Thursday, November 12 • Brandi Carlile: Burn the Setlist Tour. An all-request concert from the Grammy-winning alt-country artist, joined by Phil and Tim Hanseroth. 8 p.m., Des Moines Civic Center. DMPA.org.
Thursday, November 12 • Shaun Cassidy: Unwrapped. “Songs & Stories for the Holidays” from the writer, producer, actor, and Grammy-nominated singer. 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre, Iowa City. Englert.org. Also on Nov. 22 in Des Moines.
Thursday, November 12 • Jon Pardi: Gamblin’ Man Tour. Electrifying honky-tonk, with Alexandra Kay & Sadie Bass. 7 p.m., Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Thursday, November 12 • Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Vintage takes on modern hits in a meticulously crafted night of virtuosity and irresistible fun. 8 p.m., Hoyt Sherman, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Thursday, November 12 • Dan Hubbard. Twenty years of songs in the vein of Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and Pokey LaFarge. 8 p.m., The Ideal, Cedar Rapids. IdealTheaterandBar.com.
Thursday, November 12 • Prairie Poets. Bill Graeser, Rustin Larson, and Glenn Watt will read their original poems. 7:30 p.m., Fairfield Public Library. Free.
Friday, November 13 • Fix-It Friday Repair Fair. Stop by the meeting room for presentations and hands-on assistance with textile repair, computer repair, jewelry repair, and general household fix-its. 2-4 p.m. Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams, Fairfield. (641) 472-6551. Free!
Thursday, November 12 • Baking with Author Clara McKenna. Celebrate the release of Murder at Pellhurst Pond, the new installment in the Stella & Lyndy Mystery series, as the author bakes scones. 6–7 p.m., Culinary Kitchen, Marion Public Library. RSVP. SwampFoxBookstore.com.
Friday, November 13 • Blind Boys of Alabama. Recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. 7:30 p.m., Englert Theatre, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Friday, November 13 • BNTB & House of Hamill. An evening of Irish folk music. 7 p.m., First Street Community Center, 221 1st St. NE, Mt. Vernon. VisitMVL.com.
Friday, November 13 • Scott Kirby’s Main Street Souvenirs. A nostalgic journey through America’s musical heritage, brought to life with live piano, storytelling, customized local history, and stunning visuals. 7:30 p.m., Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, 200 N. Main., Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com.
Friday, November 13 • Fruition. Roots music fueled by melody-driven songwriting, analog tones, and atmospheric textures. 8 p.m., Wildwood, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Friday, November 13 • Lily DeTaeye. Her third album enters the world of dreamy pop where Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. 7 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Friday, November 13 • Gen X Takeover Comedy Tour 2026. Five comedians share a night of nostalgia. 7 p.m., Riverside Casino, Riverside. RiversideCasinoandResort.com.
Friday, November 13 • Larry Fleet. Platinum singer-songwriter with a deep, soulful voice. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Fri-Sat, November 13–14 • Jazz in Burlington. Four acts over two days: Blake Shaw & His Big(ish) Band at Capitol Theater; All American Jazz Collective at Art Center of Burlington, Richie Bliesener at Art Center, and Kojo Roney Experience at the Washington. BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com.
Fri-Sat, November 13–14 • UI Dance Gala. This highly anticipated annual event features works created in collaboration with students by Department of Dance faculty members and guest artist and choreographer Zachary Manske. 7:30 p.m., Hancher, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Fri-Sat, November 13–14 • SPT Theatre: Triple Threat—Rock Paper Scissors. Original comedy sketches from the misfits and wacky funsters of the Writers’ Room—and rock and roll. 8 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Fri-Sat-Sun, November 13–15 • A Year with Frog & Toad. Tony-nominated musical with a jazzy and upbeat score by Robert and Willie Reale. Various times, Coralville Center for Performing Arts, Coralville. CoralvilleArts.org.
Fri-Sat-Sun, November 13–15 • Holiday Arts & Crafts Show. Over 250 vendors offer a huge assortment of quality handcrafted goods, from holiday decor to jewelry, clothing, woodworking, and more. Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines. (563) 357-1986.
