Thursday, August 13 • John Mulaney. Four-time Emmy winner continues his Everybody’s Live series, featuring monologues, guests, pre-taped sketches, musical segments, and more. 8 p.m., McGrath Ampitheatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Thursday, August 13 • Thursday Night Gravel Ride. Weekly community bike ride on the back roads of Jefferson County. Multiple routes available. Wheels roll 5:30 p.m., The Ride, 123 N. Court St., Fairfield. Weekly routes and weather updates posted at Facebook.com/theridebikeshop.
Thursday, August 13 • Live Music at The Dew Drop. The song stylings of one-man band Steve McLain. Thursdays 6–8 p.m., The Dew Drop, 306 Fairfield Rd., Libertyville.
Thursday, August 13 • Daniella Mestyanek Young: The Culting of America. Her new book reveals how cultish behavior isn’t just thriving in modern life—it’s hiding in plain sight, woven deep into the fabric of American identity. 7 p.m., Prairie Lights, Iowa City. PrairieLights.com.
Thurs-Fri-Sat, August 13-15 • Music in the Courtyard: The Name Is Bond. James Bond. An evening of music made famous by 007. 7:30 p.m., Servants’ Duplex Lawn, Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org.
Thurs-Fri-Sat, August 13–15 • Lisbon Sauerkraut Days 2026. Brats and free Frank’s Sauerkraut, Ice Cream Social, Cabbage Head Car Show, Lora Light Memorial Parade, Sauerkraut King and Queen drawing, Bathtub Races, Kraut Route 5K, carnival rides, kids’ activities, bingo, and street dances. All day, E. Main, N. Washington St., and Lisbon Rd., Lisbon. SauerkrautDays.com.
Thurs-Sun, August 13–23 • Iowa State Fair. Food, vendors, carnival rides, free entertainment, livestock shows, contests, truck and tractor pulls, demo derby, nightly Grandstand concerts, and more. Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines. IowaStateFair.org.
Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun, August 13–16 • Alternating Currents: Music, Film, Art & Comedy Festival. The Quad Cities are electrified at this annual event that features concerts, screenings, stand-up, live murals, art and craft vendors, and more. AlternatingCurrentsQC.com.
Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun, August 13–16 • Daily Moravian Folk Art Workshops. This four-day workshop series featuring accomplished folk artists who have traveled from Moravia to share their knowledge and craft. Various times, National Czech & Slovak Museum, Cedar Rapids. NCSML.org.
Friday, August 14 • Friday Night Concert at the Ped Mall: River Glen Band. Playfully blends folk, pop, rock, and jazz with clever rhymes and tasty grooves. 6:30–9 p.m., Ped Mall Stage, Iowa City. Summerofthe-Arts.org.
Friday, August 14 • Rock the Block: Evan Stock Band. Power trio. 6–8 p.m., NewBo City Market Yard, Cedar Rapids. NewBoCityMarket.org.
Friday, August 14 • Pella’s Fab Foodie Fridays Free Music Series. BYO chair for a diverse lineup of Iowa musicians, food trucks, and a beer garden. 5–7 p.m., Klokkenspel Plaza, 625 Franklin St., Pella. VisitPella.com.
Friday, August 14 • Josh Payne: Broadway & Beyond. Showtunes. 7 p.m., Giving Tree Theater, Marion. GivingTreeTheater.com.
Friday,August 14 • Jennie Rothenberg Gritz: The Inward Trip. A special talk about her forthcoming book, The Inward Trip: The Untold Story of Meditation in the West. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Fri-Sat, August 14–15 • Iowa Metal Underground Fest. Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 12 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Fri-Sat, August 14–15 • Music in the Courtyard: The Name Is Bond. James Bond. An evening of music made famous by 007, reimagined by Brucemore’s Artisan in Residence Gerard Estella and performed by powerhouse singers Stephanie Goff and Allison Yoder. 7:30 p.m., Servants’ Duplex Lawn, Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org. Also on Aug. 12, 13.
Fri-Sat, August 14–15 • Southeast Iowa Book Fair. Authors with their books, readings, Children’s Corner, and more. 10 a.m., FACC Expo Hall, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. Apply at heartlandauthorsandpoets@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 15 • Afternoon Tea & Kroje Presentation. Enjoy afternoon tea and small bites as you learn about kroje (traditional folk dress). 3–4:30 p.m., National Czech & Sloval Museum, Cedar Rapids. NCSML.org.
