Sunday, September 6 • Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. The annual gathering of stream-engine enthusiasts is an homage to old-time agriculture, with vintage tractor displays, draft horse contests, demonstrations. live country music and more. Mt. Pleasant. OldThreshers.org.
Sunday, September 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.
Sunday, September 6 • 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, September 6 • The Everly Brother Experience. Tribute featuring the Zmed Brothers. 2 p.m., George Daily Auditorium, Oskaloosa. GeorgeDaily.org.
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.
Sun-Mon, September 6-7 • Red Cedar Chamber Presents Cactus Quintet. Austrian meal at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. Reservations: (319) 653-6250. Ainsworth Opera House, 284 Railroad St., Ainsworth.
Tuesday, September 8 • Basie Straight Ahead. “The Sound of Count Basie & Kansas City.” 7 p.m., Noce, Des Moines. NoceDSM.com.
Tuesday, September 8 • Chris Vinsonhaler—Beowulf: An Epic Enigma. The U of I PhD graduate will read from her translation of Beowulf, described as a “radical reappraisal of the Old English epic.” 7 p.m., Prairie Lights Books, Iowa City. PrairieLights.com.
Tuesday, September 8 • Nick Wallin with Andy Hageman. Launch party for The Quiet Resurrection of Sister Evelida Livingston, a small-town occult horror. 7–8:15 p.m., T-Bock’s Bar, 206 W. Water St., Decorah.
Wednesday, September 9 • Tig Notaro. Emmy- and Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, and radio contributor. Co-presented with the Englert. 7:30 p.m., Hancher, Iowa City, Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Wednesday, September 9 • Mystery Science Theater 3000: RiffTrax Experiments. Evil Pearl Forrester has once again captured Mike, Crow T. Robot, and Tom Servo and is forcing them to watch bad movies. 7 p.m., Capitol Theater, Burlington. BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com. Also on Sept. 13.
Wednesday, September 9 • 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, September 10 • Tig Notaro. Tig Notaro is an Emmy- and Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, and radio contributor. 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun, Sept. 10–13 • Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre: Great Plains Regional Puppetry Festival for Puppeteers of America. Thursday afternoon registration, puppet films, puppet flea market, dinner, and performance at the United Methodist Church. The festival continues with workshops and performances by puppet troupes from nine states, including Cripps Creations and Pinned and Sewtured from Connecticut, Puppet Art Theatre from California, Calliope Puppets from New Orleans, Sandbank Shadow Factory from North Carolina, and eight troupes from Iowa and the surrounding states. Owl Glass Puppet Theater, West Liberty. PuppetsPuppets.com.
Thursday, September 10 • Hot Fix Circus Sideshow. Old-school circus shenanigans. 7 p.m., Wildwood, 4919 Walleye Dr. SE, Iowa City. WildwoodSaloon.com.
Thursday, September 10 • Tim Witter: The ’70s Show. Music of the 1970s. 7 p.m., Bridge View Center, Ottumwa. MeetOttumwa.org.
Thursday, September 10 • It Takes Two: A Legendary Duo Review. Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann celebrate iconic musical duos. 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theater, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Thursday, September 10 • Pleasantries. Art/math rock band. 7–10 p.m., Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington, Iowa City. (319) 351-9175.
Thursday, September 10 • Blue Rose Ballroom Opening: Dwayne Dopsie, Mike Dillon & Cha Wa. This New Orleans-style party features the same lineup on Thurs. & Fri. nights: Dwayne Dopsie (above) & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Mike Dillon & Nolatet, and Cha Wa. 6:30 p.m., Blue Rose Ballroom & Bistro, 122 E. Broadway, Fairfield. BlueRoseBallroom.com. More music on Sept. 11 & 12.
Thursday, September 10 • Patricia Albers with Garth Greenwell—Everything Is Photograph: A Life of André Kertész. A discussion of Albers’s new biography of the innovative “father of modern photography.” 7 p.m., Prairie Lights Books, Iowa City. PrairieLights.com.
Friday, September 11 • Today’s Office with the Birdchick. Humorous stories about one woman’s quest to get paid to go birding, feat. writer-storyteller-birdwatcher Sharon Stiteler. 7–8:30 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids. IndianCreekNatureCenter.org.
