Solon Beef Days, July 17 and 18, 2026. Two days, one Main Street, the whole town turning out. Driving in from Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, or anywhere else? Here’s what you need to know.
Getting Here
Solon sits at Highway 1 and Main Street, 15 miles north of Iowa City and 25 miles south of Cedar Rapids. From I-380, take Exit 17 (Highway 1) and drive east about 7 miles. You’ll see the signs.
Parking
Main Street closes for the festival. Park along the side streets (Iowa, Cedar, North) or at the Solon Public Library and Solon Recreation Center. Walk a block or two and you’re in it.
Handicapped parking is on Highway 1 just north of Main Street, at 131 N Market Street.
When to Show Up
Friday, July 17
Food vendors open at 5 PM. The first band hits the Bandstand at 5 PM (Tangle Creek). Headliner at 9 PM (The Ditch Lilies). Beer tent open all night.
Saturday, July 18
The 5K Fun Run kicks off at 7:30 AM. The parade rolls down Main Street at 10 AM. Food vendors and carnival open at 11 AM. Bag and archery tournaments start at 1 PM. Music runs straight through to midnight.
Where to Stay
Iowa City
- Full range of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts
- Downtown, near University of Iowa
Coralville
- Hotel cluster along I-380 Exit 242
- Easy on, easy off
Cedar Rapids
- Full range of hotels
- Convenient if you’re flying into CID
Lake Macbride State Park
- Cabins and tent camping
- Beach and trails for a weekend out of it
ATMs, Restrooms, Money
Cash and cards both work at most booths. The beer tent takes both.
ATMs: Sam’s Main Street Market, Solon American Legion, Solon State Bank, RJ’s BP Convenience Store.
Restrooms are behind the Bandstand. Handicap-accessible port-o-potties are on site.
Bring This, Leave That
Bring: lawn chairs, soft-sided cooler with non-alcoholic drinks, sunscreen, your dancing shoes.
Leave at home: outside alcohol, glass containers, fireworks of any kind (including snakes and sparklers), pets, personal tents.
Still have questions?
See the FAQ, or reach out to the committee.