As I sit here and look forward to another Iowa spring day where the temperature won't go above 60 degrees, it warms my soul to know that warmer days are ahead. And when those warmer days arrive, so will fun outdoor activities and festivals that we have missed the past several years. One of the tastiest events in Eastern Iowa is all set to happen in Marion this June. Get your bib ready for some BBQ!

The Marion BBQ Rendezvous is set to take place on Saturday, June 4th at Lowe Park in Marion. Gates open to the public that morning at 11 a.m. and admission is FREE.

They'll be live entertainment going on all afternoon and evening. The Janey's will take the stage starting at 11 a.m. The Pastmasters will play from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. And then that evening, Dogs of Society, the Ultimate Elton John Rock Tribute will perform from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m.

But at an event called The BBQ Rendezvous, we have to talk about the food. Vendors appearing at the event include Willie Ray's Q Shack, Sugarfire BBQ, Bob's BBQ Emporium, Bambbq, and more! Who's ready for some amazing ribs, brisket, and pulled pork?

The Marion BBQ Rendezvous is presented by the Marion Metro Kiwanis and all proceeds from the event will go to their Miracle League program. What's better than tons of great BBQ and live music? I'll see you at Lowe Park on June 4th!

Want to keep up to date with the latest in local and music news? Download our app! It's completely free and not only will you be the first to know about breaking news, but we'll also keep you updated on concerts and other events coming to the area. You'll also have exclusive opportunities to win tickets. What are you waiting for? Get the free app today.

30 Cool Outdoor Patios to Dine On This Summer Around the Corridor

Now that spring is here, patio season is right around the corner! With the help of Eastern Iowans in the Deetz - Let's Support Local! Facebook group, I put together a list of 30 awesome patios in the area where you can dine and/or drink when the weather gets warmer. Here are some of the popular places!

The Top-Rated Restaurants in Marion & Hiawatha

As a way to highlight some of the restaurants just outside of Cedar Rapids, we turned to Yelp to figure out the highest-rated restaurants in Marion and Hiawatha. In order to be added to the list, the official address of the business had to be in one of those two cities. Here are the top ten!

More From Q98.5