Friday, September 11 • Killers of Kill Tony. A showcase of the diverse comedic talents of the original podcast. 7 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Friday, September 11 • Rewired Live with Vanessa McNeal. Audience members walk up to the mic with a real question, and Vanessa coaches them live. No script, no lecture, no pre-screening. 7 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Friday, September 11 • Barnyard Bash. Hands-on activities, agricultural education, pulled pork sandwiches, snow cones, pie auction, farm animals, antique tractors, and family fun. Free pulled pork sandwich for all kids. 4–7 p.m., Maasdam Barns, Fairfield. Park at Jefferson County Health Center, shuttle available. Free.
Friday, September 11 • Family Fun Night at Wilson’s Orchard. Tractor rides, farm animals, play barn, u-pick apples, food specials, and more. 5–9 p.m., Wilson’s, Iowa City. WilsonsOrchard.com.
Friday, September 11 • Jefferson Starship: Runaway Again Tour. One of the most successful arena rock bands of the ’70s and ’80s. 8 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Friday, September 11 • Alison Krauss & Union Station Feat. Jerry Douglas. One of today’s most influential and widely celebrated acts in bluegrass and roots music. 7:30 p.m., RiverCenter, Davenport. DavenportLive.com.
Friday, September 11 • Friday Night Concert: Diplomats of Solid Sound. Soul and funk. 6:30–9 p.m., Ped Mall, Iowa City. SummeroftheArts.com. Free.
Friday, September 11 • Blue Rose Ballroom Opening: Dwayne Dopsie, Mike Dillon & Cha Wa. 6:30 p.m., Blue Rose Ballroom, 122 E. Broadway, Fairfield. BlueRoseBallroom.com. Also Sept. 10 & 12.
Friday, September 11 • Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience. Starring Traci Marie as Taylor Swift. 6:30–9 p.m., Hy-Vee Center at Centennial Park, North Liberty. NorthLibertyIowa.gov. Englert.org.
Friday, September 11 • Dan Tedesco. Chicago-born singer-songwriter Dan Tedesco is a solo folk-grunge hurricane. 7:30 p.m., The James, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Friday, September 11 • David Graham & The Eskimo Brothers. The ultimate honky-tonk party. 8 p.m., The Washington, Burlington. TheWashingtonMusic.com.
Friday, September 11 • Fleatwood Mac. Tribute band. 7 p.m., Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside. (319) 648-1234.
Fri-Sat-Sun, September 11–13 • U-Pick Apples at Wilson’s Orchard. Celebrate the harvest with apple picking, pizza for purchase, and baked treats and gifts at the farm store. 6 p.m., Wilson’s Orchard, Iowa City. Wilsons-Orchard.com. Ongoing.
Fri-Sat-Sun, September 11–13 • GalaxyCon Des Moines. Expo of comic books, pop culture, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, cosplay, and more. Various times, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines. GalaxyCon.com.
Saturday, September 12 • Fall Foraging: Healing Salves. Join Pat Crawford for some fall foraging, and make backyard healing salves to take home. 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Gathering Point, 15730 250th St., Milton. VillagesFolkSchool.com.
Saturday, September 12 • Fairfield Farmers Market. 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 12 • Greg Warren. Impulse Buy Comedy Tour. His sharp, relatable humor resonates with everyday families across the country. 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, September 12 • Ottumwa Community Market. 8 a.m.–2 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1524 N. Court St., Ottumwa.
Saturday, September 12 • Fall Craft Event. Shop handmade items, seasonal décor, gifts, and creations. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., BVC, Ottumwa. MeetOttumwa.org.
Saturday, September 12 • Behind the Scenes at Heritage Farm & Seed Swap. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening on Heritage Farm, Seed Savers Exchange’s headquarters. 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. tours, 12:30–3:30 p.m. seed swap. Decorah. SeedSavers.org. No RSVP required. Free.
Saturday, September 12 • Cedar Rapids Festival Latino. Live music, cultural dances, kids’ activities, and authentic Latin food. 11 a.m., McGrath Ampitheatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, September 12 • Young Entrepreneurs Market. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids. NewBoCityMarket.org.
Saturday, September 12 • Mansion Mixer: Live, Laugh … and Ludology? Discover the folklore behind some of the most loved board games in history while you sip a complimentary drink. 6 p.m. doors, 7:15 p.m. talk. Brucemore, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org.