Saturday, November 14 • Trans Day of Remembrance. With featured speaker Cecilia Martinez of OneIowa, vigil and reading of names of trans people who have been lost to violence and suicide, and refreshments after the presentations. 6 p.m. Belle Center, 107 W. Broad, Mount Pleasant. Pflagmp.org.
Saturday, November 14 • Fairfield Indoor Farmers Market. Meet your friends and shop for fresh produce, flowers, handmade crafts, honey, eggs, and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Blue Rose Ballroom, 122 E. Broadway, Fairfield. FairfieldIowaFarmersMarket.Farm.
Saturday, November 14 • Holiday Market. 8 a.m–1 p.m., Robert A. Lee Rec Center, Iowa City. Blane@iowa-city.org. Free. Also on Dec. 5.
Saturday, November 14 • Second Saturday All Ages Art: Tchotchke Glow Up. Drop in to transform a sculptural knickknack with vibrant paint. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., PS1 Close House, Iowa City. PublicSpaceOne.com. Free.
Saturday, November 14 • Washington Writers’ Workshop. A presentation from a visiting writer during the first hour. The second hour is devoted to writers’ submissions. 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Washington Free Public Library, Washington. Washington.lib.ia.us.
Saturday, November 14 • Goat Milk Soapmaking. Measure, mix, and cure your own soap with high-quality ingredients. With Tonya Kisling. 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Senior Center, 801 Front St, Keosauqua. VillagesFolkSchool.com
Saturday, November 14 • Gingerbread House Workshop. RSVP by Nov. 10. 1:30 p.m., Muscatine Art Center, Muscatine. Musca- tineArtCenter.org
Saturday, November 14 • BaconTown. Ottumwa’s annual bacon festival, with food, music, races, kids’ activities, football on the big screen, and free admission. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Bridge View Center, 102 Church St., Ottumwa. BridgeViewCenter.com.
Saturday, November 14 • Steve Grismore Trio. Jazz guitar wizard and teacher. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, November 14 • GreenTTea & the Tempos. Neo-soul/alt-funk infused band based in Chicago. 7 p.m., Stoner Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Saturday, November 14 • Alabaster N Harmony. The dynamic acoustic duo plays rock and pop favorites from the 1990s and 2000s. 6–9 p.m., Millstream Brewing Co., 835 48th Ave., Amana. MillstreamBrewing.com.
Saturday, November 14 • South Bound: Allman Brothers Tribute. With Other Brothers. 8 p.m., The Ideal Theater & Bar, 213 16th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. IdealTheaterand-Bar.com.
Saturday, November 14 • Midnight Blue Country Band. 7:30 p.m., Ottumwa Eagles, Ottumwa. MeetOttumwa.org.
Saturday, November 14 • Cheap Trick. This rock and roll institution celebrates their 50th year. 7 p.m., Capitol Theatre, Davenport. FirstFleetConcerts.com.
Saturday, November 14 • Throwback ’80s-’90s Old School Party. Feat. DJ Captain, DJ Rockefeller, Scratch Master D, and comics Courtney McGriff, Jay Deep, Anthony Bonazzo, and Maurice G. 8 p.m., Redstone Room, Common Chord, Davenport. CommonChordQC.org.
Saturday, November 14 • Improv at Willow Creek Theatre. 7–9:30 p.m., Willow Creek Theatre, Iowa City. Schedule updates at WillowCreekTheatre.org.
Saturday, November 14 • Derrick Stroup: Running Hot Tour. With the cadence of an angry auctioneer, he locks people in with his detailed stories and over the top energy. 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Sat-Sun, November 14–15 • Orchestra Iowa: Beethoven—The Five Concertos. In a feat of endurance, Stewart Goodyear plays the five concertos over two days. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., Paramount, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Sunday, November 15 • Cut It Up: Poetry/Collage Generative Workshop. In this immersive class, participants will switch from writing prompts to collage prompts, generating some inventive new work. 1–4 p.m., MERGE, 136 S. Dubuque St., Iowa Cit. IowaCityPoetry.com.
Sunday, November 15 • Mitten Glass Ornament. Decorate a mitten ornament using a warm glass technique with Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. 12–1:30 p.m., Brucemore Mansion, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org.