Saturday, August 15 • Fairfield Farmers Market. Live music and locally grown, made, and baked fare. 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Howard Park, Fairfield.
Saturday, August 15 • National Homesteaders Day. Enjoy a community picnic (rsvp requested), demonstrations, a vendors market, music, and speakers, including a keynote by David Ford of Fairfield Good Earth Works. 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Preppin Mama Homesteaders Hub and Mount Pleasant town square. NationalHomesteadersDay.com/celebration.
Saturday, August 15 • Tomato Tasting at Seed Savers Exchange. Sample an array of tomatoes grown at Heritage Farm and experience the remarkable colors, flavors, shapes, and stories preserved within this beloved crop. 12–4 p.m., Heritage Farm, Seed Savers Exchange Savers, Decorah. Free.
Saturday, August 15 • Northside Saturday Nights: The Regular Joes. Big vocal harmonies, polished instrumentation, and a really good time. 6 p.m., outdoors at Linn & Market St., Iowa City. Englert.org. Free.
Saturday, August 15 • Sevendust. Hard rock. With special guest Return to Dust. 7 p.m., McGrath Ampitheatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, August 15 • Society of Broken Souls. Fairfield-based Americana duo Dennis James and Lauryn Shapter. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, August 15 • Cirque Risque. Presented by Bawdy Bawdy Ha Ha Burlesque, feat. Jezebelly. 18+. 8 p.m., The James, Iowa City. TheJamesIC.com.
Saturday, August 15 • GTT Tavern: Mythic Bastionland. Join your favorite cast of players taking on new chivalric identities. 7–10 p.m., Giving Tree Theater, Marion. GivingTreeTheater.com.
Saturday, August 15 • Nordic Echoes: Tradition in Contemporary Art Exhibit Opens. Featuring 55 works by 24 contemporary artists whose practices are informed by Nordic traditional skills. Vesterheim Museum, Decorah. Vesterheim.org. (Midnight Sun, wall hanging, by Peter “Pekka” Olson)
Sat-Sun, August 15–16 • Midwest Ford Fest. Annual event celebrating all things Ford-powered, bringing together car enthusiasts from across the country. Various times, Jimmy Jones Shelter, 1 Joe Lord Memorial Dr., Ottumwa. MeetOttumwa.org.
Sat-Sun, August 15–16 • Bike Van Buren 40th Anniversary! This family-oriented bicycle ride through scenic Van Buren County features SAG support and food & drink stops along the route. Walk-up registrations welcome Sat. 7–8:30 a.m. and Sun. 7:30–8 a.m. at Keosauqua City Park, Keosauqua. VillagesofVanBuren.com.
Sunday, August 16 • Lettuce. Funk, soul, jazz, rock, and hip-hop. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Sunday, August 16 • Goldpine. Bold and gold bluesy harmonies straight from Nashville. 7 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Sunday, August 16 • Amateur Artisans Workshop: Quilling. Learn the basics of the ancient art of paper coiling. 3:30–5:30 p.m., Mosaic Iowa City, 109 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City.
Sunday, August 16 • Irish Music Session. Listen 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, August 16 • Disco Dance: Free for MIU Students. All welcome, no partner needed, freestyle welcome. Lesson 7 p.m., dance 7:30–9:30 p.m., Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. (641) 919-5698.
Sunday, August 16 • Fax Gilbert: What Can I Say?—The Art of Creative Misadventure. Gilbert’s book chronicles lessons learned from decades of theatrical misadventures, cultural adjustments to life in Mexico, and rural Iowa living. 2 p.m., Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield. Free.
Monday, August 17 • Goldpine. Gold and bold harmonies from Nashville. With Zoe Cummins & Olivia Rudeen. 6 p.m., Raccoon Motel, Davenport. TheRaccoonMotel.com.
Tuesday, August 18 • Abigayle Oakley & Remi Goode. Folk singer-songwriters. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Tuesday, August 18 • Stacy Antonel & Sophie Gault. Nashville-based genre-defying Americana rockers bring a fresh hybrid of musical styles. 6 p.m., Raccoon Motel, Davenport. TheRaccoonMotel.com. (See Sophie Gault feature article!)
