Washington (CNN) If you're running for president, chances are you're in Iowa this weekend. And that's not just because of the Iowa State Fair (though that is a major draw).

Tonight's Iowa Democratic Wing Ding dinner serves as a fundraiser for local arms of Iowa's Democratic Party, giving campaigns entree to the local activists who can be essential foot soldiers -- especially when organizing and turning out for the caucuses. Attendees will have their pick of Hy-Vee chicken wings and speeches from 21 candidates.

There'll be a new face on the ground in Iowa today.

Tom Steyer, who announced his presidential bid one month ago today , makes his Iowa debut as a candidate atop the Des Moines Register Soapbox at the fair.

The last time Steyer was in Iowa was in January, when he called a news conference to announce he would not run for president . How things change!

Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke will be absent from the campaign trail this weekend. He is remaining in El Paso as the city recovers from the shooting last weekend that killed at least 22 people . O'Rourke said on Wednesday that he is " not even thinking about politics ."

And a newly organized forum to address gun violence , put together by Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action in the wake of the mass shootings in El Paso and in Dayton, Ohio, will draw at least 17 candidates. It'll convene at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Iowa's siren song proves irresistible even to those on the other side of the aisle. Bill Weld, who is running against President Donald Trump in the GOP primary, will have his turn atop the soapbox at the state fair on Sunday.

The Point : This weekend, Iowa's the center of 2020 action.

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