Sunday, November 15 • David Wimbish & Jesse James DeConto. Duo of touring singer-songwriters and bandleaders. 7 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Sunday, November 15 • A.J. Wilkerson. Known for his sharp writing, self-aware humor, and effortlessly likable stage presence, this comedian is killing it. 7:30 p.m., First Avenue Club, 1550 S. First Ave., Iowa City. FirstAvenueClub.com. AJWilkerson.com.
Sunday, November 15 • Fairfield Concert Association: Southeast Iowa Band. 50-piece wind and percussion ensemble featuring talented musicians from across the area. 3 p.m., FACC, 200 N. Main., Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com.
Sunday, November 15 • Irish Music Session. Enjoy traditional Irish music or bring an instrument to join in. 3-5 p.m. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.
Sunday, November 15 • Figge Art Museum: Highlights. Taking a tour of the galleries with one of Figge’s experienced docents is a wonderful way to gain new insights into the art. 2 p.m., Figge Museum, Davenport. FiggeArtMuseum.org.
Sunday, November 15 • Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland. Your favorite holiday music and a bold lineup of breathtaking cirque acts. 2 p.m., BVC Theater. Ottumwa. BridgeViewCenter.com.
Sunday, November 15 • Circus of Bubbles. Delightful fun with giant bubbles and circus feats. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Giving Tree Theater, Marion. GivingTreeTheater.com.
Monday, November 16 • A Motown Christmas. A world-class vocal group assembled from past and present members of Motown’s most legendary bands. 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Tuesday, November 17 • Andy Grammer: Greater Th>n Part II. This one-man show blends acoustic performance, spoken word, storytelling, and real-time audience connection into something deeply personal and undeniably uplifting. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Tuesday, November 17 • Vinyl to Vocal: Six Appeal. Award-winning a cappella vocal band takes a journey through the decades. 7 p.m., Capitol Theater, Burlington. BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com.
Tuesday, November 17 • Thanksgiving Cookie Class with South Street Cookies. Learn to decorate six cookie designs with royal icing. 6–8 p.m., Micky’s Irish Pub, 720 Pacha Parkway, #8, North Liberty. Eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, November 18 • Andy Grammer. Greater Th>n Pt. II: A One Man Show. Uplifting and honest pop anthems. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Wednesday, November 18 • Spanish Love Songs: The Cost of Living Tour. Rock. With Kali Masi and Halfloves. 7 p.m., xBk, Des Moines. FirstFleetConcerts.com.
Wednesday, November 18 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. A Fairfield institution. Sign up 7:15 p.m., mic at 7:30 p.m., with a featured artist in the second half. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.
Thursday, November 19 • Ethan Simmons-Patterson. A hilarious UI alum returns to the town where he cut his comedic teeth. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Club Hancher, Strauss Hall, Iowa City. Hancher.uiowa.edu.
Thursday, November 19 • Comedy Thursdays at The Ideal. A close room, a sharp crowd, and stand-up with nowhere to hide. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., The Ideal, Cedar Rapids. IdealTheaterandBar.com.
Thursday, November 19 • The Thirsty Word. This curated third-Thursday reading series showcases new work by Iowa writers—from poetry to screenplay shorts. $5. 7:30–9 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. Facebook.com @ Thirsty Word. Submissions: sourceoffice@lisco.com.
Thursday, November 19 • Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Toby Mac. Christian rock triple bill. 7 p.m., Casey’s Center, Des Moines. IowaEventsCenter.com.
Thursday, November 19 • Steve McLain at The Dew Drop. The classic rock and country song stylings of one-man-band Steve McLain. Thursdays 6–8 p.m., The Dew Drop, 306 Fairfield Rd., Libertyville.
Thursday, November 19 • The Phil Collins Experience. Dynamic multimedia tribute. 7:30 p.m., Capitol Theater, Burlington. BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com.
Thursday, November 19 • Wizards of Winter: The Christmas Dream. A holiday rock opera delivering high-energy holiday music and festive fun for the whole family. 7 p.m., Capitol Theatre, Davenport. FirstFleetConcerts.com.
