Blues & BBQ is Taking a Break, but Check Out this Summer’s Lineup of Special Events
North Liberty Blues & BBQ will not take place this July, as Hy-Vee Center & Amphitheater construction continues in Centennial Park. The festival will return for its 17th year on July 11, 2026.
But there is no shortage of fun scheduled for this summer. Save the date and make plans to join us at these community events:
July 3: Fireworks
Enjoy a fantastic firework display at Penn Meadows Park the evening before your Independence Day celebrations. The professional, 15-minute show will launch from the north ball fields at 9:30 p.m.
July 10: Eras in the Park
Sing and dance along to Taylor Swift’s greatest hits during a free outdoor concert featuring the ‘Swift Nation’ tribute band in Penn Meadows Park. Attendees are invited to arrive to the park at 6:30 p.m. to trade bracelets, collect giveaways, interact with sponsors and grab a bite from food trucks to eat before the 8 p.m. show.
July 17: Pig & Pint
Blues & BBQ may be taking this summer off, but the festival’s signature VIP event — Pig & Pint presented by Veridian Credit Union — is still on. Reserve your individual ticket or table now for an evening of great food, drinks and live music from James Tutson and the Rollback at Field Day Brewing on Thursday, July 17, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Proceeds will support free programming, such as Blues & BBQ, in Centennial Park in 2026.
August 23: Street Dance
We’re closing down Dubuque Street in front of City Hall for a community block party with beverages, food trucks, games and live music – featuring Lily Schloss, Kevin Burt & Big Medicine and The Punching Pandas.
Movies on the Plaza
A new series presented in partnership with the Community Foundation of Johnson County, Movies on the Plaza will take place on the lawn outside City Hall on Fridays, Aug. 15, Sept. 12 and Oct 3. Film titles and event details to be announced.
What’s happening in Centennial Park?
The first — and largest — of four phases of Centennial Park is nearing completion.
Hy-Vee Center, a multipurpose indoor event space, is opening this November. Reservations for private celebrations are being accepted now, and the City will host many public programs inside the new venue as well. Hy-Vee Amphitheater, an outdoor stage connected to the venue, will debut in summer 2026. An new accessible playground will also open this fall on the northeast corner of the park.
Future phases of development include a premier splash pad (currently in design), an open-air pavilion, expansive plaza spaces, expanded parking and trails, additional restrooms and an honor garden. Learn more about the project at northlibertyiowa.org/nextstage.
