Fairfield, Iowa Events Calendar

The great mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade performs live in Fairfield on September 26!  Above: Von Stade as Cherubino in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, a role she played 48 times at the Metropolitan Opera (photo courtesy of the Met Archives)

Thursday, September 24 • Community Block Party: Ward 3. Bring the family and lawn chairs, enjoy creativity stations and DIY activities, and meet your neighbors! Free snacks. 5-7 p.m. Heritage Park, Fairfield. FRANIowa.org.

Thursday, September 24 • Thursday Live Music at the Lab. Dance and hang to classic blues and rock. Thursdays, 8 p.m., The Lab, 408 W. Lowe Ave., Fairfield. (641) 954-2653.

Friday, September 25 • Fairfield History Film Series: Parsons—The School That Broke the Rules. 7 p.m., Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams. Free.

Saturday, September 26 • Fairfield Farmers Market. Find fresh produce, flowers and plants, crafts, honey, eggs, and more. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Howard Park at Main & Grimes Ave., Fairfield. FairfieldIowaFarmersMarket.Farm.

Saturday, September 26 • Sew Awesome Open Hours. Got a sewing project—or need help with one? Enjoy weekly open hours in the sewing room. Freewill donation. Mon. 1–4, Wed. 1–4, Thurs. 1–5, Sat. 10–5, Sew Awesome, 505 Dimmick Drive, Rm 139, behind MIU Library, Fairfield. Updates on Facebook.com @ Fairfield Makerspace.

Saturday, September 26 • The Right to Read Book Club. Join the club for a respectful and thought-provoking discussion series exploring the library’s commitment to ensuring access to diverse ideas for all. Books available at front desk. Fourth Saturdays, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.

Saturday, September 26 • Jonas Magram. Reminiscent folk rocker with a golden voice. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.

Saturday, September 26 • Frederica von Stade: Our Children & Music. Renowned mezzo-soprano. 7:30 p.m., FACC, Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com.

Sunday, September 27 • Fall Sunday Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll at 1 p.m., The Ride and other locations, Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.

Sunday, September 27 • Irish Music Session. Listen to—or join!—an informal gathering of local and visiting musicians for a traditional Irish music session. Sundays, 3–5 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.

Sunday, September 27 • All Latin Dance. Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue led by Benjamin Valverde. Rumba, Cha Cha, and Samba led by Paul Saipher. Every last Sunday of the month. 7:30 p.m., Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. (641) 919-5698.

Monday, September 28 • Tracing the Dragoon Trail History. Step back into Iowa’s early history author Kevin Mason as he explores the 1835 U.S. Dragoons expedition and its lasting impact on the state’s landscape and communities. 7:15 p.m., Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams Ave. Free.

Tuesday, September 29 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, September 29 • FCA Monthly Arts Meet. Come to connect, share ideas, and build community at this informal monthly gathering of musicians, writers, poets, actors, filmmakers, dancers, artists, and more! Hosted by the Fairfield Cultural Alliance. 7-9 p.m. Home of Gretchen Schafer, 707 E. Burlington, Fairfield. FairfieldCulturalAlliance.org.

Wednesday, September 30 • Mah Jongg. Join players in an American variation of the 19th-century Chinese tile-based game. Instruction for new players in the first hour. Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, September 30 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. Enjoy this decades-old Fairfield tradition from either side of the stage. 7:15 sign up; 7:30 p.m. open mic. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.

Thursday, October 1 • Book Treks. Walk the trails with the Fairfield Public Library at Chautauqua Park to enjoy nature and listen to audiobooks in the Libby app. 10 a.m Thursdays. Fairfield Chautauqua Park, Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Thursday, October 1 • Community Block Party. Bring the family and lawn chairs, enjoy creativity stations and DIY activities, and meet your neighbors! Free snacks. 6:30-8:30 p.m. MIU Campus, Fairfield. FRANIowa.org.

Thursday, October 1 • Portrait Class: Live Model Open Studio. Come draw regularly or once in a while, and learn from other artists. Thursdays, 1:30–3:30 p.m., Fairfield Art Association Studio, FACC, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldArtAssociation.org. 