Friday, November 20 • Beyond the Beaten Path: One War, Four Iowans, and their Journey to Home and Love. Feat. storytellers Darrin & Robin Crowe. 7:30 p.m., Giving Tree Theater, Marion. GivingTreeTheater.com.
Friday, November 20 • Cameron Sullenberger Overture Series Gala. Fundraiser for Revival Theatre Co. featuring Broadway actress Elena Shadow. 7:30 p.m., CSPS, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Friday, November 20 • Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees. Quintessential Bee Gees tribute band. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Friday, November 20 • The Beaker Brothers. For 20 years, they’ve been paying homage to the jam bands of the late ’60s and early ’70s. 7:30 p.m., Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Friday, November 20 • Cello Stories: A Life Under Broadway. Fairfield Concert Association presents cellist Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf, who will share her experiences as a Broadway musician. 3 p.m., Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, 200 N. Main., Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com.
Friday, November 20 • Duke Oursler. Country singer-songwriter. 8 p.m., The Washington, 306 Washington St., Burlington. TheWashingtonMusic.com.
Friday, November 20 • Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. Shepherd’s latest is a re-recording of his landmark first bluesy pop-rock album, in honor of its 30th anniversary. 8 p.m., Riverside Casino & Golf Resort Event Center, Riverside. RiversideCasinoandResort.com.
Friday, November 20 • Zac Brown Band: Love & Fear. Country band, with special guest Grace Potter. 7 p.m., Casey’s Center, Des Moines. IowaEventsCenter.com.
Friday, November 20 • Richrath Project: The Music of REO Speedwagon. 7:30 p.m., Capitol Theater, Burlington. BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com.
Fri-Sat, November 20–21 • Live from the Artisan Studio: The Song Remembers When. Take part in the storytelling tradition with the modern version: a songwriter’s round. 7:30 p.m., Brucemore Mansion Carriage House, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.org.
Fri-Sat, November 20–21 • Kalona Holiday Open House. Small-town shopping at its best. Several shops will also be open Sun. 1–4 p.m., downtown Kalona. KalonaChamber.com.
Saturday, November 21 • Fairfield Indoor Farmers Market. Meet your friends and shop for fresh produce, flowers, handmade crafts, honey, eggs, and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Blue Rose Ballroom, 122 E. Broadway, Fairfield. FairfieldIowaFarmersMarket.Farm.
Saturday, November 21 • John McEuen & The Circle Band with Les Thompson. McEuen shares the music and memories of the landmark Will the Circle Be Unbroken album and his incredible 50-year career with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. 7:30 p.m., Five Flags, Dubuque. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Saturday, November 21 • Frog Morton. Doom hobbit band, followed by karaoke. 8:30 p.m., The AlleyCat, 13 S. Linn St., Iowa City. Facebook.com.
Saturday, November 21 • Mama Said String Band. This Kentucky band brings a refreshing reinvention to bluegrass, folk, and Americana. 7 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Saturday, November 21 • The Travelin’ McCourys. Bluegrass. 8 p.m., Redstone Room, Common Chord, Davenport. CommonChordQC.org.
Saturday, November 21 • The Rumours. “Kick-in-the-face” punk and rock. With Worst Impressions, January, and Hollowtree. 7 p.m., Owl’s Nest, 116 . Court St., Ottumwa. MeetOttumwa.com.
Saturday, November 21 • Kenny G. The Grammy Award–winning saxophonist. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Saturday, November 21 • Dan Tedesco. Solo rock. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, November 21 • Wisenheimer with Two Random Guys. Uncensored long-form improv comedy. 7:30 p.m., Giving Tree Theater, Marion. GivingTreeTheater.com.
Saturday, November 21 • A Day for Creatives. Kick start, finish up, or relish in that creative project you want to work on. Meet with others to get feedback, or spend the day in silence. With optional farm tour, delicious lunch and snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the day, and a dinner together to share the day’s work. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Whippoorwill Creek Farm. Lovilia. Iowa-Farm.com.
Saturday, November 21 • Christmas Craft Show. 10 a.m., Memorial Auditorium, Burlington. BRE.live.