Saturday, September 12 • Free Second Saturdays at the Figge. This world-class museum offers free admission all day every second Saturday of the month. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Figge Art Museum, Davenport. FiggeArtMuseum.org.
Saturday, September 12 • Renaissance Dinner Theater. RSVP. 5–8 p.m., Price Creek Event Center, 4709 220th Trail, Amana. PriceCreekEvents.com.
Saturday, September 12 • Blue Rose Opening—Arthur Lee Land & Friends Feat. Tim Carbone. The party continues with Grateful Dead and Donovan tributes. 7:30 p.m., Blue Rose Ballroom, 122 E. Broadway. BlueRoseBallroom.com. Also on Sept. 10 & 11. (Left: Arthur Lee Land)
Saturday, September 12 • Ester Pavlu with Katelyn Bouska. Hear Czech mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů accompanied by Dr. Katelyn Bouska in an evening of opera. 7:30–8:30 p.m., National Czech & Slovak Museum, cedar Rapids. NCSML.org. Free.
Saturday, September 12 • Northside Saturday Nights: EasyFriends. Funk, soul, and classic jam vibes permeate rock and roll camaraderie. 6 p.m., outdoors at Linn & Market St., Iowa City. Englert.org. Free.
Saturday, September 12 • Classic 96 Live on the Square: Todd Partridge & Whiskey Gospel. A blend of rock-and-roll gospel, heartfelt ballads, and audience sing-alongs. 7:30 p.m., Central Park, Fairfield. Free.
Saturday, September 12 • Collingsworth Family: Songs of Hope. Southern gospel. 4 p.m., BVC, Ottumwa. BridgeViewCenter.com.
Saturday, September 12 • Rooftop Summer Concert: Nicole Dean. Quad Cities singer-songwriter known for her warm voice and heartfelt storytelling. 1–4 p.m., Skinny’s Barbeque, Muscatine. (563) 263-8895.
Sunday, September 13 • Mah Jongg Fundraiser. All levels of players are welcome to join! Enjoy refreshments, door prizes, and gift bags. $20 admission. 1-4:30 p.m. Golden Sanctuary, 200 S. Main, Fairfield. To register: (561) 703-2062.
Sunday, September 13 • Martina McBride. Award-winning country artist. 8 p.m., Rhythm City, Davenport. RhythmCityCasino.com.
Sunday, September 13 • Gin Blossoms. Multi- Platinum American alternative rock band. Co-presented by the Englert. 6:30 p.m., Hy-Vee Center at Centennial Park, North Liberty. NorthLibertyIowa.gov. Englert.org.
Sunday, September 13 • Hoyt Sherman Place: 250th Anniversary of American Independence. The 34th Army Band presents a free, outdoor performance honoring the nation’s rich musical and civic traditions. 1 p.m. festivities, flag display, food trucks, and family fun; 3 p.m. concert, Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Sunday, September 13 • French Beaded Flowers & Leaves. Learn to a French beading technique to create a variety of flowers and leaves out of wire and beads. Put them together for a tiny bouquet. No experience needed. 12–4 p.m., Beadology, Iowa City. BeadologyIowa.com.
Sunday, September 13 • 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 13 • Second Sunday Sound Bath. Select instruments support deep relaxation. 1 p.m., Sound Clinic, 122 N. Court St., Fairfield. SourceVibrations.com.
Sunday, September 13 • Emily Galvin Almanza: Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt. The author and former public defender will read from her new children’s book, a twisty, propulsive mystery. 2–3 p.m., Prairie Lights Books, 15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. PrairieLights.com.
Sunday, September 13 • 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.
Tuesday, September 15 • Flicka: A Love Letter. Documentary about mezzo-soprano opera singer Frederica von Stade. 7 p.m., FACC, Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com. Free.
Wednesday, September 16 • Whose Live Anyway? Hilarious improvised comedy and song based on audience suggestions and feat. Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City, Englert.org.
Wednesday, September 16 • Punch Brothers. The fully instrumental Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers (July 2026) is the Grammy-winning band’s seventh album. 7:30 p.m., Hancher, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Wednesday, September 16 • Open Blues Jam. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. 9 p.m. to midnight, The Black Angel, 630 Iowa Ave., Iowa City.
