This festival in Cedar Rapids connects local artists to local art lovers. (Photo: Brendan Paul)
The Iowa Pop Art Festival returns for its fourth year on May 4 in Cedar Rapids, which proudly celebrates its Czech and Slovak roots. Notably, the artist Andy Warhol (born Andrew Warhola) grew up in a family of Central European immigrants in Pittsburgh.
The festival here in Iowa will feature 150 local artists and 10 local musicians performing a diverse range of music genres, from country to rap to metal. “The only thing more diverse than the artists we feature is the work they create,” said Niq Thomas, who grew up in Independence and created the festival in 2021. “The consistent theme is community and collaboration.”
The festival offers a free pre-party on Friday night, May 3, at CSPS Hall. Alongside live music from rock group Maaaze and the artist Allegra Hernadez from Des Moines, visitors can explore art that can’t be contained in a booth.