Wednesday, August 19 • Music on the Move: Pigs & Clover. A joyful combination of folk, roots, alt-country and indie rock. 6:30–8 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Square, 904 Walker Circle, Iowa City. SummeroftheArts.com. Free.
Wednesday, August 19 • Open Blues Jam at The Black Angel. Bring your guitar, bass, or whatever axe you play. Amps, drums, and a keyboard provided. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. 9 p.m. to midnight, The Black Angel, 630 Iowa Ave., Iowa City.
Wednesday, August 19 • 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, August 20 • Trailside Tastings. Celebrate the beauty of nature in the prairie surrounding the Nature Center with samples from local craft beverage producers, wood-fired pizza, and live music. 5–8 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids. IndianCreekNatureCenter.org.
Thursday, August 20 • Meet Me at the Market: Walk. Run. Bike. Dance. Yoga. Every Thurs. through August, meet at 5:30 p.m. for free guided walks, runs, rides, and fitness & yoga classes. NewBo City Market Yard, Cedar Rapids. NewBoCityMarket.org.
Thursday, August 20 • Bluey’s Big Play. A theatrical adaptation of the Emmy-winning children’s television series. 6 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Thursday, August 20 • Songwriter Sessions. Carol Montag, Kevin Gordon, and host David G. Smith. 7 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Thursday, August 20 • Chommy’s Bike Night with Lee Klett. Rising star in the country music scene. 6–9 p.m., Chommy’s, Eldon. MeetOttumwa.org.
Thursday, August 20 • Umphrey’s McGee. Pioneers at the intersection of music and technology, their live experience fuses cutting-edge production with fan-centric innovation. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Thursday, August 20 • The Thirsty Word: Spicy Word! This month, the curated reading for creative writers gets a little bit hotter—and definitely bothered. Mature content. 7:30–9 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 100 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com @ Thirsty Word. Submissions: sourceoffice@lisco.com.
Thursday, August 20 • 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.
Friday 21 • Live at 5: Einstein’s Sister. Drinks and great tunes from local bands every Friday. Outside food ok, no outside drinks. BYO chair recommended. Family friendly. 5–7 p.m., Skybridge Courtyard, 129 Main St., Davenport. CommonChordQC.org. Free.
Friday, August 21 • Black Magic: Napoleon Douglas Sings Nat, Sammy & More. Jazz. 7 p.m., Noce, Des Moines. NoceDSM.com.
Friday, August 21 • One Night of Queen. A tribute performed by Gary Mullen & The Works. 7:30 p.m., Paramount, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com..
Friday, August 21 • Friday Night Concert Series: Jumbies. A fusion of Caribbean, funk, and Afro-Cuban rhythms in a high-energy, spirit-raising, dance-oriented performance. 6:30–8 p.m., Ped Mall, Iowa City. SummeroftheArts.org. Free.
Friday, August 21 • Rock the Block: The Invisible Band. A fresh take on contemporary, smooth, Latin, and standard jazz. 6–8 p.m., NewBo City Market Yard, Cedar Rapids. NewBoCityMarket.org.
Friday, August 21 • Jefferson Street Cruise Night. Shop, dine, and reminisce as classic cars and hot rods of all ages cruise the strip. 5–10 p.m., Jefferson Street, Burlington. Facebook.com/BurlingtonIowaPolice.
Friday, August 21 • Steven R. Southard. Meet the author of The Seastead Chronicles, a short story collection about the 21st-century struggle to colonize the seas. 1–3 p.m., Swamp Fox Bookstore, 1375 7th Ave., Marion. SwampFoxBookstore.com.
Friday, August 21 • Beethoven. A family comedy about a lovable but enormous St. Bernard who escapes from dognappers and finds his new family. BYO chairs and blankets. Dusk, Central Park, Fairfield. Free.
Friday, August 21 • Friday Night Out: Citrus Beaded Charms. Follow a pattern to make three flat-beaded citrus slice charms using Delica seed beads and odd count peyote stitch. No experience needed. 5:30–8:30 p.m., Beadology Iowa, Iowa City. Beadology-Iowa.com.