Saturday, November 21 • Turkey Trot. 5K or 1 mile fun run. Register in person at the Rec Center or online by Nov. 13 to receive a T-shirt. 9:30 a.m. day-of registration, 10 a.m. run, Chatauqua Park Shelter #1, Fairfield. CityofFairfieldIowa.com.
Saturday, November 21 • An Enchanted Forest. A wonderland of decorated trees and wreaths, Nici King Cookie Walk, Santa photo ops, soup luncheon, carolers and stories, children’s crafts, vendors, and silent auction treasures. 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Wapello County Extension and Outreach, 13011 120th Ave., Ottumwa. MeetOttumwa.org.
Saturday, November 21 • Lisa Gray. Lisa Gray will read from her new memoir, Story Avenue. 10–11 a.m., Washington Free Public Library, 115 W. Washington Blvd., Washington. Washington.lib.ia.us.
Sat-Sun, November 21–22 • Holiday Light Stroll. Preview this year’s Festival of Lights on foot, no cars allowed. 5–9 p.m., last entry 7 p.m., Old Threshers Campground, 405 E. Thresher Rd. (enter on Walnut Street), Mount Pleasant. OldThreshers.org. Drive-through opens Nov. 26.
Sat-Sun, November 21–22 • DM Symphony: Renewal—Four Seasons & Bolero. Masterworks 3 features Ballet Des Moines and violinist Maxwell Brown. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m., Des Moines Civic Center. DMPA.org.
Saturday, November 21-29 • Quad City Arts Festival of Trees. This weeklong extravaganza includes a Saturday helium balloon parade, 150 stunning designer displays, and special events. RiverCenter, Davenport. Details and full scehdule at: QCFestivalofTrees.com.
Saturday, November 21 • It’s All About the Art: Artists Market. Sculpture, textiles, printmaking, photography, oil and acrylic paintings, handmade jewelry, functional ceramics, and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. CRMA.org.
Saturday, November 21 • Saturday English Country Dance. Beginners welcome. All dances taught and prompted. 3rd Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. FFADC.blogspot.com.
Sunday, November 22 • Irish Music Session. Enjoy traditional Irish music or bring an instrument to join in. 3-5 p.m. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.
Sunday, November 22 • Carmina Burana. Chamber Singers of Iowa City present one of the most electrifying and instantly recognizable works in the choral repertoire. 3 p.m., Voxman Music Building Concert Hall, 93 E. Burlington St., Iowa City. ICChamberSingers.org.
Sunday, November 22 • Hard Candy Christmas: Dolly Parton Tribute. Featuring Grammy-winning bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent. Raising funds for cancer treatment and research. 6 p.m., Redstone Room, Davenport. CommonChordQC.org. CultureBright.org.
Sunday, November 22 • Ronnie & the Redwoods. Blending elements of folk, blues, country, rock, and grunge. 7 p.m., Raccoon Motel, Davenport. TheRaccoonMotel.com.
Sun-Mon-Tues, November 22-24 • You Can See Everything. Days before she’s sent to prison, notorious Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes invites a film crew to document her every move. What begins as an intimate portrait becomes a mind-bending journey into the abyss. 7 p.m. Running time 2 hours, 54 minutes. Cinema Fairfield, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com.
Monday, November 23 • Monday Unscripted at CSPS. Comedy, music, talk show, storytelling. Mondays, 7 p.m., CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids. CSPSHall.org.
Tuesday, November 24 • A Taste of the Hinterland. Sample farmstead cheeses, appetizers, dips, and desserts. 4–6 p.m., Hinterland Dairy, 2149 Franklin Rd., Donnellson. VillagesofVanBuren.com. (319) 470-6819.
Wednesday, November 25 • Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna. An illustrious group of child musicians. 7:30 p.m., Five Flags, Dubuque. FiveFlagsCenter.com.
Wednesday, November 25 • Cafe Paradiso Open Mic. A Fairfield institution. Sign up 7:15 p.m., mic at 7:30 p.m., with a featured artist in the second half. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.
Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun, November 26–29 • Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero. Take a fun-filled journey with Mickey and Minnie. Nine performances, Casey’s Center, Des Moines. IowaEventsCenter.com.
