Illustration of various iconic locations in the state of Iowa

Iowa statewide events

Learn about festivals, community outings, sports competitions and AAA Branch location events.

Jul.

18

Waukee Arts Festival -- Waukee

Centennial Park becomes a showcase for regional artists displaying their work alongside live musical performances and interactive art demonstrations. Families can enjoy hands-on activities while exploring diverse artistic mediums from local and visiting creators.

Waukee Arts Festival -- Waukee

Jul.

25

National Balloon Classic -- Indianola

Over 150 hot air balloons from around the world create a breathtaking display in the skies above Memorial Balloon Field. The nine-day festival includes evening balloon glows, drone shows, live music, and family activities that celebrate the wonder of flight.

National Balloon Classic -- Indianola

Jul.

26

Art in the Park -- Clear Lake

This outdoor arts festival transforms the scenic lakeside setting into an open-air gallery featuring regional artists and craftspeople. Visitors can purchase unique handmade items while enjoying live music and food vendors in the beautiful park setting.

Art in the Park -- Clear Lake

Aug.

01

Hinterland Music Festival -- Saint Charles

This three-day music festival near Des Moines features major headliners including Tyler, The Creator; Kacey Musgraves; and Lana Del Rey. The event combines chart-topping performers with emerging artists across multiple stages in a scenic outdoor setting perfect for music discovery.

Hinterland Music Festival -- Saint Charles

Aug.

01

Iowa Irish Fest -- Waterloo

Lincoln Park transforms into a celebration of Irish culture featuring live music from local, national, and international bands performing traditional and contemporary Irish music. The festival includes Irish dancing, authentic cuisine, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities that honor Irish heritage.

Iowa Irish Fest -- Waterloo

Aug.

07

Iowa State Fair -- Des Moines

The iconic Iowa State Fair returns with eleven days of agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and famous fair food. Visitors can experience everything from livestock competitions to concerts at the Grandstand, making it one of the nation's premier state fair experiences.

Iowa State Fair -- Des Moines

Aug.

09

Cedar Valley Stem & Stein -- Waterloo

Cedar Valley’s signature summer tasting event, Stem & Stein invites guests downtown to sample craft beers, domestic beers, and wines over 40 breweries and wineries. Attendees also receive a commemorative tasting glass to remember the evening.

Cedar Valley Stem & Stein -- Waterloo

Sep.

04

Iowa City Songwriters Festival -- Iowa City

This intimate three-day festival celebrates the craft of songwriting with performances by Jeff Tweedy, Joy Oladokun, and other acclaimed artists across downtown venues. The event combines concerts with educational workshops, offering music fans unique insights into the creative process behind their favorite songs.

Iowa City Songwriters Festival -- Iowa City

Sep.

20

Riverssance Arts Festival -- Davenport

The Mississippi River provides a stunning backdrop for this arts festival featuring regional artists, live music, wine & beer tastings, and cultural performances. This celebration’s combined music and visual arts displays creates an immersive, locally celebrated cultural experience.

Riverssance Arts Festival -- Davenport

Sep.

20

Marion Oktoberfest -- Marion

This authentic Oktoberfest celebration features beer tastings from Iowa's finest breweries alongside traditional German music, games, and food in historic Uptown Marion. Attendees receive commemorative tasting glasses while enjoying stein-holding contests, hammerschlagen, and festive entertainment that celebrates German heritage.

Marion Oktoberfest -- Marion

Sep.

27

Uptown Marion Market: Fall Market -- Marion

Uptown Marion's historic district hosts this seasonal market featuring fresh fall produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and local wines. The morning event includes live musical entertainment and local vendors in a charming downtown atmosphere.

Uptown Marion Market: Fall Market -- Marion

Oct.

01

UI Symphony Orchestra Performance -- Iowa City

The University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra presents a classical music concert featuring talented student musicians and guest artists. This free event at the School of Music showcases the school’s music program while providing the community with access to a professional-quality performance.

UI Symphony Orchestra Performance -- Iowa City

Oct.

02

Johnson County Landmark Concert -- Iowa City

This special performance celebrates local musical heritage through an evening of diverse musical styles and performances. Also at the University of Iowa’s Voxman Music Building, the audience can enjoy the rich cultural traditions that define Johnson County's artistic landscape.

Johnson County Landmark Concert -- Iowa City

Oct.

03

Chocolate Walk & Shop -- Marion

This after-hours, adults-only shopping event combines retail therapy with sweet treats for a delightful evening of indulgence and discovery. Stroll through historic Uptown Marion, where local businesses offer chocolate samples while shoppers browse unique merchandise.

Chocolate Walk & Shop -- Marion

Oct.

07

Jazz Repertory Ensemble Concert -- Iowa City

The University of Iowa's Jazz Repertory Ensemble performs classic and contemporary jazz standards in an intimate concert setting. This free performance, part of an ongoing series of performances at the school, gives audiences an evening of sophisticated music from the school’s young and upcoming talent.

Jazz Repertory Ensemble Concert -- Iowa City

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