By Allie Evans
Cedar Rapids, IA, is debuting a brand new $4 million cultural festival named newbo evolve, in the heart of little bohemia featuring headliners Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson, from August 3rd through 5th. newbo evolve celebrates not only the Bohemian creative spirit in Cedar Rapids, but the rebirth of the city after the 2008 flood.
This festival, according to their website, newbo evolve has a purpose of celebrating “the creative Bohemian spirit through music, art, fashion, dance, food, and technology” by providing 40 keynote speakers, various activities and experiences, alongside the well-advertised concerts of Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson.
Watch a video by Go Cedar Rapids about newbo evolve, here!
Interested attendees have the option of purchasing a 3-day pass for the festival at $375 dollars, or individual tickets to the headliner shows of Kelly Clarkson and Maroon 5. The festival directors are receiving criticism for the pricey 3 day pass, the lack of a-la-carte passes for sessions, and that tickets are limited to 18+ audiences.
In response to this criticism, KCRG, did some research about the costs of festivals and confronted the directors of newbo evolve. Lollapalooza, the 4-day all music festival near Chicago only has a 4-day admission of $335. Aaron McCreight, the President of Go Cedar Rapids, and the creators of the festival stated that “So for the evolve pass for $375 you get reserved seating, preferred seating right up front in front of the stage. You get there whenever you want. Nobody will be in your seat, and it’s actually a chair,” and expressed their desire to create a reasonable and affordable price for all the activities provided.
According to the festival website, the price of everything included in the $375 package is well worth over $600. This price includes reserved seating at both headlining and to-be-announced local artist concerts, access to all celebrity lead keynotes throughout the three days, and exclusive access events and locations that are listed on their website, here.
However, do not be discouraged by the price tag if you were interested in seeing Maroon 5 or Kelly Clarkson. There are general admission tickets available for purchase through the US Cellular Center for Maroon 5 starting at $70, here, and Kelly Clarkson starting at $54.50, here.
What do you think about a festival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, costing more than Lollapalooza? Would you attend newbo evolve for the span of 3 days, or would you rather attend only the concerts? Let us know in the comments below.
newbo evolve logo courtesy of gocedarrapids.com