Two notable theater productions start their runs this weekend, a notable author visits Des Moines and Dubuque descends upon the Mississippi River with dragons – in the form of boat races, that is. Tonight in Iowa City, Adam Knight and company at Riverside Theatre open their operatic comedy Scalia/Ginsburg. Over at CSPS Hall, Rich Heritage of Cedar Rapids Theatre is starting their production of the classic Steel Magnolias. In Des Moines, Beaverdale Books is hosting author Jodi Picoult at Franklin Junior High as the (often banned) author discusses her newest novel, By Any Other Name. Also in Des Moines, Vinyl Cup & Marv’s Records are hosting a record sidewalk sale. Stop by to browse through thousands of used vinyl records! Over in Dubuque, a tradition continues with the 36th annual Dubuque Dragon Boat Races. Groups from far and wide compete in the team sport of dragon boat paddle racing. Check the rest of the Weekender for more events in Central and Eastern Iowa.