Thursday, October 1 • Thursday Live Music at the Lab. Dance and hang to classic blues and rock. Thursdays, 8 p.m., The Lab, 408 W. Lowe Ave., Fairfield. (641) 954-2653.

Thursday, October 1 • Steve McLain. Country, Americana, reggae, and blues one-man band. Thursdays 6–8 p.m., Dew Drop Inn, 306 Fairfield Rd., Libertyville. (641) 693-4281.

Friday, October 2 • Riverdogs at Fairfield First Fridays: Oktoberfest. Food, and games, weiner dog races, “Upstairs Downtown” 2nd floor open houses, and rockin’ blues in the gazebo. 6 p.m., downtown Fairfield. FairfieldFirstFridays.org.

Fri-Sat, October 2–3 • Symmetry Music & Arts Festival. Blending electronic music, immersive art, and intentional connection. Various times, rural Fairfield. Details at SymmetryFestival.com.

Saturday, October 3 • Harvest Rush Gravel Grinder. Annual bike races on the back roads of Jefferson County. Iowa Gravel Series. Movemint.cc/events/fairfield.

Saturday, October 3 • Origami Workshops. Join local enthusiast Vedder Wright to learn the basics in this recurring program. All skill levels are welcome. First Saturdays. 1-2:30 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551. RSVP recommended.

Saturday, October 3 • West Coast Swing Social Dance Party. Swing, blues, boogie or rock! Everyone welcome. Every first Saturday. Morning Star Studio, 51-1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield.

Sunday, October 4 • Fall Sunday Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll at 1 p.m., The Ride and other locations, Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.

Sunday, October 4 • Irish Music Session. Listen to—or join!—an informal gathering of local and visiting musicians for a traditional Irish music session. Sundays, 3–5 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.

Monday, October 5 • Genealogy Group. Join Barbara Rainbow for a group exploration of genealogy and local history. Learn to navigate Ancestry.com. Bring any materials you’d like to share. Every 1st Monday. 2:30-4 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, October 6 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, October 7 • Mah Jongg. Join players in an American variation of the 19th-century Chinese tile-based game. Instruction for new players in the first hour. Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, October 7 • Matinee Book Club. David Patterson hosts this long-running book club where participants take turns selecting books for the group to read. For more info, contact Joy Craig at jcraig@fairfield.lib.ia.us. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams, Fairfield. (641) 472-6551. Every first Wednesday.

Wednesday, October 7 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. Enjoy this decades-old Fairfield tradition from either side of the stage. 7:15 sign up; 7:30 p.m. open mic. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.

Thursday, October 8 • Portrait Class: Live Model Open Studio. Come draw regularly or once in a while, and learn from other artists. Thursdays, 1:30–3:30 p.m., Fairfield Art Association Studio, FACC, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldArtAssociation.org. 

Thursday, October 8 • Thursday Live Music at the Lab. Dance and hang to classic blues and rock. Thursdays, 8 p.m., The Lab, 408 W. Lowe Ave., Fairfield. (641) 954-2653.

Thursday, October 8 • Steve McLain. Country, Americana, reggae, and blues one-man band. Thursdays 6–8 p.m., Dew Drop Inn, 306 Fairfield Rd., Libertyville. (641) 693-4281.

Saturday, October 10 • Prairie Remnants Book Club. Join library director Alecs Schmidt-Mickunas for a book club on the themes of ecology and sustainability. Books provided at front desk in advance. Second Saturdays. 10:15-11:30 a.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams, Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.

Sunday, October 11 • Fall Sunday Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll at 1 p.m., The Ride and other locations, Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.

Tuesday, October 13 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, October 14 • Mah Jongg. Join players in an American variation of the 19th-century Chinese tile-based game. Instruction for new players in the first hour. Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, October 14 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. Enjoy this decades-old Fairfield tradition from either side of the stage. 7:15 sign up; 7:30 p.m. open mic. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.

