Upcoming Events
The Ports of Discovery has a variety of annual festivals and events, as well as periodic special events, all featured right here on our Events Calendar.
List View
Pink Takes the Cake on Pink Friday
Here is a description of what Pink Friday is. Stay tuned for details of participating businesses at the beginning of November.
Pink Friday is the newest arrival on the holiday shopping event scene, debuting in 2020. The movement is the brainchild of The Boutique Hub — the world’s largest boutique industry community connecting small businesses, ecommerce retailers, wholesalers, and industry services and experts.
Sara Burks, director of education at The Boutique Hub, says the event formed out of “an abundance of need to support small business retailers during an unprecedented time.” Now, it complements Small Business Saturday.
“We believe that shopping small should happen first — before Black Friday and all of the big shopping days of the year,” says Ashley Alderson, CEO of The Boutique Hub, when explaining the Pink Friday event in a video.
That’s why Pink Friday 2024 is Nov. 22, exactly one week before Black Friday. It encourages collaboration among the small boutique community to advance the #shopsmallfirst mindset.
🥜 Festival of Trees: Christmas Trivia
🥜 Festival of Trees: Christmas Trivia
As a prelude to the Festival of Trees, join us at Old Man River for Christmas Trivia. Bring a team or just yourself and we’ll help you find a team. Check back here in November for more information.
🍰 Festival of Trees: Dessert Among the Trees
🍰 Festival of Trees: Dessert Among the Trees
Join us for Dessert Among the Trees which takes place on Thursday evening during the Festival of Trees. Attendees are treated to homemade cheese and holiday music while mingling among the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at the Left Bank, City Hall or the Chamber Office. Check back here in November for more information.
🥃 Festival of Trees: Spirits of Christmas Pub Crawl
🥃 Festival of Trees: Spirits of Christmas Pub Crawl
Join us for the Spirits of Christmas Pub Crawl which takes place on Friday evening during the Festival of Trees. This cheerful social outing is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Check back here in November for more information.
🎄 Festival of Trees
🎄 Festival of Trees
A magical small town festival complete with children’s activities, musical performances, a bake sale and a hall full of beautifully trimmed Christmas Trees. Mark your calendars to attend this special event and check back here in November for more details.
Food Drive for Clayton County Food Pantry
The CPKC Holiday Train will not pass through Marquette this year as it has for many years. Last year the event brought in 2,449 pounds of donated items and $12,656 in monetary donations to the Clayton County Food Shelf. This is a big void to fill. Drop off monetary or food donations from 5-7pm in the Marquette Park Shelter on December 12th. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided with more details to come.
🛍️ 2nd Thursday’s: Meet Me in McGregor
2nd Thursday’s are BIG here in McGregor! Several of our shops stay open until 7pm on the 2ND THURSDAY of each month.
Our current list of participating businesses:
By The Spoonful
Daisy Kay Crystals, Coffee, & Gifts
Free Spirit Boutique By Laura Davies Carlson
Navy Rose Co.
Paper Moon
Rivertown Fine Books
The Left Bank
Treats By Taylor
Visit McGregor-Marquette, Iowa
🎅🏻 Santa at the Centre
🎅🏻 Santa at the Centre
Santa will be making his annual visit to Marquette! Get your photo with Santa and enjoy holiday treats, hot chocolate and fun kid activities. Hosted by the American Legion Post #305.
🛍️ 2nd Thursday’s: Meet Me in McGregor
2nd Thursday’s are BIG here in McGregor! Several of our shops stay open until 7pm on the 2ND THURSDAY of each month.
Our current list of participating businesses:
By The Spoonful
Daisy Kay Crystals, Coffee, & Gifts
Free Spirit Boutique By Laura Davies Carlson
Navy Rose Co.
Paper Moon
Rivertown Fine Books
Visit McGregor-Marquette, Iowa
McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Cerermony
This event is for McGregor-Marquette Chamber members.