Fri-Sat, August 21–22 • Maria Bamford. Revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness, she’s the author of NYT bestselling memoir Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines; Sat. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Saturday, August 22 • I Like It Spooky: Horror Double Feature. Popcorn (1991) and Fade to Black (1980), hosted by the I Like It Spooky Horror Podcast. 7 p.m., The Capitol, Burlington. BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com.
Saturday, August 22 • Narly’s Fortnight of Frights. A night of original, collaborative 10-minute horror plays created in two weeks. 7 p.m., Stoner Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Saturday, August 22 • Dutch Oven Cooking. Learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking and how to prepare meals for future camping adventures. 1 p.m., Lake Sugema Campgrounds, Keosauqua. (319) 293-3589.
Saturday, August 22 • Art Mart. Explore and purchase original artwork and handcrafted goods directly from the artists who create them. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Saturday, August 22 • Smokeshow. Drag and burlesque fundraiser for Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund. With art and merch raffles, costume contest for “Top Diva,” and more. 8 p.m., The James, Iowa City. TheJamesIC.com. ChimeraVarietyShow.org.
Saturday, August 22 • Drive-In Movies at the Hangar: Zootopia 2. Family animated movie at 8:30 p.m., Iowa City Municipal Airport, Iowa City. SummeroftheArts.org. Free.
Saturday, August 22 • Music on the Porch at American Gothic House. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and settle in for an afternoon of great food and live music. 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., American Gothic House, Eldon. VillagesofVanBuren.com.
Saturday, August 22 • Northside Saturday Nights: Kevin Burt. For nearly three decades, this Iowa Blues Hall of Famer has been mesmerizing audiences with his powerfully smooth and soulful vocals. 6 p.m., Linn & Market St., Iowa City. Englert.org. Free.
Saturday, August 22 • Michal Shababo. An inspiring evening of original songs and beloved classics with the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, August 22 • Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings: Noryli and Parranderos Latin Combo. 7–9:30 p.m., Riverfront Crossings Park, Iowa City. SummeroftheArts.org. Free.
Saturday, August 22 • Rockin’ on the River Festival. Youth and familty activities, venfors, merch, food, and bands: Bluzillion, Travis Ried Band, Big Guitars Got Da Blues, and the Other Brothers. 2 p.m.–11 p.m., Rand Park Pavilion, Keokuk. (319) 670-1255.
Saturday, August 22 • An Evening with The So and Sos. Bennett to Bieber. Harrison to Talking Heads. Dawes to Zeppelin. Featuring Anna Barnts, Dillon Rairdon, Reegan Silver, and the ever-versatile “Brucemore Boys.” 7:30 p.m., Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org.
Sunday, August 23 • Latin, Ballroom & Swing Dance. Lesson 7:30 p.m., dance 8–9:45 p.m. No partner needed. Freestyle welcome. Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. Facebook.com/Fairfield.-Pop.Music.Dance.Coalition.
Sunday, August 23 • The Misfits. Marilyn Monroe film series. Divorced and disillusioned, Roslyn (Marilyn Monroe) befriends a group of misfits and experiences her first taste of freedom. 4 p.m., Film Scene at the Chauncey, Iowa City. ICFilmScene.org.
Sunday, August 23 • Irish Music Session. Listen 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, August 23 • Afro Dead. This musical collective reimagines the music of the Grateful Dead in Afro-pop styles. 7 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Tuesday, August 25 • Bywater Call: Return of the Southern Soul Powerhouse. A seven-piece soul band. 8 p.m., The Washington, Burlington. TheWashingtonMusic.com.
Tuesday, August 25 • Music at Bunker Mill Bridge: The Mullins Brothers. Tuesday night outdoor concert series. 6:30– 8:30 p.m., Bunker Mill Bridge, Kalona. Facebook @ Bunker Mill Bridge.
Wednesday, August 26 • Music on the Move: Ion & Friends. Enduring the working-class hardships through the Guthrie lens. 6:30–8 p.m., College Green Park, 600 E. College, Iowa City. SummeroftheArts.com. Free.
Wednesday, August 26 • Chris Avey Band. This well- seasoned guitarist blends soulful melodies and bluesy riffs. 7 p.m., Riverside Casino, Riverside. RiversideCasinoandResort.com.