Wednesday, September 16 • Luis Muñoz, Garth Greenwell, & Idra Novey—One Moment: Poems. 7 p.m., Prairie Lights Books, 15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. PrairieLights.com.
Wednesday, September 16 • 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, September 17 • Dickie. Dickie’s latest EP, Headful of Hiss, brings a timeless warmth and cinematic scope to complement Prall’s ever-evolving sound. 7 p.m., Stoner Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Thursday, September 17 • Steve McLain 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, September 17 • Chommy’s Bike Night: Bocephus Wayne. Ride in for live music. 6–9 p.m., Chommy’s, Eldon. (641) 652-3461.
Thursday, September 17 • Abbie Callahan: The OptiMystic Tour. Nashville-based singer-songwriter. 7 p.m., Elray’s, Iowa City. ElraysLiveandDive.com.
Thursday, September 17 • The Reunion: Beatles Fantasy Tribute. 7 p.m., Capitol Theater, Burlington. BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com.
Thursday, September 17 • The Thirsty Word. This curated reading hosted by Meredith Siemsen features a new mix of regional creative writers each month. $5. 7:30–9 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 100 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com @ Thirsty Word. Submissions: sourceoffice@lisco.com.
Thurs-Fri-Sat, September 17–19 • Midwest & Great Northern Printers’ Fair. Antique press extravaganza. VIP all-access passes on Friday include one-on-one instruction. Annual swap meet Saturday. 8 a.m. daily, Printers Hall, Old Threshers, Mt. Pleasant. OldThreshers.org/other-events/printers-fair/
Friday, September 18 • BrewNost 2026. Sample from some of the area’s finest restaurants, breweries, and distilleries at this premier international festival with live music. 5:30–9:30 p.m., National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Pl. SW, Cedar Rapids. NCSML.org.
Friday, September 18 • Des Moines Metro Opera on Iowa PBS: Of Mice and Men. Tune in for Iowa PBS’s television broadcast of Des Moines Metro Opera’s recent production. 8:30 p.m. Find the streaming link at: DesMoinesMetroOpera.org.
Friday, September 18 • Public Observing Night at U of I. Join the Physics & Astronomy Dept. and use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the spring sky, weather permitting. 8–9 p.m., Van Allen Hall, 30 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City.
Friday, September 18 • Whose Live Anyway? 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song, feat. Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, Joel Murray, and special guest Gary Anthony Williams. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Friday, September 18 • Friday Night Concert: Stare Into The Night, Early Girl, and Lipstick Homicide. Neon grunge, dreamy post-punk, and high-energy pop-punk. 6:30–9 p.m., Iowa City Ped Mall. SummeroftheArts.com.
Friday, September 18 • David Huckfelt & Jeremy Ylvisaker. Their new work preserves a rugged optimism with songs that speak volumes, soft and clear. 7:30 p.m., The James, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Friday, September 18 • Yasmin Williams. Her unusual approach to fingerpicked guitar is just a hint of her innovative composing and playing. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Club Hancher, Strauss Hall, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Friday, September 18 • Seven Stone. Multigenerational rock machine plays ’70s, ’80s, ’90s rock. 8 p.m., The Washington, Burlington. TheWashingtonMusic.com.
Friday, September 18 • Ages and Ages. A pastoral, psychedelic sound, with sunshiny, tent-revival-inspired vocals. 7 p.m., Raccoon Motel, Davenport. TheRaccoonMotel.com.
Saturday, September 19 • Villages Folk School Classes. Pick from two workshops: Advanced Photography with Jaime Moquin, or Wild Dyes—Finding Color in Plants with Pat Crawford. Various times and locations, Keosauqua. VillagesFolkSchool.com.
Saturday, September 19 • Fairfield Farmers Market. 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 19 • Kiwanis Kids Day. Pancake Breakfast 6 a.m.–1 p.m., 10 a.m. parade, pony rides, entertainment, pedal pulls, face painting, bouncy house, and downtown sidewalk sales at select stores. All day, downtown Fairfield. JeffersonCountyHeritage.org.
