Friday, September 20 • Paula Poundstone. Iconic comedian known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit. 7 p.m., Gallagher Bluedorn, Cedar Falls. GBPAC.com.
Friday, September 20 • BrewNost. Food and beverage from area restaurants, breweries, and distilleries, along with international beers, wine, and spirits, plus live music outdoors, live & silent auction prizes, and a raffle drawing for a trip for two to Prague. 6:30–9:30 p.m., National Czech & Slovak Museum, Cedar Rapids. NCSML.org.
Friday, September 20 • Fairfield Movies in the Park: Flubber. BYO chairs and blankets, movies begin at dusk. Central Park, Fairfield. Facebook.com/CityofFairfieldParksand-Recreation.
Friday, September 20 • Uptown: A Celebration of Motown & Soul. This NYC group brings the perfect mix of Bruno Mars-caliber stage presence with the vocals of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. 7 p.m., Washington Area Performing Arts Center, Washington. WashingtonAuditorium.org.
Friday, September 20 • Crash Test Dummies. 2023 saw the release of a new single, “Sacred Alphabet,” as this multi Grammy-nominated band hit the road for another North American and European tour. 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Friday, September 20 • The Two Tracks. This Wyoming band’s introspective ballads and foot-stomping anthems reflect a genuine love for the craft. 7:30 p.m., The James Theater, Iowa City. TheJamesIC.com.
Friday, September 20 • Julia Bullock & Conor Hanick. “Olivier Messiaen’s Harawi (Chant d’amour et de mort).” Two luminous musicians shine their collective light on an achingly haunting exploration of grief. 7:30 p.m., Hancher, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Friday, September 20 • Halfloves with Dickie. Indie rock band from Iowa City. 8 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Friday, September 20 • Lonestar. Award-winning country music group. 7:30 p.m., Bridge View, Ottumwa. BridgeViewCenter.com.
Fri-Sat, September 20–21 • BrianFest. Northside music series curated by the Englert Theatre. 6–8 p.m., Northside District, Iowa City. Englert.org. Free.
Fri-Sat, September 20–21 • Brucemore Mansion: Hello Fall. BYO warm beverage, blankets, chairs, and snacks for a cozy night of hijinx and harmony under the stars. 7:30 p.m., Brucemore’s formal garden, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org.
Fri-Sat, September 20–21 • Burlington Heritage Days. Weekend activities and free concerts by Eric Pettit Lion; Ghost of Judas and Revel in Red; and Libido Funk Circus with Stars in Toledo; plus food, family activities, fishing contest, bridge race, doggie beauty pageant, and more. Memorial Auditorium and downtown Burlington. Facebook.com @BurlingtonHeritageDays.
Saturday, September 21 • Fairfield Farmers Market. Produce, flowers, plants, handmade wares, baked goods, food to go. 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Howard Park, corner of Main & Grimes, Fairfield.
Saturday, September 21 • Kiwanis Kids’ Day. Pancake breakfast (ticketed) 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the tent. Free kids’ activities include pony rides, a clown, pedal pull, face painting, bouncy house, and a 10 a.m. parade, themed “Building for the Future,” with floats, bands, shrine clubs, horses, tractors, and vintage cars. Central Park, Fairfield.
Saturday, September 21 • Iowa City Farmers Market. Open-air market with fresh, homegrown produce, baked goods, crafts, flowers, music, and activities. Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.–noon, Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, Iowa City. ICGov.org/farmersmarket.
Saturday, September 21 • Sierra Club: Stratis Giannakouros. Join SE Iowa Sierra Club at Lake Darling Lodge to learn how scientists, engineers, students, and communities are joining forces to solve some of the most complex sustainability challenges of our time. 12:30 catered lunch, 1:30 p.m. speaker. RSVP with name, contact info, and number of guests for lunch at: SEIowaSierraClub@gmail.com. Free.
Saturday, September 21 • Ottumwa Duck Races. 5,000 rubber ducks will race down a slip ’n’ slide track into the pond at Greater Ottumwa Park to the finish line, for a cash prize. All rubber duckie “adoptions” support First Resources Corp. With food trucks, face painting, and more. 4–7:30 p.m., Jimmy Jones Shelter, 1 Joe Lord, Memorial Dr., Ottumwa. (641) 814-4665.
Saturday, September 21 • Fairfolk Family Dance & Contra Dance. 6:30 p.m. fun and easy kid-friendly dance, 7:30 p.m. contra dance lesson and 8 p.m. dance for adults. Live music. Morning Star Studios, Fairfield. Facebook.com/FairfolkDancers.