Mysterious McGregor-Paranormal Walking Tours with Adrian Lee (Copy) (Copy)
Explore the eerie past of Downtown McGregor with your ticket for a Mysterious McGregor Paranormal Ghost Tour—an unforgettable journey with Adrian Lee from Unscripted Paranormal! Wander through the heart of downtown McGregor as your guide blends ghost hunting, captivating storytelling, and mysterious intrigue. Don’t miss out on this exclusive fall ghost tour series—tickets are limited, so book yours now before they vanish!
Paranormal ghost tours will be held on select dates (listed below) in late October and early November, with tour sessions beginning at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., departing from the McGregor Historical Museum in downtown McGregor.
Tickets sales will go live beginning at 11:59pm on Friday, August 23rd! There are a limited number of tickets available so be sure to get your ticket booked in advance. (Groups are encouraged to book together. ) https://www.eventbrite.com/.../mysterious-mcgregor...
The 5:30 p.m. tour is considered to be the PG version for the 'faint of heart' and children 8+. It is at the parents’ discretion to determine whether or not their child is easily scared and which tours are appropriate for them.
Mysterious McGregor-Paranormal Walking Tours with Adrian Lee (Copy) (Copy)
Explore the eerie past of Downtown McGregor with your ticket for a Mysterious McGregor Paranormal Ghost Tour—an unforgettable journey with Adrian Lee from Unscripted Paranormal! Wander through the heart of downtown McGregor as your guide blends ghost hunting, captivating storytelling, and mysterious intrigue. Don’t miss out on this exclusive fall ghost tour series—tickets are limited, so book yours now before they vanish!
Paranormal ghost tours will be held on select dates (listed below) in late October and early November, with tour sessions beginning at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., departing from the McGregor Historical Museum in downtown McGregor.
Tickets sales will go live beginning at 11:59pm on Friday, August 23rd! There are a limited number of tickets available so be sure to get your ticket booked in advance. (Groups are encouraged to book together. ) https://www.eventbrite.com/.../mysterious-mcgregor...
The 5:30 p.m. tour is considered to be the PG version for the 'faint of heart' and children 8+. It is at the parents’ discretion to determine whether or not their child is easily scared and which tours are appropriate for them.
Mysterious McGregor-Paranormal Walking Tours with Adrian Lee
Explore the eerie past of Downtown McGregor with your ticket for a Mysterious McGregor Paranormal Ghost Tour—an unforgettable journey with Adrian Lee from Unscripted Paranormal! Wander through the heart of downtown McGregor as your guide blends ghost hunting, captivating storytelling, and mysterious intrigue. Don’t miss out on this exclusive fall ghost tour series—tickets are limited, so book yours now before they vanish!
Paranormal ghost tours will be held on select dates (listed below) in late October and early November, with tour sessions beginning at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., departing from the McGregor Historical Museum in downtown McGregor.
Tickets sales will go live beginning at 11:59pm on Friday, August 23rd! There are a limited number of tickets available so be sure to get your ticket booked in advance. (Groups are encouraged to book together. ) https://www.eventbrite.com/.../mysterious-mcgregor...
The 5:30 p.m. tour is considered to be the PG version for the 'faint of heart' and children 8+. It is at the parents’ discretion to determine whether or not their child is easily scared and which tours are appropriate for them.
75th Anniversary Commemmoration
The public is invited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Effigy Mounds National Monument with the signing of the executive order by Harry S. Truman on October 25, 1949.
The day will begin with an honoring of the flags of the 19 affiliated tribal nations followed by short speeches and a keynote talk by Dale Henning Ph.D. Dale will share his remembrances of times before and after the monument’s establishment.
A reception will follow and afterwards visitors can earn the park's new 75th anniversary junior ranger badge as well as learn about new hiking challenges!
At 12:30 pm park staff will have four special tours to Yellow River boardwalk, Fire Point, Marching Bears and Sny Magill. Visitors can earn their first hiking challenge reward by completing these hikes.
