family attend the June Market.
VENDOR INFORMATION
Information about being a market vendor can be found here.
For specific vendor questions, please contact Tami Schlamp at the Marion Chamber of Commerce (319-743-4723 or tami@marioncc.org).
Marion Community Band Concerts
June 9 & June 30 , 7:00pm , 2020
Marion Square Park – 7th Ave. & 10th St.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a nice summer evening listening to our great community band! Dress for the concerts is something red, white or blue. Music starts at 7:00 pm on select Tuesdays in June. For more information, contact David Law at maestrolaw@gmail.com.
Marion Big Band “Swingin’ At Sunset Concerts
July 9 – July 30, 2020
Thursday Nights. 7:00pm
Marion Square Park (7th Ave. & 10th St.)
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy classic 30’s & 40’s Big Band hits! These concerts start at 7:00 pm Thursday nights in July. For more information contact Doreen Zumwalt at (319) 377-7692 or Bob Sternowski at (319) 377-6588.
Eat. Drink. 
& Be Marion – Food & Pub Crawl Fundraiser
TBA
Enjoy a fun night on the town while supporting Uptown Marion!
Uptown Getdown
August 6 – August 27, 2020
Thursdays, 5:30pm
All Across Marion
Uptown Getdown is hitting the road! We’ve reimagined the event to bring the Marion community an opportunity for live music in a safe, distanced setting. The bands will be on-board our Uptown Getdown bandwagon and will play at three locations each Thursday night in August. Each stop will include a 40 minute set before moving to the next location. Times are approximations.
August 6 The Bamboozlers
August 13 Katie & the Honky-Tonks
August 20 Boot Jack Band
August 27 Casting Call Band
Lowe Park, 4500 N 10th St @ 5:30
Thomas Park, 343 Marion Blvd @ 6:30
Willowood Park/Marion Pool, 1855 35th St @ 7:30
Fall
Uptown Fall Fest & Dog Fashion Show
Saturday, September 19, 2020
10:00am – 2:00pm
Uptown Marion
Enjoy a fun day in Uptown Marion during this Fall Shopping Event! Experience Fall in Uptown Marion with fun activities, shopping, music, and entertainment. The day’s activities will feature free apple cider, fall shopping trends, prizes, and a Dog Fashion Show presented by the City of Marion.
Swamp Fox Festival & Parade
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Marion Square Park – 7th Ave. & 10th St.
Join in the celebration of Marion’s heritage at the 28th annual Swamp Fox Festival. A variety of events will take place in and around City Square Park including the Fall Marion Market, Swamp Fox 5K, a pancake breakfast, and the ever-popular Swamp Fox Parade.
The fun moves to Lowe Park on Saturday evening for live music at the amphitheater, food, bingo, kids activities and a grand fireworks finale. Find more info as the date gets closer at www.cityofmarion.org/swampfox.
Fall Market
Saturday, September 26, 2020
8:00am – 1:00pm
Marion Square Park – 7th Ave. & 10th St.
Held in City Square Park, the Uptown Fall Market offers fresh fall produce, baked goods, flowers, Iowa wines, and a wide variety of artisan items – all from local vendors. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy live entertainment from some of the areas finest musicians. This year’s Fall Market will be held in conjunction with Marion’s Swamp Fox Festival and Parade.
Chocolate Walk
Friday, October 2, 2020
8:00pm – 10:30pm
This fun annual event is an evening shopping experience that features a chocolate treat in nearly 30 participating businesses. Come out and enjoy a beautiful fall evening to stroll, listen to live music and shop Uptown Marion!
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 28, 2020
10:00am – 2:00pm
Uptown Marion
Kick-off the holiday shopping season with Small Business Saturday. Uptown Marion Main Street and Marion Chamber of Commerce will host a shopping event on Saturday, November 28th, between 10am – 2pm. Enjoy holiday music as you shop and dine Uptown. Receive a free #ShopSmall gift, while supplies last, and be entered to win a $50 Uptown Dollar gift certificate with each receipt you show!
Winter
Christmas in the Park and Peppermint Walk
Friday, December 4, 2020
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Marion Square Park – 7th Ave & 10th St
Each year we welcome Santa by firetruck to the Park at 4:00 pm and greet kids throughout the evening. Be sure to also SHOP all of the open Uptown Marion businesses for a peppermint treat!