Thursday, October 15 • Portrait Class: Live Model Open Studio. Come draw regularly or once in a while, and learn from other artists. Thursdays, 1:30–3:30 p.m., Fairfield Art Association Studio, FACC, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldArtAssociation.org. 

Thursday, October 15 • Thursday Live Music at the Lab. Dance and hang to classic blues and rock. Thursdays, 8 p.m., The Lab, 408 W. Lowe Ave., Fairfield. (641) 954-2653.

Thursday, October 15 • Steve McLain. Country, Americana, reggae, and blues one-man band. Thursdays 6–8 p.m., Dew Drop Inn, 306 Fairfield Rd., Libertyville. (641) 693-4281.

Thursday, October 15 • Community Block Party. Bring the family and lawn chairs, enjoy creativity stations and DIY activities, and meet your neighbors! Free snacks. 5-7 p.m., Central Park. Fairfield. FRANIowa.org.

Sunday, October 18 • Fall Sunday Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll at 1 p.m., The Ride and other locations, Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.

Tuesday, October 20 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, October 21 • Mah Jongg. Join players in an American variation of the 19th-century Chinese tile-based game. Instruction for new players in the first hour. Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, October 21 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. Enjoy this decades-old Fairfield tradition from either side of the stage. 7:15 sign up; 7:30 p.m. open mic. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.

Saturday, October 24 • Sierra Club October Potluck. Everyone is welcome to attend! Connect with old friends, meet new ones, enjoy good food and company, and catch up on the latest Sierra Club activities. Jefferson County Park, Shelter #3, Fairfield.

Saturday, October 24 • The Right to Read Book Club. Join the club for a respectful and thought-provoking discussion series exploring the library’s commitment to ensuring access to diverse ideas for all. Books available at front desk. Fourth Saturdays, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.

Sunday, October 25 • Fall Sunday Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll at 1 p.m., The Ride and other locations, Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.

Sunday, October 27 • All Latin Dance. Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue led by Benjamin Valverde. Rumba, Cha Cha, and Samba led by Paul Saipher. Every last Sunday of the month. 7:30 p.m., Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. (641) 919-5698.

Tuesday, October 27 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, October 27 • FCA Monthly Arts Meet. Come to connect, share ideas, and build community at this informal monthly gathering of musicians, writers, poets, actors, filmmakers, dancers, artists, and more! Hosted by the Fairfield Cultural Alliance. 7-9 p.m. Location TBD, Fairfield. FairfieldCulturalAlliance.org.

Wednesday, October 28 • Mah Jongg. Join players in an American variation of the 19th-century Chinese tile-based game. Instruction for new players in the first hour. Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, October 28 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. Enjoy this decades-old Fairfield tradition from either side of the stage. 7:15 sign up; 7:30 p.m. open mic. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.

Thursday, October 29 • Community Block Party. Bring the family and lawn chairs, enjoy creativity stations and DIY activities, and meet your neighbors! Free snacks. 5-7 p.m. O.B. Nelson Park. Fairfield. FRANIowa.org.

Sunday, November 1 • Fall Sunday Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll at 1 p.m., The Ride and other locations, Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.

Monday, November 2 • Genealogy Group. Join Barbara Rainbow for a group exploration of genealogy and local history. Learn to navigate Ancestry.com. Bring any materials you’d like to share. Every 1st Monday. 2:30-4 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, November 3 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, November 4 • Matinee Book Club. David Patterson hosts this long-running book club where participants take turns selecting books for the group to read. For more info, contact Joy Craig at jcraig@fairfield.lib.ia.us. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams, Fairfield. (641) 472-6551. Every first Wednesday.

Thursday, November 5 • Steve McLain. Country, Americana, reggae, and blues one-man band. Thursdays 6–8 p.m., Dew Drop Inn, 306 Fairfield Rd., Libertyville. (641) 693-4281.

Friday, November 6 • Fairfield First Fridays. Gallery Hop! With music, food, and fun around the square. 6:30-9 p.m. Fairfield. fairfieldfirstfridays.org.

Saturday, November 7 • Origami Workshops. Join local enthusiast Vedder Wright to learn the basics in this recurring program. All skill levels are welcome. First Saturdays. 1-2:30 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551. RSVP recommended.

