Strassenfest The wharf area of Waterfront Park, between First and Second Sts. Its Artfest brings together craft demonstrations, performances by regional fine arts groups and a juried arts festival. Strassenfest also purveys more puns on the word duck from the waddling German duck dance that is a touchstone for the event than should be legal, and a Battle of the Downtown Stars in which teams from local businesses compete in such events as the Beer Bucket Relay and the Pretzel Pass. And there s continual food and free entertainment. Strassenfest is held Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the first full weekend of August.
Admission is free.
A combination of local and regional jazz acts, spiked with a few national names, draws a crowd that s diverse in age and ethnic background. It s takes place on the third weekend of the month and all performances are free. Nothing blends the mundane and surreal so effortlessly. It s one of the best chances for citybound folk to see pigs, goats and polled Herefords. There s enough fudge for sale to veneer Freedom Hall.