Wednesday, August 26 • G Love & Special Sauce. Celebrating 20 years of the electrifying collection Lemonade, co-written by Grammy-winning Keb Mo. 8 p.m., Wooly’s, Des Moines. FirstFleetConcerts.com.
Wednesday, August 26 • 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.
Wed-Thurs, August 26–27 • Judy Collins & Bruce Cockburn. Farewell tour for the award-winning singer-songwriter esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Wed. 7 p.m., Englert Theatre, Iowa City, Englert.org; Thurs. 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines, HoytSherman.org.
Thursday, August 27 • Final Thursdays Comedy Show. Corey Chestnut curates a rotating lineup of stand-ups under the Lucky Cat Comedy banner. 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Ideal Theater & Bar, Cedar Rapids. IdealTheaterandBar.com.
Thursday, August 27 • Farm Sessions & Sturgeon Moon Dinner @ Wilson’s Ciderhouse. Enjoy the weekly live music series hosted by J. Knight (free, outdoors at the orchard), or RSVP for a four-course dinner and drinks celebrating the harvest. 6 p.m., Wilson’s Ciderhouse, 4823 Dingleberry Rd. NE, Iowa City. WilsonsOrchard.com.
Friday, August 28 • Wanees Zarour & Ensemble: The Palestine Music Project. Join award-winning Palestinian American composer, buzuq and oud player Wanees Zarour and his ensemble for a special Middle Eastern jazz performance in support of Hope Foundation’s Gaza humanitarian relief fundraising efforts. 7:30 p.m., CPPA, Coarlville. CoralvilleArts.org.
Friday, August 28 • Broadway Singalong with Des Moines Performing Arts. Belt out summery musical favorites and some songs made popular by a couple of your favorite witches. With live piano accompaniment by Sonya Siebert. 6:30 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Friday, August 28 • Fairfield History Film Series: Ahead of Their Time. The fourth film of the award- winning series will be screened in celebration of the country’s 250th. 3:30 p.m., Fairfield Public Library meeting room, Fairfield. Free.
Friday, August 28 • Rock the Block: Fresh Fighters & Family Night. Free outdoor concert series season finale features a Foo Fighters cover band and family activities. 6–8 p.m., NewBo City Market Yard, Cedar Rapids. NewBoCityMarket.org.
Friday, August 28 • Green Jelly. American comedy rock band. 7 p.m., Wildwood, 4919 Walleye Dr. SE, Iowa City. WildwoodSaloon.com.
Friday, August 28 • Brandon Santini. A 25-year veteran of the blues, rock, and now country music circuits. 8 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Friday, August 28 • Blackberry Smoke: 25th Anniversary Tour 2026. Southern rock, blues-leaning classic rock, and rootsy vintage country. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman, Des Moines. HoySherman.org.
Friday, August 28 • Friday Night Concert: Beaker Brothers Band. Paying homage to the original jam bands of the late 1960s and early ’70s. 6:30–8 p.m., Ped Mall, Iowa City. Rain location: Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp. SummeroftheArts.org. Free.
Friday, August 28 • Fall Welcome Concert: Sierra Ferrel. 6:30 p.m. gathering begins with DJ Crimson Mask, 8 p.m. Hawkeye Drumline, 8:20 p.m. Sierra Ferrell. RSVP encouraged but not required. Hancher Green/Auditorium, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa,edu. Free.
Friday, August 28 • Live at 5: Matt Fuller Band. Drinks and great tunes from local bands every Friday. Outside food ok, no outside drinks. BYO chair recommended. Family friendly. 5–7 p.m., Skybridge Courtyard, 129 Main St., Davenport. CommonChordQC.org. Free.
Friday, August 28 • Shawn Maxwell. Chicago-based jazz composer and saxophonist. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, August 29 • Party at the Pottery. Handmade pottery, artist demonstrations, kids’ art projects, live music, and food. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Bonaparte Pottery & Artisan Market, 411 1st St., Bonaparte. (319) 5920.
Saturday, August 29 • Improv at Willow Creek Theatre. Rotating improv troupes typically perform Saturday nights. 7–9:30 p.m., Willow Creek Theatre, Iowa City. Check for updates: WillowCreekTheatre.org.