Saturday, September 21 • Prairie Seed Collecting. Learn how to collect seeds and discover prairie plants at Lake Sugema. 9 a.m.–noon, Lake Sugema Campground, Keosauqua. (319) 293-3589.
Saturday, September 21 • Oktoberfest Davenport. Polka band, food, games, and beer. 12–7 p.m., K-Square, 119 E. 3rd St., Davenport. GAHC.org.
Saturday, September 21 • Wife & Death with the Glaucomfleckens. This medical comedian duo brings a show that’s part tragedy, part comedy, and all heart. 7 p.m., Englert Theatre, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Saturday, September 21 • Miguel Espinoza Fusion. A collective of world-class musicians evokes a rich and colorful symposium of flamenco, classical, jazz, African, Celtic, and Brazilian expressions. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, September 21 • Burning Red: Tribute to Taylor Swift. The ultimate live-band Taylor sing-along party. 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, September 21 • KC and The Sunshine Band: 50th Anniversary. One of the most progressive bands of the 1970s, they changed the sound of modern pop music. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Saturday, September 21 • Judas Priest: Invincible Shield Tour. Few heavy metal bands have managed to scale the heights that Judas Priest has during its 50+ years. With Sabaton. 7:30 p.m., Alliant PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, September 21 • Trilogy: The Ultimate Tribute Show. Tributes to the Doors, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. 8 p.m., Five Flags, Dubuque. FiveFlagCenter.com.
Sat-Sun, September 21–22 • Riverssance Fine Art Festival. Showcasing 70+ top artists from throughout the greater Midwest. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Lindsay Park, Village of East Davenport. QuadCityArts.com.
Sat-Sun, September 21–22 • Cedar Valley Rocks & Minerals Society Show & Auction. A two-day auction with minerals, rough stones, fossils, cabs, equipment, and more. Various times, Amana RV Park & Event Center, Amana. AmanaRVPark.com.
Sat-Sun, September 21–22 • Blakesburg Corn Carnival. Vendor fair, pie auction, carnival, parade, tractor & car show, kid activities, truck and tractor pull, food trucks, and live music. Various times, 205 N. Main St., Blakesburg. Facebook.com.
Sunday, September 22 • Socks in the Frying Pan. Award-winning trio from County Clare, Ireland. 7 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Sunday, September 22 • Cedar Rapids Mimosa Fest. Celebrate the end of summer with mimosas. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Sunday, September 22 • Irish Music Session. An informal gathering of area musicians plays Irish music most Sundays. Join in, or relax and listen as you enjoy a hot cuppa or craft beer on tap. 3–5 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Tuesday, September 24 • Death Café. The Death Doula Collective of the Heartland hosts a monthly informal, lively, open-ended conversation about death. (This is not a grief support group.) Last Tuesday of each month, 7–8:30 p.m., Green House, 505 E. Washington, Iowa City. DeathCafe.com.
Tuesday–Saturday, September 24-28 • Infinite Dream Festival. This Iowa City festival explores the American story through performances, presentations, and discussions from artists and thinkers from near and far. The first few days at Hancher feature Conrad Tao & Caleb Teicher, John Moreland, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Hari Kondabolu. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Wednesday, September 25 • UI Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m., Voxman Music Building, Concert Hall, 93 E. Burlington St., Iowa City. PerformingArts.uiowa.edu. Free.
Wednesday, September 25 • The Magic of Motown. A high-energy homage to the legends. 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Wednesday, September 25 • Paul Thorn. Singer-songwriter with a razor wit and the gently humorous commentary. 8 p.m., Wildwood, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Wednesday, September 25 • Intocable: 30 Aniversario Tour 2024. One of the most influential groups in the Tejano/Norteño music scene today. 8 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Wednesday, September 25 • Wednesday Market. Produce, handmade goods. Wednesdays, 3–6 p.m., east side of Fairfield Square.
Wednesday, September 25 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. Take part in the tradition of community sharing from either side of the stage. 7:15 sign up, 7:30 go time, with a featured performer halfway through. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com/OpenMicAtCafeParadiso.
Thursday, September 26 • Mac & Cheese Fest. 6–8 p.m., Five Flags Arena, Dubuque. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Thursday, September 26 • Sound Bath at Golden Magnolia. Join Joetta Lashway for a magical evening of healing sounds: gongs, crystal bowls, swaram chimes, and harps. Pay what you may. Proceeds go to Golden Magnolia soup kitchen. 7:30 p.m., Golden Magnolia Sanctuary, 200 S. Main St. (north entrance), Fairfield.
Friday, September 27 • Fall Color Paddle. Enjoy the colorful foliage from the water. RSVP. 10 a.m.–noon, Lacey Keosauqua Boat Ramp, Lacey Keosauqua Lake. (319) 293-3589.
