Iowa statewide events

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.

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.

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.

Camp Foster on the shores of Okoboji welcomes visitors for seasonal family activities from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Expect games, crafts, music, and tasty autumn treats in one of Northwest Iowa's favorite recreational hubs.

Families can explore the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden during this much-anticipated Halloween celebration. With activities like face painting, magic shows, pumpkin carving, and community partner displays, it’s a festive day packed with costumes, treats, and plant-inspired fun.

This 18th annual celebration transforms downtown Perry into a gallery experience within eight historic buildings. Local artists showcase paintings, photography, sculpture, and handcrafted items while live music and poetry readings create an immersive cultural atmosphere throughout the weekend.

North Iowa Area Community College presents this energetic tribute show celebrating the timeless music of ABBA. Audiences will be transported back to the disco era with all their favorite hits performed by talented vocalists and musicians.

The courthouse retail district comes alive with holiday magic from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Families enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides, live window displays, warm beverages, and interactions with Santa before the lighted parade begins at 7:15 PM.

This two-day shopping extravaganza at Hawkeye Downs Expo Center features over 150 local vendors on Small Business Saturday and Artists Sunday. The premier artisan market showcases handmade goods, delicious treats, and one-of-a-kind creations from talented Iowa makers, bakers, and crafters.

Principal Park transforms into an authentic German Christmas market for two festive weekends, expanding this year due to popular demand. Experience European holiday traditions with handcrafted goods, traditional German food, mulled wine, and live entertainment creating an enchanting cultural celebration. Weekends Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 11-14.

Hoyt Sherman Place hosts the beloved pianist's 36th annual Christmas tour featuring elegant piano arrangements, beautiful costumes, and heartwarming stories. This faith-filled celebration combines holiday classics with personal anecdotes that reflect the true meaning of Christmas.

This 50+ year tradition offers a free fine art show at the Hyatt Regency Coralville featuring ceramics, fiber arts, glass, jewelry, and photography. Many participating artists have been involved for over 20 years, showcasing exceptional handmade holiday gifts from seasoned creators.

The Sioux City Orpheum presents Grammy Award winner Chip Davis's holiday spectacular featuring the distinctive Mannheim Steamroller sound. This concert showcases Christmas classics reimagined with the group's signature electronic and orchestral arrangements celebrating 40 years of touring excellence.

North Iowa Community Auditorium hosts this live musical variety show designed as a retro radio broadcast on Christmas Eve. The production features Christmas classics and sketch comedy performed by Texas's finest entertainers including Blue Water Highway and the NOEL Radio Orchestra and Gospel Singers.

Named "Best Holiday Market in Iowa" by Food & Wine magazine, this carefully curated indoor market features 40 local artisans in two restored courthouse square locations. Visitors discover handcrafted items ranging from seasonal décor to gourmet foods while experiencing the charming atmosphere of historic Winterset.

The Iowa Events Center hosts over 1,000 attendees, 100 speakers, and 92 exhibitors for this comprehensive agricultural conference. Educational sessions cover sustainable farming practices, innovative techniques, and industry trends while offering networking opportunities with fellow farmers and agricultural professionals.

Clear Lake's winter celebration includes broomball, flag football, bags tournaments, chili cook-offs, and the famous polar plunge. The multi-day festival culminates with spectacular fireworks and the ceremonial burning of the greens, creating unforgettable winter memories for participants and spectators alike.

Cedar Rapids Opera presents Johann Strauss's effervescent operetta at the Paramount Theatre with Orchestra Iowa providing live musical accompaniment. This production immerses audiences in a world of masked intrigue and gambling at Prince Orlofsky's lavish soirée. Event takes place on Jan. 16 and Jan. 18.

The Iowa Events Center's EMC Expo Center hosts this cozy indoor shopping event featuring local makers, artisans, and small businesses. Visitors escape the post-holiday blues while discovering unique handmade goods, winter deals, and new year treasures supported by warm drinks and festive community atmosphere.

Coralville's 14th annual craft beer celebration features approximately 60 brewers from across the Midwest at the Hyatt Regency Coralville Conference Center. This winter beer festival offers tastings from noon to 4:00 PM with commemorative glasses and proceeds benefiting the Iowa Brewer's Guild and Coralville's 4thFest.

Clear Lake's vintage snowmobile event includes LeMans races, radar runs, vintage shows, and children's racing classes for various age groups. This family-friendly winter festival takes place on Clear Lake's frozen surface with concessions available and free admission for spectators throughout the day of racing excitement.

The original winter bicycle ride in Iowa challenges participants to complete the route regardless of weather conditions starting from Hotel Pattee. Registration includes commemorative pins, long-sleeve t-shirts, sag wagon support, and free hot chocolate at the famous Hy-Vee pit stop along the scenic winter route.