Saturday, August 29 • Beyond Food: Ancestral Native American Use for Deer & Bison. A fascinating talk by Cherie Haury-Artz from the University of Iowa Archeology Department. 1 p.m., Lacey Keosauqua Main Lodge, 22895 Lacey Trail, Keosauqua. VillagesofVanBuren.com.
Saturday, August 29 • Brucemorchestra. Orchestra Iowa presents patriotic favorites and beloved American classics. BYO chair. 7:30 p.m., Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org.
Saturday, August 29 • Asking for a Friend. Six decades of rock, pop, soul, and oldies. 6–9 p.m., Millstream Brewing Co., 835 48th Ave., Amana. MillstreamBrewing.com.
Saturday, August 29 • Wicked Ways. Rock covers. 8 p.m., Godfrey’s Ale House, 2513 Northgate St., Ottumwa. (641) 684-2141.
Saturday, August 29 • Northside Saturday Nights: Steve Grismore Trio. Jazz guitarist and revered UI Jazz Studies instructor. 6 p.m., outdoors at Linn & Market St., Iowa City. Englert.org. Free.
Saturday, August 29 • Kansas City’s The Grand Marquis. Nationally touring jazz act. 7 p.m., Noce Jazz & Cabaret, Des Moines. NoceDSM.com.
Saturday, August 29 • Captured Pearl Earrings. Use Toho round seed beads and Czech fire polish beads to create an armature that will hold a large Swarovski pearl. No experience needed. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Beadology Iowa, 355 S. Clinton St., Iowa City. BeadologyIowa.com.
Sat-Sun, August 29–30 • So You Want to Be a Nature & Wildlife Photographer. This immersive two-day workshop explores the complete creative journey, from capture to publication, covering camera technique, composition, macro photography, wildlife photography, ethics, and visual storytelling. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids. IndianCreekNatureCenter.org.
Sat-Sun, August 29–30 • Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid. This installation invites the public to step into a playful environment of soothing soundscapes and oversized luminous dominos. Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines. DMPA.org. Open through Sept. 30. Free.
Sunday, August 30 • Irish Music Session. Listen 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, August 30 • Coralville Pelican Festival. Volunteers with spotting scopes will help visitors watch American White Pelicans during early migration. With family nature programs, conservation and commercial exhibits, and free face-painting. BYO lunch. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Iowa DNR’s Hawkeye Wildlife Area (N side of Upper Coralville Lake), 2564 Amana Road NW, Swisher. Free. IowaCityBirdClub.org.
Sunday, August 30 • Latin, Ballroom & Swing Dance. Every Sunday, no partner needed, freestyle welcome. 7:30 p.m. lesson, 8 p.m. dance, Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. (641) 919-5698.
Sunday, August 30 • Glass Blowing: Bubble Bowl Class. Class size limited. RSVP. 1 p.m., Bloom & Bark, J40, Keosauqua. BloomandBark.com. (319) 293-6168.
Monday, August 31 • Iowa City Poetry Slam. Poets compete in a three-round elimination. Sign up at 6:30 p.m., slam starts at 7. Last Mondays, Midnight Coffee, 301 E. Market St., Iowa City. Facebook.com/ ICPoetrySlam.
Tuesday, September 1 • Ray LaMontagne. Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour. This Grammy winner’s unique, soulful voice conveys a bittersweet rollercoaster of emotions. With Weather Station. 7 p.m., Hancher, Iowa City. Hacnher.uiowa.edu.
Tuesday, September 1 • Music at Bunker Mill Bridge: The Laid Back Band. Tuesday night outdoor concert series. BYO chair, cooler, and snacks. $10 suggested donation. 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bunker Mill Bridge, 1298 Poplar Blvd., Kalona. Facebook @ Bunker Mill Bridge.
Wednesday, September 2 • Music on the Move: Dave Zollo and Brian Cooper. Authentic roots duo on drums and keys. 5:30–7 p.m., Fairmeadows Park, 2451 Miami Dr., 600 E. College, Iowa City. SummeroftheArts.com. Free.