Friday, September 27 • Steely Dan. Iconic American rock band birthed in 1971. 7:30 p.m., The Capitol Theatre, 330 W. 3rd St., Davenport. DavenportLive.com.
Friday, September 27 • Jolie Holland. Jolie Holland has forged a timeless, captivating musical legacy. As she mines the depths of her life experiences, her creative choices are fearlessly honest. With the Heligoats. 7 p.m., Raccoon Motel, Davenport. TheRaccoonMotel.com.
Fri–Sat, September 27–28 • Infinite Dream Festival. This Iowa City festival explores the complex fabric of the American story through performances, presentations, and discussions with artists and thinkers from near and far. Featured weekend artists include musical artists Madison Cunningham & Andrew Bird on Fri., poet and musician Patti Smith on Fri. & Sat., Stamptown: Comedy Night on Fri. & Sat., and Aja Monet (above) on Sat. Various times and venues. Hancher.uiowa.edu/infinitedream.
Fri–Sat, September 27–28 • Kalona Historic Village Fall Festival. Live entertainment, locally made foods, kids’ activities, old-world demonstrations, handmade items, and much more. Fri. 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Kalona Historic Village. KalonaIowa.org.
Fri–Sat, September 27–28 • Harvest Rush Gravel Grinder Run & Ride. 10 km run on Friday night; Saturday bicycle races: 100 km, 100 mile, or 50 km rides, with aid stations, meal options, and podium pics for men’s and women’s top three. Fairfield. IowaGravelSeries.com/fairfield/.
Fri-Sat-Sun, September 27-28-29 • Pages for Pennies. Find books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, LPs, games, puzzles, and sheet music at bargain prices. Proceeds benefit Friends of Ottumwa Public Library, Meet Ottumwa, and Bridge View Center. Fri. 12–8, Sat. 9–5, Sun. 11–5, Bridge View Ctr, Ottumwa. (641) 682-7563.
Saturday, September 28 • Adult Origami Workshop. Join local origami enthusiast Veddar Wright to learn the basics of origami. All levels are welcome. Materials provided free. RSVP required. airfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams., Fairfield. (641) 472-6551.
Saturday, September 28 • Lady Franklyn Improv Show. Iowa City’s resident professional improv team takes the stage for a night of laughs. Most Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., Willow Creek Theatre, 327 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City. Find updates on Facebook.
Saturday, September 28 • Fairfield Farmers Market. Produce, flowers, plants, handmade wares, baked goods, food to go. 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Howard Park, corner of Main & Grimes, Fairfield.
Saturday, September 28 • Iowa City Farmers Market. Open-air market with fresh, homegrown produce, baked goods, crafts, flowers, music, and activities. Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.–noon, Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, Iowa City. ICGov.org/farmersmarket.
Saturday, September 28 • Fairfield Fall Craft & Vendor Show. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.
Saturday, September 28 • Staged Reading: Pygmalian. Reading Railroad Theater presents George Bernard Shaw’s satire, with dessert and a pie and cake auction. $12 at the door, proceeds go toward the production of local film Romance Cleanup in Aisle 5 and Morningstar Studio. 6:30 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. performance, Morning Star Studio, 51 1⁄2 S. Court St., Fairfield. Readingrrtheater@gmail.com.
Saturday, September 28 • ROAP Farm Harvest Festival. Celebrate the end of the season with live music, games, food, and more. 3–10 p.m., MIU Regenerative Organic Agriculture Program (ROAP) Farm, 1917 Hwy 1, Fairfield. Free.
Saturday, September 28 • Run for the Ridge 5K. Race through the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area. Register by Sept. 13 to receive a T-shirt on race day, or register at the event. Check in 8 a.m., 9 a.m. run. Refreshments and awards at Red Haybarn. Pioneer Ridge Nature Area, 1339 Highway 63, Ottumwa. (641) 682-3091.
Saturday, September 28 • Northside Saturday Nights Concert Series: Oktoberfest. 6–8 p.m., corner of Market St. & Linn St., Iowa City. Englert.com. Free.
Saturday, September 28 • Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters. This rock and roll band with a ’60s sound plays their new album Love & Hate In Desperate Places. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Saturday, September 28 • Taylor Shines: The Laser Spectacular. This all-ages show features an epic laser display, video projection, and a live performance by Jexxa. 7:30 p.m., Bridge View Center, Ottumwa. BridgeViewCenter.com.
Saturday, September 28 • Shovels & Rope. Less is more for this duo on their tour of Something Is Working Up Above My Head, a catalog of sweet and sordid narratives. With guest Al Olender. 8 p.m., Codfish Hollow Barn, Maquoketa. CodfishHollowBarnstormers.