Saturday, September 19 • David Huckfelt & Jeremy Ylvisaker. Atmospheric Americana. With Dustin Busch. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, September 19 • Music of Laurel Canyon featuring Buffalo Rome. Buffalo Rome blends 1970s West Coast country rock with modern country. 7:30 p.m., Five Flags, Dubuque. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Saturday, September 19 • Rooftop Summer Concert: Cedar County Cobras. Iowa roots & blues duo. 1–4 p.m., Skinny’s Barbeque, Muscatine. (563) 263-8895.
Saturday, September 19 • NOLA Jazz Band. 7 p.m., Noce, Des Moines. NoceDSM.com.
Saturday, September 19 • A Foreigners Journey to Boston. Tribute show. 8 p.m., Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery, 350 Commercial Dr., Walford. WildHogsSaloon.com.
Saturday, September 19 • SEISO: Puttin’ On the Ritz. Southeast Iowa Symphony opens their orchestra season with dinner and a show. Elizabeth Crecca presents Gershwin’s dazzling Piano Concerto, and American Idol Golden Ticket winner Kelsey Madsen sings jazz and pop standards. 7 p.m., Bridge View Center, Ottumwa. Seiso.us. Also on Sept. 20 in Burlington.
Saturday, September 19 • Northside Saturday Nights: The Lonesome Thrillbillies. Cosmic country. 6–8 p.m., outside at Linn & Market, Iowa City. Englert.org. Free.
Saturday, September 19 • The Moonlight Princesses: Tribute to Demon Hunters. High-energy all-female K-pop tribute. 6 p.m., RiverCenter, Davenport. DavenportLive.com.
Saturday, September 19 • FilmScene in the Park: Wall•E. A trash-compacting robot falls in love with a flying droid and helps her on her quest to restore hope to mankind. BYO chairs. 7:15 p.m., Chauncey Swan Park, Iowa City. ICFilmScene.org.
Saturday, September 19 • Escaramuza: Annual Mexican Rodeo. This female equine drill team from Central Iowa showcases impressive horseback riding skills, rodeo events, and vibrant cultural displays. 2–4 p.m., Maasdam Barns, Fairfield.
Saturday, September 19 • Orchestra Iowa: New World Symphony. Celebrate America 250 with epic works by Copland, Gershwin, and Dvorak. Feat. Grammy Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann. 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids.
Sat-Sun, September 19–20 • Riverssance Festival of Fine Art 2026. 38th annual festival showcasing nearly 100 artists from throughout the greater Midwest. 10–4 p.m., Lindsay Park, 2205 11th St., Davenport. QuadCityArts.com.
Sunday, September 20 • Iowa City Scrabble Club 25th Anniversary. All scrabble players welcome! Bring a board if you have one. 2–4 p.m., Bread Garden patio, 225 S. Linn, Iowa City. Park in adjacent city ramp.
Sunday, September 20 • Orchestra Iowa: New World Symphony. Celebrate America 250 with epic works by Copland, Gershwin, and Dvorak. Feat. Grammy Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann. 7:30 p.m., Voxman Concert Hall, U of I, Iowa City. OrchestraIowa.org.
Sunday, September 20 • Latin, Ballroom & Swing Dance. No partner needed, freestyle welcome. Weekly lesson 7:30 p.m., dance 8–9:45 p.m., Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. (641) 919-5698.
Sunday, September 20 • Alok: Eat Pray Leave Tour. Internationally acclaimed poet, comedian, public speaker, and actor. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Sunday, September 20 • John Crist. This fast-rising comedian combines sharp wit with tactfully unhinged stand-up. 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Sunday, September 20 • 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.
Tuesday, September 22 • Bunker Mill Bridge Music: Space Ship Driver. Musical project by Iowa City-based singer-songwriter and drummer Chad Slater-Scott. BYO chair. 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bunker Mill Bridge 1298 Poplar Blvd, Kalona. KalonaChamber.org.
Wednesday, September 23 • John Cameron Mitchell: Hedwig & the Angry Inch. Film screening and discussion. Infinite Dream Festival. 7 p.m. and 9:40 p.m., FilmScene 1, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Wednesday, September 23 • The Thorn. The story of Christ presented in an immersive show with music, drama, aerial acts, movement arts, modern dance, and special effects. 7 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com. Also on Sept. 22.
Wednesday, September 23 • Pig. Raymond Watts’s industrial rock band. With Cyanotic. 6 p.m., Raccoon Motel, Davenport. TheRaccoon-Motel.com.