Sunday, November 8 • Fall Sunday Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll at 1 p.m., The Ride and other locations, Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.

Saturday, November 7 • West Coast Swing Social Dance Party. Swing, blues, boogie or rock! Everyone welcome. Every first Saturday. Morning Star Studio, 51-1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield.

Tuesday, November 10 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Saturday, November 14 • Prairie Remnants Book Club. Join library director Alecs Schmidt-Mickunas for a book club on the themes of ecology and sustainability. Books provided at front desk in advance. Second Saturdays. 10:15-11:30 a.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams, Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.

Sunday, November 15 • Fall Sunday Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll at 1 p.m., The Ride and other locations, Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.

Tuesday, November 17 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, November 24 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, November 24 • FCA Monthly Arts Meet. Come to connect, share ideas, and build community at this informal monthly gathering of musicians, writers, poets, actors, filmmakers, dancers, artists, and more! Hosted by the Fairfield Cultural Alliance. 7-9 p.m. Location TBD, Fairfield. FairfieldCulturalAlliance.org.

Sunday, November 22 • Fall Sunday Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll at 1 p.m., The Ride and other locations, Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.

Saturday, November 28 • The Right to Read Book Club. Join the club for a respectful and thought-provoking discussion series exploring the library’s commitment to ensuring access to diverse ideas for all. Books available at front desk. Fourth Saturdays, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.

Sunday, November 29 • All Latin Dance. Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue led by Benjamin Valverde. Rumba, Cha Cha, and Samba led by Paul Saipher. Every last Sunday of the month. 7:30 p.m., Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. (641) 919-5698.

Tuesday, December 1 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Wednesday, December 2 • Matinee Book Club. David Patterson hosts this long-running book club where participants take turns selecting books for the group to read. For more info, contact Joy Craig at jcraig@fairfield.lib.ia.us. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams, Fairfield. (641) 472-6551. Every first Wednesday.

Friday, December 4 • Fairfield First Fridays. Holiday celebration, featuring music, food, and fun around the square. 6:30-9 p.m. Fairfield. fairfieldfirstfridays.org.

Saturday, December 5 • Origami Workshops. Join local enthusiast Vedder Wright to learn the basics in this recurring program. All skill levels are welcome. First Saturdays. 1-2:30 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551. RSVP recommended.

Saturday, December 5 • West Coast Swing Social Dance Party. Swing, blues, boogie or rock! Everyone welcome. Every first Saturday. Morning Star Studio, 51-1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield.

Monday, December 7 • Genealogy Group. Join Barbara Rainbow for a group exploration of genealogy and local history. Learn to navigate Ancestry.com. Bring any materials you’d like to share. Every 1st Monday. 2:30-4 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, December 8 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Thursday, December 10 • Steve McLain. Country, Americana, reggae, and blues one-man band. Thursdays 6–8 p.m., Dew Drop Inn, 306 Fairfield Rd., Libertyville. (641) 693-4281.

Saturday, December 12 • Prairie Remnants Book Club. Join library director Alecs Schmidt-Mickunas for a book club on the themes of ecology and sustainability. Books provided at front desk in advance. Second Saturdays. 10:15-11:30 a.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams, Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, December 15 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, December 22 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Sunday, December 27 • All Latin Dance. Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue led by Benjamin Valverde. Rumba, Cha Cha, and Samba led by Paul Saipher. Every last Sunday of the month. 7:30 p.m., Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. (641) 919-5698.

Tuesday, December 29 • Shut Up and Write. Writers sit quietly together and work on their writing projects. All skill levels welcome. Bring paper and pens, or laptop! Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams,  Fairfield.  (641) 472-6551.

Tuesday, December 29 • FCA Monthly Arts Meet. Come to connect, share ideas, and build community at this informal monthly gathering of musicians, writers, poets, actors, filmmakers, dancers, artists, and more! Hosted by the Fairfield Cultural Alliance. 7-9 p.m. Location TBD, Fairfield. FairfieldCulturalAlliance.org.