Sat-Sun, September 28–29 • Cinema Fairfield: “One Hand Clapping.” This film captured a moment when Paul McCartney and Wings had found their signature sound. Filmed over four days at Abbey Rad Studios in August 1974. 7 p.m. Cinema Fairfield, Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield. (641) 472-2000.
Sat-Sun, September 28–29 • DM Symphony Season Debut: The Emperor. Classical tradition meets innovative spirit with Kevin Day’s Lightspeed. The renowned Olga Kern brings Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto to life and Bruckner’s majestic Symphony No. 7 is the finale. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m., Civic Center, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Sunday, September 29 • Latin Heritage Celebration Dance. No partner needed. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Morning Star, 511⁄2 S. Court, Fairfield. (641) 919-5698. Facebook.com/ Fairfield.Pop.Music.Dance.Coalition.
Sunday, September 29 • Irish Music Session. An informal gathering of area musicians plays Irish music most Sundays. Join in, or relax and listen as you enjoy a hot cuppa or craft beer on tap. 3–5 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Sunday, September 29 • Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show. Comedians Andrea Marie, Jené Suplee, Lisa Lane, and headliner Nancy Norton explore everything from motherhood, midlife crisis, marriage, divorce, online dating, and other things that irritate us. 21+. 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Sunday, September 29 • Elephant Revival. A unique collection of multi-instrumentalists blending elements of Celtic, Americana, folk, and indie art rock. With Two Runner. 8 p.m., Codfish Hollow Barn, Maquoketa. CodfishHollowBarnstormers.
Monday, September 30 • Iowa City Poetry Slam. Bring three poems to compete, or just watch and listen in this three-round elimination event with prizes. Sign up at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. slam. Last Monday of the month, Coffee Emporium, Iowa City. (319) 338-5382. Facebook.com/ ICPoetrySlam.
Monday, September 30 • Legendary Ladies of Country. Enjoy a warm and inviting program of hits by Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Anne Murray, Patsy Cline, and others, feat. Lisa Brokop. Free for youth and students. Ottumwa Civic Music Assoc. 7 p.m., Bridge View Center, 102 Church St., Ottumwa. (641) 777-5903.
Mon-Tues, September 30-October 1 • Cinema Fairfield: “Widow Clicquot.” Based on the true story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (1777-1866), the Grande Dame of Champagne, who married into a winemaking family. Though their marriage was arranged, a timeless love blossomed between them. 7 p.m. Cinema Fairfield, Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield. (641) 472-2000.
Tues-Wed, October 1–2 • An Evening with Matthew Sweet. Sweet continues to solidify his reputation as the premier alt-pop singer-songwriter, now with more than 20 albums to his credit, including Girlfriend and 100% Fun. 7 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Tuesday, October 1 • A Billy Joel Tribute Featuring Jim Witter. Presented by CRCCA. 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Wednesday, October 2 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. Take part in the tradition of community sharing from either side of the stage. 7:15 sign up, 7:30 go time, with a featured performer halfway through. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com/OpenMicAtCafeParadiso.
Wed-Thurs-Fri-Sat, October 2–5 • Ottumwa Oktoberfest. Music, bingo, parades, drum-line competitions, stein holding, and beer and brats. Various times, Jimmy Jones Shelter, Ottumwa. OttumwaOktoberfest.com.
Thursday, October 3 • Brooklyn Rider: Temples of Resonance. “The String Quartets of Philip Glass.” 7:30 pm., Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Friday, October 4 • Fairfield First Fridays. Food and activities around the square, art shows around town. 6-9 p.m. Fairfield.
Friday, October 4 • Closing Reception for Sun Chasing and Other Adventures. A printmaking group exhibition by Ananda Kesler, 5:30-10:00 p.m., Freeform Gallery, Tetra Building, Fairfield.
Friday, October 4 • Las Mascarillas. Soapbox Speakeasy presents a mask-based theater performance. 8 p.m. Morning Star Studio, Fairfield. Admission by donation.
Fri-Sat-Sun, October 4–6 • BlissFall Music & Art Festival. Visit cute animals, enjoy a harvest community meal, shopping, dancing, a drum circle, foraging hike, and a variety of therapeutic workshops for kids and adults. Camp, glamp, or just come for the day. RSVP. Various times, Windy Goat Acres, Chelsea. Eventbrite.com.
Sunday, October 6 • Irish Music Session. An informal gathering of area musicians plays Irish music most Sundays. Join in, or relax and listen as you enjoy a hot cuppa or craft beer on tap. 3–5 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.