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Newton Fest, the weekend that celebrates the best of Newton, is slowly coming together for 2021. Set for June 10-12, the event will feature family-friendly activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“We’re cautiously optimistic that we will be hosting Newton Fest, in some form, in June of this year,” Danielle Rogers, community marketing manager for the City of Newton, said. “The City and our community partners are looking to plan family-friendly activities that follow public health measures but also celebrates our community.”
The city has scheduled two concerts to take place on Thursday and Saturday of Newton Fest.
The Nadas will take the stage during the evening of June 12. They are Iowa’s signature alt-rock-country band, selling more than 200,000 albums through their own label, Authentic Records. Singers/guitarists Mike Butterworth and Jason Walsmith, bassist Brian Duffey, and drummer Brandon Stone mix country, rock, alternative, and indie with flawless songwriting and catchy melodies for a crowd-pleasing experience.
“We’re really excited that The Nadas will be playing at Maytag Bowl,” Rogers said. “In doing some digging, this will be the first time that the band will be playing in Newton. If you haven’t seen The Nadas in concert, you’ll get to witness the magic at one of the best outdoor venues in our area. It’s going to be an amazing show.”
On June 10, Newton Fest will kick off with a free concert from Damon Dotson and his full band will be at Maytag Bowl as part of Newton Fest and the Maytag Bowl Summer Concert Series.
Damon Dotson is a singer/songwriter based out of Des Moines and originally from Northwest Iowa. Dotson has released four original albums and played countless shows throughout the Midwest. He has opened for legendary performers like BB King, Willie Nelson, The Beach Boys, as well as modern artists like Matt Nathanson, Edwin McCain and The Lone Bellow.
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Newton Fest 2021 will undoubtedly be different due to the pandemic but city staff believes outdoor concerts at Maytag Park are events that meet public health measures but also allow the community to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate our community.
“City staff looked over the current proclamations, as well as public health information and decided that two outdoor concerts at the premiere park in Newton would be a great way to kick off the summer of 2021,” Rogers said. “Maytag Park allows for social distancing and the City hosted three concerts at Maytag Bowl during the summer of 2020 that were well attended. So it seemed like a natural fit for Newton Fest.”
Planning for the rest of the Newton Fest weekend is still in the early stages but more announcements will be made this spring. All organizations involved are taking necessary precautions to plan events that keep the community healthy and safe. If public health guidance and/or proclamations are modified, plans will change accordingly. The community’s health is of the utmost importance to all those involved. As more information is available it will be posted at www.newtonfest.org as well as on the city’s website and Get to Know Newton Facebook Page.
Newton Fest is the community event that began in 2015 and celebrates what is great about our community. From showcasing Red Pride to admiring Newton’s artistic side, the weekend is provides family-friendly, affordable fun for everyone.