Friday, November 27 • Fairfield Lighting Ceremony. 5:30 p.m. carol singing with FHS choir, and 6 p.m. lights on! Carriage rides, Santa photo ops, free hot chocolate, and ornament crafting until 8 p.m., Central Park, Fairfield. FairfieldIowa.com.
Fri-Sat-Sun, November 27–29 • Bloom & Bark Glass Blowing & Local Artisan Market. Find one-of-a-kind gifts made by 17 local artists using various mediums. Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m., Bloom & Bark Farm, 18517 County Road J40, Keosauqua. (319) 293-6168.
Saturday, November 28 • Fairfield Indoor Farmers Market. Meet your friends and shop for fresh produce, flowers, handmade crafts, honey, eggs, and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Blue Rose Ballroom, 122 E. Broadway, Fairfield. FairfieldIowaFarmersMarket.Farm.
Saturday, November 28 • Christmas with C.S. Lewis. In this play starring David Payne, discover how J. R. R. Tolkien forever changed Lewis’s Christmas celebrations. 3 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, November 28 • Todd Partridge. Fully embodied folk and blues. 7:30 p.m., Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. CafeParadiso.net.
Saturday, November 28 • Anthony Gomes: Praise the Loud. He electrifies blues and rock at a crossroads of his own. 8 p.m., Temple Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Saturday, November 28 • Breakfast with Santa. All-you-can-eat buffet, “Letters to Santa,” cookie decorating, DIY hot cocoa creations, and more. RSVP requested. 7:30–11 a.m., Bridge View Center, Ottumwa. (641) 684-7000.
Saturday, November 28 • Pie-Making Day at Whippoorwill Creek. Volunteers will gather, bake, and distribute delicious pies to local neighbors and organizations. Free, but RSVP. Whippoorwill Creek Farm, Lovilia. Iowa-Farm.com.
Saturday, November 28 • Mistletoe Market. Artisan crafters, vendors, music, specialty libations, and delicious treats. 9 a.m., BVC Expo Hall, Ottumwa. BridgeViewCenter.com.
Sunday, November 29 • Iowa City Old Capitol Coin Club Annual Coin Show. 50 dealer tables featuring rare coins, paper currency, bullion, and collectibles, plus raffle drawings that include U.S. gold coins. Free parking. $2 admission, 16 and under free with paid adult. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Riverside Casino, Riverside. (319) 331-8576.
Sunday, November 29 • Latin, Ballroom & Swing Dance. Lesson 7:30 p.m., dance 8–9:45 p.m. No partner needed, freestyle welcome. Every Sunday. Morning Star Studio, 51 1/2 S. Court St., Fairfield. (641) 919-5698.
Sunday, November 29 • A Celtic Christmas. Irish dancers and musicians bring the spirit of Christmas to life. 7 p.m., Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Sunday, November 29 • Irish Music Session. Enjoy traditional Irish music or bring an instrument to join in. 3-5 p.m. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.
Sun-Mon, November 29–30 • Santa, Snacks, and Stories. Visit Santa, share your list, and enjoy a story time, crafts, and a take-home snack. 5:30–8:30 p.m., Brucemore, Cedar Rapids. Brucemore.com.
Monday, November 30 • Iowa City Poetry Slam. Poets compete for audience adoration and prizes in a three-round elimination. Last Mondays, 6:30 sign up, 7 p.m. slam, Midnight Coffee, Iowa City. Facebook.com.
Tuesday, December 1 • A Drag Queen Christmas. Presented by Murray & Peter, it’s the longest running drag tour in America. 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Wednesday, December 2 • Foods of Hanukkah. UI Jewish Studies Network invites the public to learn about Hanukkah through one of its most beloved traditions: food. 2 p.m., Phillips Hall, CLCL (120 PH), 16 N. Clinton St., Iowa City. (319) 335-1433. Free.
Thursday, Thursday 3 • MoonShroom. This Kansas City band offers “grassadelic twang.” With Casey Joe Collins. 7 p.m., Stoner Theater, Des Moines. DMPA.org.