Commemoration Event Schedule
10 a.m.- Speeches
Noon- Reception
12:30p.m.- Ranger Guided Hikes to Yellow River, Fire Point, Sny Magill, and Marching Bears
🎃 Halloween Parade and Festival
🎃 Halloween Parade
McGregor businesses and homes compete in fall and halloween decor competitions to help celebrate the season. The parade route leaves the Middle School, down Main Street, and turns on 1st St, returning to school via B St.
Games and activities at Triangle Park following the parade.
*A schedule of activities will be posted mid-October. Sponsored by Peoples State Bank.
Mysterious McGregor-Paranormal Walking Tours with Adrian Lee (Copy)
Explore the eerie past of Downtown McGregor with your ticket for a Mysterious McGregor Paranormal Ghost Tour—an unforgettable journey with Adrian Lee from Unscripted Paranormal! Wander through the heart of downtown McGregor as your guide blends ghost hunting, captivating storytelling, and mysterious intrigue. Don’t miss out on this exclusive fall ghost tour series—tickets are limited, so book yours now before they vanish!
Paranormal ghost tours will be held on select dates (listed below) in late October and early November, with tour sessions beginning at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., departing from the McGregor Historical Museum in downtown McGregor.
Tickets sales will go live beginning at 11:59pm on Friday, August 23rd! There are a limited number of tickets available so be sure to get your ticket booked in advance. (Groups are encouraged to book together. ) https://www.eventbrite.com/.../mysterious-mcgregor...
The 5:30 p.m. tour is considered to be the PG version for the 'faint of heart' and children 8+. It is at the parents’ discretion to determine whether or not their child is easily scared and which tours are appropriate for them.
🍁 McGregor Fall Art Festival
🍁 McGregor Fall Art Festival
Join us for the Arts & Crafts Festival in Turner Park, held the first two weekends of October in McGregor. Shop handmade arts and crafts from our diverse vendors. Dance, drink and play for a while after you shop. We have LIVE music, food, beer, wine and activities for all ages!
More details and applications check us out on the website: https://www.leftbankshopandgallery.org/ or contact us at 563-329-2010 or The City of McGregor 563-873-3795
🎪 Flea Market Under the Bridge (Copy)
🎪 Flea Market Under the Bridge
Treasures abound & wait to be found! The Flea Markets Under the Bridge are traditionally held the following weekends each year:
Memorial Day Weekend
July 4th Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
The first two weekends in October
🍁 McGregor Fall Art Festival
🍁 McGregor Fall Art Festival
Join us for the Arts & Crafts Festival in Turner Park, held the first two weekends of October in McGregor. Shop handmade arts and crafts from our diverse vendors. Dance, drink and play for a while after you shop. We have LIVE music, food, beer, wine and activities for all ages!
More details and applications check us out on the website: https://www.leftbankshopandgallery.org/ or contact us at 563-329-2010 or The City of McGregor 563-873-3795
🎪 Flea Market Under the Bridge
🎪 Flea Market Under the Bridge
Treasures abound & wait to be found! The Flea Markets Under the Bridge are traditionally held the following weekends each year:
Memorial Day Weekend
July 4th Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
The first two weekends in October
🛍️ 2nd Thursday’s: Meet Me in McGregor
2nd Thursday’s are BIG here in McGregor! Several of our shops stay open until 7pm on the 2ND THURSDAY of each month.
Our current list of participating businesses:
By The Spoonful
Daisy Kay Crystals, Coffee, & Gifts
Free Spirit Boutique By Laura Davies Carlson
Navy Rose Co.
Paper Moon
Rivertown Fine Books
Visit McGregor-Marquette, Iowa
🍁 McGregor Fall Art Festival
🍁 McGregor Fall Art Festival
Join us for the Arts & Crafts Festival in Turner Park, held the first two weekends of October in McGregor. Shop handmade arts and crafts from our diverse vendors. Dance, drink and play for a while after you shop. We have LIVE music, food, beer, wine and activities for all ages!