Wednesday, September 23 • Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Tour. An organic rock band aesthetic with plenty of roadhouse twang. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Wednesday, September 23 • Big Richard with Weary Ramblers. Bluegrass and folk. 7 p.m., xBk Live, Des Moines. XBKLive.com.
Wednesday, September 23 • 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, September 24 • 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, September 24 • Monica Bill Barnes & Company: Many Happy Returns. Witness what a memory play can be if it turns out to be a dance performance. Infinite Dream Festival. 7 p.m., Hancher, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Thursday, September 24 • Almost Friday Fest. Live music, food, vendors, beer tent, and kids’ play area. 5–8 p.m., Riverside Park, Muscatine. (563) 263-8895.
Thursday, September 24 • The Seven Wonders: Fleetwood Mac Tribute. 8 p.m., Redstone Room, Common Chord, 129 Main St., Davenport. CommonChordQC.com.
Thursday, September 24 • Melissa Etheridge: Rise. The Academy and Grammy Award- winning artist’s 17th studio album. 8 p.m., Riverside Casino, 3184 Iowa 22, Riverside. RiversideCasinoandResort.com.
Thursday, September 24 • 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.
Thurs-Fri-Sat, September 24–26 • Infinite Dream Festival. Multi-day celebration of the performing arts: music, dance, film, comedy, and theater. Various locations, Iowa City. Details at Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Friday, September 25 • Lee Hardin. Relatable jokes and stories from the touring Nashville-based comedian. 7 p.m., Giving Tree Theater, Marion. GivingTreeTheater.com.
Friday, September 25 • Fairfield History Film Series: Parsons—The School That Broke the Rules. 7 p.m., Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams. Free.
Friday, September 25 • Derrick Stroup: Running Hot Tour. With the cadence of an angry auctioneer, this Waffle House enthusiast locks people in with his detailed stories and over-the-top energy. 7 p.m., Paramount, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Friday, September 25 • Jefferson Starship. Iconic arena rock band celebrates its 50th anniversary. 7 p.m., McGrath Ampitheatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Friday, September 25 • Leftover Salmon. This 35-year-old jam band effortlessly glides from front-porch bluegrass to the Cajun swamps. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Fri-Sat, September 25–26 • Kalona Fall Festival. Live music, historic building tours, living history displays, traditional craft demonstrations, Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre, pony rides, food, and more. Fri. 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Kalona Historical Village, 715 D Ave., Kalona. KalonaIowa.org.
Fri-Sat-Sun, September 25–27 • U-Pick Apples at Wilson’s Orchard. Wilson’s Ciderhouse, 4823 Dingleberry Rd. NE, Iowa City. WilsonsOrchard.com. Ongoing.
Fri-Sat-Sun 25–27 • Old Iron Show. Draft horse demonstrations, antique cars and tractors, a steam-powered sawmill, steam engines, threshing, plowing, kids’ activities, and food. Wapello County Fairgrounds, 300 Water St., Eldon. Facebook.com.
Fri-Sat-Sun 25–27 • Pages for Pennies Book Sale. Great deals on books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, LPs, games, puzzles, and sheet music. Fri. 12-8, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-5, Bridge View Center, Ottumwa. BridgeViewCenter.com.
Saturday, September 26 • Mo Amer. As a refugee, Amer waited 20 years to become a naturalized citizen and obtain a passport—a serious situation he has transformed into comedic material. Infinite Dream Festival. 9 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Saturday, September 26 • Fairfield Farmers Market. 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 26 • Improv at Willow Creek Theatre. Rotating improv troupes typically perform Saturday nights. 7–9:30 p.m., Willow Creek Theatre, Iowa City. Updates: WillowCreekTheatre.org.
Saturday, September 26 • Northside Oktoberfest. 40+ craft beer vendors, neighborhood food, beer games, live music, comical contests, and SodaFest beverage stand for kids. 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Northside Marketplace, Iowa City. DowntownIowaCity.com.
Saturday, September 26 • Artists Around a Table: Artmaking & Merrymaking, 1927-1952. A free guided tour of the exhibition in the John Brady Print Gallery. 1–2 p.m., Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines. DesMoinesArtCenter.org.
Saturday, September 26 • Lincoln Highway Arts Festival. Art, music, kids’ activities, food trucks, and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Uptown Mount Vernon. VisitMVLcom.