Wednesday, September 2 • The Happy Together Tour. Feat. the Association, the Troggs, Chicago’s lead singer (1985–2016) Jason Scheff, Gary Puckett, the Fortunes, Ron Dante from the Archies, the Turtles, the Vogues, and the Cowsills. 7 p.m., Paramount, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Wednesday, September 2 • Hippies and Cowboys. Classic Southern rock with a modern twist. 6 p.m., Raccoon Motel, Davenport. TheRaccoonMotel.com.
Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun, September 3–6 • Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. The annual “Cavalcade of Power” and four days of antique steam engines, tractors, trucks, cars, horses, vendors, antique printing presses, historical presentations in Log Cabin Village, a live “Toby” play at the Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana, food, trolleys, camping, nightly entertainment in the grandstand, and much more. Old Threshers, Mount Pleasant. OldThreshers.com.
Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun, September 3–6 • Mount Pleasant Crafts in the Park. Every year on Labor Day weekend, downtown Mount Pleasant becomes an outdoor shopping extravaganza of handcrafted goods, vintage wares, and specialty items. Free shuttle to Midwest Old Threshers all day. Mount Pleasant town square. MountPleasantIowa.org.
Friday, August 7 • Fairfield First Fridays: Open Mic in the Park. Live music, vendors, games, and activities in Central Park. Galleries and participating shops open late. 6–10 p.m., downtown Fairfield. FairfieldFirstFridays.org.
Friday, September 4 • StrumDrum and Jack Lion. Jazz and jazz fusion. 6:30 p.m., Ped Mall, Iowa City. SummeroftheArts.org.
Friday, September 4 • The Night Lights. Iowa women’s folk trio. Co-presented by Northside Saturday Nights & Iowa City Downtown District. 6 p.m., outdoors at Linn & Market St., Iowa City. Englert.org. Free
Friday, September 4 • Giano Cromley: American Mythology. Cromley’s charming and comic debut follows a quirky ensemble on an epic quest to find Bigfoot. 7 p.m., Prairie Lights, Iowa City. PrairieLights.com.
Fri-Sat, September 4–5 • Farmington’s Annual Bluegrass Weekend Festival. Live music, food, and vendors. BYO chairs. Indian Lake Park, Farmington. VillagesofVanBuren.com.
Fri-Sat, September 4–5 • Level Up Live! Music from your favorite video games performed live. 7:30 p.m., Circle Drive, Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org.
Fri-Sat, September 4–5 • Good Makers Market. Shop from makers and vendors handpicked from around the Midwest, and enjoy live local music and great food and coffee. Various times, Cedar County Fairgrounds, Tipton. GoodMakersMarket.com.
Fri-Sat-Sun, September 4–6 • Stockport Lion’s BBQ Days. Pedal Pull, parade, car show, Truck & Tractor Pull, games, and food by Stockport Fire Dept. on Friday and Saturday. VillagesofVanBuren.com.
Saturday, September 5 • One of Us Horror Book Fair. Iowa’s first and only horror literary festival, featuring independent presses and authors from all over the country. Noon to 4 p.m. Public Space One, 538 S. Gilbert St, Iowa City. OneofUsFest.com.
Saturday, September 5 • Fairfield Farmers Market. It’s Customer Appreciation Day! Find fresh produce, flowers and plants, crafts, honey, eggs, and lots more. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Howard Park at Main & Grimes Ave., Fairfield. FairfieldIowaFarmersMarket.Farm.
Saturday, September 5 • Susie Linn. Linn’s book Search is an account of her remarkable journey searching for her biological family. 1–3 p.m., Swamp Fox Bookstore, 1375 7th Ave., Marion. SwampFoxBookstore.com.
Saturday, September 5 • Mushroom Foray. Meet naturalist Chloe Proffitt for a mile hike to discover mushrooms found in our local habitat. 10 a.m., Lacey Keosauqua Beach House. VillagesofVanBuren.com. (319) 293-3589.
Sun-Mon, September 6-7 • Iowa Craft Beer Bash & Millstream Gravel Cup. Beer and bike race events overlap. With live music by DTKK polka band and Cabin Fever. Various times, Millstream Brewing Co. 835 48th Ave, Amana. MillstreamBrewing.com.
Sun-Mon, September 6-7 • Tig Notaro. Emmy and Grammy nominated stand-up comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, and radio contributor. Sunday 7 p.m., Hancher, Iowa City, Hancher.uiowa.edu; Monday 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines, HoytSherman.org.