More details and applications check us out on the website: https://www.leftbankshopandgallery.org/ or contact us at 563-329-2010 or The City of McGregor 563-873-3795
🎪 Flea Market Under the Bridge
🎪 Flea Market Under the Bridge
Treasures abound & wait to be found! The Flea Markets Under the Bridge are traditionally held the following weekends each year:
Memorial Day Weekend
July 4th Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
The first two weekends in October
🍁 McGregor Fall Art Festival
🍁 McGregor Fall Art Festival
Join us for the Arts & Crafts Festival in Turner Park, held the first two weekends of October in McGregor. Shop handmade arts and crafts from our diverse vendors. Dance, drink and play for a while after you shop. We have LIVE music, food, beer, wine and activities for all ages!
More details and applications check us out on the website: https://www.leftbankshopandgallery.org/ or contact us at 563-329-2010 or The City of McGregor 563-873-3795
🦅 Hawk Watch
The Driftless Area Wetlands Centre will be hosting its annual Welcome Spring - Egg Hunt event again this year! Festivities will include all kinds of fun hands-on nature activities for kids. It's a great chance to get out and enjoy spring as a family!
🎪 Flea Market Under the Bridge
🎪 Flea Market Under the Bridge
Treasures abound & wait to be found! The Flea Markets Under the Bridge are traditionally held the following weekends each year:
Memorial Day Weekend
July 4th Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
The first two weekends in October
👟 G.R.R.R.R. (Great River Road-Road Race)
The Great River Road-Road Race is a 5K and 10K race that begins and ends in scenic Pikes Peak State Park.
Runners receive a T-shirt, Division awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and a complimentary untraditional pancake breakfast featuring chicken gravy.
Register early to receive better rate.
🍅 Farmers Market
The Driftless Area Wetlands Centre will be hosting its annual Welcome Spring - Egg Hunt event again this year! Festivities will include all kinds of fun hands-on nature activities for kids. It's a great chance to get out and enjoy spring as a family!
Witches Broom Making
Contact CMSWEET@GMAIL.COM to sign up so there are ample supplies for all attendees. The witches group will hold dance rehearsals to prepare for their performance in the October 26th Halloween Parade. We invite everyone, even Warlocks to join in the fun! Rehearsals will be held October 10, 17 and 24 at the Backwoods Event Center in McGregor, the same location as broom making. You must attend a rehearsal to learn a very simple routine using your amazing new broom.
🚜 Froelich Fall-Der-All
Visitors take a step back in time at the annual Froelich Fall-der-All, held annually the 4th weekend in September. The family fun weekend includs a variety of old-time demonstrations and presentations, museum tours, kids activities, farmers market vendors, food and, of course, tractors.
Peregrine Falcon Celebration
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Peregrine Falcons being released on the bluffs at Effigy Mounds National Monument. Dave Kester from the Raptor Resource Project will present in the auditorium about his role in the falcon release project held at Effigy Mounds from 1998-1999. Dave will also provide updates about the Peregrine's current nesting status at the park.
Following the presentation, National Park Service staff and Raptor Resource staff will lead a hike up to Fire Point to look for migrating raptors in the area. Please note this two-mile hike is on a wood-chipped trail and climbs 350 feet. Participants wanting to go on this hike are encouraged to bring sturdy shoes, binoculars, and a water bottle.
🚜 Froelich Fall-Der-All
Visitors take a step back in time at the annual Froelich Fall-der-All, held annually the 4th weekend in September. The family fun weekend includs a variety of old-time demonstrations and presentations, museum tours, kids activities, farmers market vendors, food and, of course, tractors.
🍅 Farmers Market
The Driftless Area Wetlands Centre will be hosting its annual Welcome Spring - Egg Hunt event again this year! Festivities will include all kinds of fun hands-on nature activities for kids. It's a great chance to get out and enjoy spring as a family!