Saturday, September 26 • Barn to Farm Bike Ride. Enjoy a 36-mile round-trip bike ride from ICNC’s original barn headquarters to the Etzel Sugar Grove organic farm. live music and a farm-fresh breakfast with locally-sourced ingredients, including organic eggs from the farm. 8 a.m., ICNC, Cedar Rapids. IndianCreekNatureCenter.org.
Saturday, September 26 • Asian Fest at NewBo City Market. A celebration of Asian food and culture. Details TBA. 12–9 p.m., NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids. NewboCityMarket.org/events. IowaAsianAlliance.com.
Saturday, September 26 • 2026 Africa Fest. Performances and booths showcase some of the cuisines, musical traditions, fashions, and art of the African groups who call Iowa home. 12–9 p.m., Ped Mall, 205 E. College St., Iowa City. Facebook.com.
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.
Saturday, September 26 • Johnny Rogers: The History of Rock ’n’ Roll Show. 7 p.m., What Cheer Opera House. WhatCheerOperaHouse.org.
Saturday, September 26 • Paint+Sip Fall Blossom. A relaxed happy-hour art class for adults. 5:30 p.m., Brush & Barrel, 1801 2nd St., Coralville. BrushandBarrel.com.
Saturday, September 26 • Villages Folk School. Pick from Plein Air Pastels or Beginners Blacksmithing. Various times & locations, Keosauqua. VillagesFolkSchool.com.
Sat-Sun, September 26–27 • DM Symphony: Unity—American Mosaic & West Side Story. Celebrating America’s 250th, this cinematic program features Joseph Giunta, conducting, and Harlem Quartet, visiting artists in residence. Various times, Des Moines Civic Center. DMPA.org.
Sunday, September 27 • Octagon Art Festival. The 55th annual festival brings 90 artists from 7 states with artistic creations. 10-a.m.-4 p.m. Main St downtown, Ames. Octagonarts.org.
Sunday, September 27 • Now Clap! Bob the Drag Queen’s on Tour. Broadway star, New York Times bestselling author, Traitor cast member, stand-up comedian, and drag race winner. 6 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Sunday, September 27 • 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, September 27 • All Latin Dance. Salsa, bachata, merengue, rumba, cha cha, and samba. Lesson 7:30 p.m., dance 8 p.m. Morning Star Studio, Fairfield. Facebook.com/ Fairfield.Pop.Music.Dance.Coalition.
Sunday, September 27 • Main Street Souvenirs. This cinematic celebration of Americana spans 150 years of music, played by Scott Kirby on piano. 3:30 p.m., Washington Auditorium, 1111 S. B Ave., Washington. WashingtonAuditorium.org.
Sunday, September 27 • Basic. Groove-based sonic fields. 6.p.m., Raccoon Motel, Davenport. TheRaccoonMotel.com.
Sunday, September 27 • Davina & the Vagabonds. Jazz and blues. With Mo&Co. 8 p.m., Redstone Room at Common Chord, 129 Main St., Davenport. CommonChordQC.com.
Sunday, September 27 • 10th Annual Longfellow Front Porch Music Festival. Musicians will play on front porches or yards of homes throughout the Longfellow neighborhood, just southeast of Iowa City. Parking available at Longfellow Elementary School Parking lot, 1130 Seymour Ave. 2:00-5:30 p.m. Iowa City. FrontPorchMusicFestival.com.
Sun-Mon-Tues-Wed, September 27–30 • Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat. Workshops and panels led by dozens of authors, journalists, literary agents, musicians, filmmakers, and theater artists with ties to Iowa. Includes slush piles, coaching, live concerts, and more. Lakeside Labs Campus, Okoboji. OkobojiWritersRetreat.com.
Monday, September 28 • Iowa City Poetry Slam. Poets compete in a three-round elimination. Sign up at 6:30 p.m., slam at 7. Last Mondays, Midnight Coffee, 301 E. Market St., Iowa City. Facebook.com/ICPoetrySlam.
