So, this time of year is just about the best in Iowa City, and if you haven’t figured it out yet, this weekend is going to be not only a long weekend but it’s also looking beautiful. We’ve got an extended version of this revived edition of our weekend column, so get out there and enjoy this weekend’s events.

Thursday
The Envy Corps, It’s True, Item 9 & the Mad Hatters / Yacht Club / 9pm / $6
Kudos to the Blue Moose for throwing an intriguing show tonight with Scott Lucas (of Local H) & the Married Men, but I can’t say I don’t love Des Moines’ arena rock ready Envy Corps. Plus the rare chance to see some indie rock down at the Yacht? Totally.

Friday
Heavy Metal Karaoke Massacre, Nethervoid, Burnout / Blue Moose / 9pm / $6
Any time local black metal group Nethervoid plays, you either know you want to be there or you don’t. Myself, I do. This time, however, they’ve got their friends in Heavy Metal Karaoke Massacre, who basically will play live metal songs for you to perform karaoke to. Time to channel your inner Dio, Friday night at the Moose.

Saturday
Shame Train with Thankful Dirt, Mike Mangione / Mill / 9pm / $6
Iconic local folk act Shame Train helps Thankful Dirt release their new album. A solid night of songwriting and whiskey at the Mill. Not necessarily in that order, either.

Sunday
Carnival Hearts & Arts Parade / 1pm / City Park / FREE
One of the coolest, most original events to come through Iowa City in a long time is the Carnival Hearts & Arts Parade, a mini-Arts Fest in City Park on Sunday afternoon. Lots of music from the likes of Skye Carrasco, Sam Blickhan, Utopia Park, Shame Stevens, Monadnoc, and Doug Nye, and there’ll also be crafts, food, sun, and entertainment from the Cirque Stupendo and Les Dames du Burlesque. It should be a perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon on a holiday weekend.