Thursday, Thursday 3 • Elle Cosimano & Hannah Morrissey. The bestselling authors discuss their nostalgic holiday whodunit, Home for the Homicides. Warm drinks and treats. Holiday attire encouraged. 6–7:30 p.m., Marion Public Library. SwampFoxBookstore.com.
Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun, December 3–6 • Nolte Academy: The Nutcracker. This holiday classic features performances by 139 Nolte Academy dancers and a live orchestra conducted by Carey Bostian. Various times, Englert, Iowa City. Englert.org.
Friday, December 4 • Fairfield First Fridays. Holiday celebration, featuring living windows, music, food, and fun around the square. 6:30-9 p.m. Fairfield. fairfieldfirstfridays.org.
Friday, December 4 • Dusty Slay: The Neighborhood Guy. The Alabama trailer-park comedian with the “We’re havin’ a good time” attitude. 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman, Des Moines. HoytSherman.org.
Friday, December 4 • The Doo Wop Project Christmas. Broadway-caliber harmonies bring holiday classics and modern favorites to life in unforgettable doo-wop style. 7:30 p.m., Fairfield Arts & Convention Center 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. FairfieldACC.com.
Friday, December 4 • Ballet Des Moines: The Nutcracker on Tour. Parts of the show feature local junior dancers. 7 p.m., Memorial Audit., Burlington. BRE.live.
Fri-Sat, December 4–5 • Albia Victorian Stroll. Live Christmas card scenes, Festival of Trees, live reindeer, horse-drawn carriage rides, Breakfast with Santa, treats and vintage crafts, Bardic poet Joe Plum, O & G gauge trains, Victorian tea, and more. Albia. AlbiaChamberMainStreet.org/ victorian_stroll/.
Fri-Sat-Sun, December 4–5 • Five Seasons Lights. Opening weekend of the walk-through maze of holiday displays, with a Santa visit Sat. 5–8:30 p.m., McGrath Ampitheatre, cedar Rapids. CREventsLive.com.
Saturday, December 5 • Fairfield Indoor Farmers Market. Meet your friends and shop for fresh produce, flowers, handmade crafts, honey, eggs, and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Blue Rose Ballroom, 122 E. Broadway, Fairfield. FairfieldIowaFarmersMarket.Farm.
Saturday, December 5 • Holiday Market. 8 a.m–1 p.m., Robert A. Lee Rec Center, Iowa City. Blane@iowa-city.org. Free.
Saturday, December 5 • Piano Gala. Featuring six talented local pianists, including Werner Elmker and Ed Kelenyi. 7:30 p.m. FACC, 200 N. Main St., Fairfield. Free admission.
Saturday, December 5 • National Theatre Live: Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Leslie Manville and Aidan Turner star in this thrilling play of love, lies, and social warfare—filmed live at the National Theatre. Noon, FilmScene at the Chauncey, Iowa City. ICFilmScene.org.
Saturday, December 5 • Old World Christmas Market. Local handcrafted items, delicious treats, entertainment, and activities. 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m., National Czech & Slovak Museum, Cedar Rapids. NCSML.org.
Saturday, December 5 • Nature’s Noel at Indian Creek. Shop handcrafted holiday decor, unique gifts, and baked goods. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids. IndianCreekNatureCenter.org.
Saturday, December 5 • Norwegian Christmas. Enjoy Norwegian holiday traditions like a Juletrefest and a visit from the Julenisse and Julebukker, costumed folk who scare away evil spirits. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Vesterheim Museum, Decorah. Vesterheim.org.
Sat-Sun, December 5–6 • Chamber Singers of Southeast Iowa. The Chamber Singers present their annual holiday concert. 7:30 p.m. Phoenix Rising Hall, corner of 3rd St. and Burlington, Fairfield.
Sat-Sun, December 5–6 • Mokulito Multi-Day Workshop. Try a form of lithography that uses wood as a printing matrix. Dec. 5, 6, and 13, at the IC Press Co-op, 225 N. Gilbert, Iowa City. PublicSpaceOne.com.
Sunday, December 6 • Irish Music Session. Enjoy traditional Irish music or bring an instrument to join in. Sundays, 3-5 p.m. Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield. Facebook.com.