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 • Tell It Like It Is—Iowa Storytellers Project: Voyages. Hear five compelling true stories directly from fellow Iowans. 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org. (Pictured: Katherine Eid Wild of Fairfield)
Tuesday. September 29 • She’s Green. “Moss music,” inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, Hayao Miyazaki, Slowdive, and the Cocteau Twins. 8 p.m., Gabe’s, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Tuesday. September 29 • Alana Springsteen. Country artist. With Erin Kinsey. 6 p.m., Wildwood, Iowa City. (319) 338-2211.
Wednesday, September 30 • Benny Benack III. Nationally touring jazz trumpeter and vocalist. 7 p.m., Noce, Des Moines. NoceDSM.com.
Wednesday, September 30 • Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers. This Grammy- winning artist with a storied career finds “the sweet spot between joyful improv and immaculate songcraft” (NPR). 7:30 p.m., Hancher, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
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.
Wed-Thurs-Fri-Sat, September 30–October 3 • Ottumwa Oktoberfest. Beer, brats, bingo, live music, parades, drumlines, stein-holding competitions, and more. Various times, Jimmy Jones Shelter, 1 Joe Lord Memorial Dr., Ottumwa. MeetOttumwa.org.
Thursday, October 1 • QC Flavor Fest. Sample the best from Quad Cities restaurants with live music by Chicago Farmer. Kids 12 and under free. 5–8 p.m., Redstone Room, Davenport. CommonChordQC.com.
Thursday, October 1 • Happy Accident: Absurdist-Surreal Puppet Show. I mean, doesn’t this sound amazing? 7 p.m., xBk Live, Des Moines. XBKLive.com.
Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun, October 1–4 • Amana Colonies Oktoberfest. Enjoy German brats, beer, live polka music, traditional competitions, and a festive parade that brings the villages to life. Various times and locations, Amana. AmanaColonies.com.
Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun, October 1–4 • Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: The Greatest Show On Earth. Casey’s Center, Des Moines. IowaEventsCenter.com.
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.
Friday, October 2 • Alysha Brilla. This JUNO Award-nominated songwriter, producer, and electrifying live performer creates an interactive, embodied experience. 7 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Friday, October 2 • Boston Brass & Turtle Island: Romeo & Juliet. Two brass bands join forces to blend classical, jazz, and crossover styles for a bold reimagining of Romeo and Juliet. 7:30 p.m., Drake Sheslow, Des Moines. CivicMusic.org.
Friday, October 2 • Lauren Alaina: The Stages Tour. Multi-Platinum country star. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Fri-Sat, October 2–3 • Bluebird Improv. This collection of legendary comedians tours the world, performing shows that are fully improvised, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City, Englert.org; Sat. 7 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines, DMPA.org.
Saturday, October 3 • FilmScene in the Park: Close Encounters of the Third Kind. An electric lineman finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO. BYO chairs. 7 p.m., Chauncey Swan Park, Iowa City. ICFilmScene.org.
Saturday, October 3 • National Theatre Live: All My Sons. Bryan Cranston and Marianne Jean-Baptiste feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed Royal Theatre production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, captured on film. 12 p.m. noon, FilmScene, Iowa City. ICFilmScene.org.
Saturday, October 3 • Orchard Tour & Apple Tasting. Tour the Seed Savers Exchange Historic Orchard and taste apples while learning their history. Bring a picnic lunch. 12–3 p.m., Seed Savers Exchange, Heritage Farm, 3074 North Winn Rd., Decorah. SeedSavers.org. Free.
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 • Lucy Darling: Simply Darling. This touring variety show features her razor-sharp wit, unquestionable advice, and skillful magic. 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, October 3 • Fairfield Farmers Market. 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, October 3 • Lou Sherry. Progressive doom-lounge fusion powerhouse. 6 p.m., Northside Marketplace, Iowa City. Outdoor free concert.
Sat-Sun, October 3–4 • Southeast Iowa Depot Tour. Visit museums, railroad displays, and 18 lovingly preserved depots nestled in the scenic rolling hills of the Van Buren County region. Details at VillagesofVanBuren.com.
Sunday, October 4 • Swan Lake. World Ballet Company’s breathtaking production, with Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score played by a live orchestra. 6 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Sunday, October 4 • 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.
Monday, October 5 • Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Monday, October 5 • Jim Witter: The ’70s Show. A great night of amazing “current” music from the 1970s. 7:30 p.m., Presented by CRCCA. Paramount, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
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.
Saturday, October 10 • Fairfield Farmers Market. 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.