Marion to Celebrate National Night Out on August 4
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This year, National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The Marion Police Department is partnering with the Marion Fire Department and other City departments to organize a community-wide event from 5-7 p.m. at Thomas Park, 343 Marion Blvd. Enjoy K9 demonstrations, police and fire equipment on display, games, giveaways and more. Come early to enjoy hotdogs, chips and water courtesy of Hy-Vee.

Central Plaza Engraved Bricks Installation Update
The wait is coming to an end! Earlier this week, crews began installing the engraved bricks, purchased through the Central Plaza Campaign, at Central Plaza at City Square Park. The delay in installation ensured preservation of the commemorative brick pavers during construction of Broad & Main on 6th. Work is expected to take two weeks, weather permitting. A special dedication ceremony recognizing the donors of the Central Plaza Campaign will occur on Thursday, Aug. 20, prior to the Uptown Getdown event.

2026 Uptown Getdown Series Announced
The annual Uptown Getdown music series hosted by the Marion Chamber of Commerce begins next Thursday. It will be held on Thursdays in August from 6-9 p.m. The event will be held in City Square Park, and attendees will enjoy live music, great food and family fun at this free event. The 2026 schedule is as follows:

Thursday, Aug. 6         Last Call
Thursday, Aug. 13       Matt Panek & The Electric Trio
Thursday, Aug. 20       Outlaw Band
Thursday, Aug. 27       Mill Creek Band

Marion Sustainability Fair Happening on August 29
Join us at the first-ever Marion Sustainability Fair on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and explore practical ways to make a positive impact on the environment. Connect with local organizations, discover resources that support sustainable living and learn easy ways to reduce waste and care for our community. Enjoy giveaways, yard games and food trucks while you find ideas to use at home and learn more about local sustainability efforts. We hope to see you there!

Call for Artists – Utility Box Art
Make your mark on Marion and apply to bring vibrant, nature-inspired public art to the utility boxes in City Square Park. The City is seeking artists or artist teams interested in designing original artwork for three vinyl-wrapped utility boxes in Uptown Marion along 7th Avenue in City Square Park. The selected artist or team will create site-responsive designs that are visually engaging and appropriate for a public audience of all ages. The project’s theme is biophilic design - artwork that connects people to nature, promotes health and wellness and encourages active living. This public art initiative is led by the Marion Arts Council. Learn more and apply at www.cityofmarion.org. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2026.

Traffic Patterns to Change on Monday on 10th Street
On Monday, Aug. 3, the City’s contractor is planning to reduce traffic to northbound only on 10th Street from Tower Terrace Road to the Excelsior Middle School driveway. Southbound traffic will be detoured using Tower Terrace Road, Winslow Road and Connection Avenue. This phase is expected to take two weeks, weather permitting.

Lucore Road Pavement Patching to Begin Monday
On Monday, Aug. 3, crews will close the southbound lane of Lucore Road at the Tower Terrace Road roundabout to complete a pavement patch. Southbound traffic will be detoured to County Home Road and Winslow Road. This closure is expected to last one week, weather permitting.

Road Construction Updates
Road construction season is upon us! As always, slow down in construction zones and watch for workers. Stay up-to-date on these and other projects by subscribing to the Public Works Project Newsletter. Here's a look at the latest.

Volunteers Needed for Indian Creek Clean Up Day
The City of Marion is teaming up with Creekside Pride to remove trash from Indian Creek and educate the community on the importance of healthy watersheds. The clean-up day will take place at Thomas Park, located at 343 Marion Blvd., on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon. Help maintain Indian Creek’s beauty by signing up to volunteer at signup.com/go/NOBMLAL.

We're Hiring
If you’re looking to make a positive impact in the community, the City of Marion is currently hiring for multiple positions. Current full-time openings include a police officer, 911 communications operator, public works project assistant, chief building inspector and administrative assistant. There is a seasonal opening for a public works worker and several part-time positions. Find the details at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

Here’s a look at what’s happening in Marion:

• Friday, July 31 - Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Joelle - 6-8 p.m. - Uptown Artway (Cancelled due to weather; to be rescheduled)
• Saturday, Aug. 1 - Sunrise Yoga - 7:30 a.m. - Lowe Park
• Saturday, Aug. 1 - Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours - 8-11 a.m. - Willowood Park
• Saturday, Aug. 1 - Family Fun at Ascension Park hosted by Friends of the Marion Parks - 1-4 p.m., Ascension Park
• Tuesday, Aug. 4 - National Night Out - 5-7 p.m. - Thomas Park
• Wednesday, Aug. 5 - Downdogs in Uptown - 6-7 p.m., Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Thursday, Aug. 6 - Uptown Getdown featuring Last Call Party Band - 6-9 p.m. - City Square Park
• Friday, Aug. 7 - Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Sugar & Spice - 6-8 p.m. - Uptown Artway
• Friday, Aug. 7 - Moonlit Movie Series featuring GOAT - 7 p.m. - Lowe Park