Events to Check Out in Eastern Iowa in January of 2025 [LIST]

After all the excitement of the holidays, January is typically a slower month for events and activities. But, that doesn't mean that there isn't ANYTHING to do! Here are some of the big events coming up in January in Eastern Iowa and beyond:

Wickiup's Winter Wonders Open House

Wickiup Hill Learning Center, Toddville
Thursday, January 2nd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"Join us for winter themed activity stations from wildlife to crafts, scavenger hunts, and outdoor activities –there is something for everyone! This drop-in event is open to all ages and invites you to get outside during the winter months."

Say Hello to 2025!

North Liberty Community Center, North Liberty
Friday, January 3rd from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
"Join us for an exciting evening filled with fun, games, and festive cheer as we welcome the New Year! Enjoy carnival games, bounces houses, treats, a Balloon Drop at 7p.m. and more."

Xtreme International Ice Racing

Xtream Arena, Coralville
Saturday, January 4th at 6:30 p.m.
"Watch speedway bikes go from 0 to 60 in under three seconds with NO brakes, studded tires, powered by nitro methane, all on the ice floor! Ice racers from all over the world race around the track on bikes, outlaw quads, and go karts."
Purchase tickets HERE

RoughRiders Hockey

ImOn Ice Arena, Cedar Rapids
Home Games
- Sunday, January 5th at 4:05 p.m.
- January 10th & 11th at 7:05 p.m.
- January 17th & 18th at 7:05 p.m.
- Saturday, January 25th at 7:05 p.m.
- Sunday, January 26th at 4:05 p.m.
- Friday, January 31st at 7:05 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

Happy BLUE Year With Bluey

The Play Cafe, Marion
Every Sunday in January from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
"Celebrate 2025 the playful way with Bluey, vision boards, photo ops, and hands-on fun!"
Admission is $10 per child - Grip socks are required for kids (can be purchase on-site for $3.50)

Harlem Globetrotters

Vibrant Arena, Moline
- Wednesday, January 8th at 7 p.m.
Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids
- Friday, January 10th at 7 p.m.
Five Flags Arena, Dubuque
- Saturday, January 11th at 2 p.m.
Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
- Sunday, January 12th at 3 p.m.

Comedian Mike Birbiglia

Englert Theatre, Iowa City
January 9th, 10th, 11th at 7:30 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo

Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
January 10th & 11th at 7:30 p.m.
"Don't miss this action-packed performance featuring some of the nation's most talented rodeo athletes, livestock, and specialty entertainers. PLUS, don't miss the FREE preshow each night at 6:00pm where you can get down on the dirt and sit on a real-live bull, learn to lasso, ride a pony, and more!"
Purchase tickets HERE

Heartlanders Hockey

Xtream Arena, Coralville
Home Games
- Friday, January 10th at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, January 11th at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, January 12th at 3 p.m.
- Friday, January 17th at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, January 18th at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, January 19th at 3 p.m.
- Friday, January 31st at 7 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

Brew, Bourbon, & Wine Bash

Iowa Building at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport
Saturday, January 11th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (VIP hour at 12 p.m.)
"...this event provides unlimited sampling of over 40 Craft Beers, Bourbon and wine samples from some of the best breweries and wineries in the area. Live music by The Trophy Dads. Food and full bar available."
Purchase tickets HERE

Metro Motor Madness Winter Sucks Party

Metro Harley-Davidson Suzuki Can-Am, Cedar Rapids
Saturday, January 11th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
More details TBA

Murder Mystery Dinners

Goldfinch Tap + Eatery/Giving Tree Theater, Marion
- Saturday, January 11th & 18th at 5:30 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
The Weis Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Waterloo
- High School Reunion/80's Prom
  - Saturday, January 18th at 5 p.m. (Dinner)
  - Sunday, January 19th at 2 p.m. (Tea)
  - Purchase tickets HERE
Walker Homestead Farm and Winery, Iowa City
- Roaring 20s Speakeasy
  - Friday, January 24th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  - Purchase tickets HERE
- 80's Panic at the Prom
  - Friday, January 31st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  - Purchase tickets HERE

Johnson Co Market

Johnson County Fairgrounds, Iowa City
Sunday, January 12th & 26th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Fine local products from fabulous local producers and makers. Bldg C. Free to shop!"

Hadestown

Adler Theatre, Davenport
- Wednesday, January 15th at 7:30 p.m.
Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City
- Friday, January 24th at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, January 25th at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, January 26th at 2 p.m.
"HADESTOWN intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love."

Iowa Haunted Corridor

Downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library
Thursday, January 16th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"Embark on a chilling adventure with local author Katie Hopkin's spine-tingling presentation of the Corridor's most haunted locations. Discover the eerie tales and ghostly legends behind each stop on this haunted road map. From abandoned asylums to historic inns, this journey uncovers the dark history and supernatural occurrences that make Iowa a hotspot for paranormal activity."
Registration encouraged, but not required

Comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood

Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
Saturday, January 18th at 7:30 p.m.
"Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV’s 'Whose Line is it Anyway?,' take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble."
Purchase tickets HERE

Cedar Valley Wedding Show

Waterloo Convention Center, Waterloo
Sunday, January 19th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Explore a wide range of vendors offering everything from floral arrangements and photography to catering, entertainment, bridal fashion, and more. This show is ideal for couples looking to make their wedding truly unique with fresh ideas and local flair."
Admission is $5 - or bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank

Chris Janson Concert

Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport
Friday, January 24th at 8 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

Montgomery Gentry Concert - Eddie Montgomery

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside
Friday, January 24th at 8 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Bridge View Center Theater, Ottumwa
Friday, January 24th at 7:30 p.m.
"This immersive concert-style tribute show, complete with nostalgia-inducing, unforgettable hits, will recreate the magic and authenticity of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel live on stage and chronicles the amazing journey of the iconic, GRAMMY-award winning act."
Purchase tickets HERE

Backcountry Film Festival

Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City
Friday, January 24th from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
"Spend an evening at Big Grove Brewery’s Iowa City Taproom as we host the Winter Wildland Alliance Backcountry Film Festival, a compilation of films that celebrate the human-powered experience through winter adventures.
Expect to be inspired to get outdoors! Win raffle prizes, grab a beer and popcorn and settle in to watch short films featuring outdoor sports in beautiful places around the world."
Purchase tickets HERE

Battle by the River Rodeo

Xtream Arena, Coralville
January 24th & 25th at 7:30 p.m.
"This will be a fun family show and will be action packed from start to finish with Bare back bronc riding, Saddle bronc riding, Barrel racing and Bull Riding! We will also have mutton busting and junior riding events to showcase the future of Rodeo on the big stage, even a kids boot race!"
Purchase tickets HERE

Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show

UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls
Dates/Times
- Friday, January 24th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, January 25th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, January 26th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets are $7 in advance (free for ages 12 and under) - purchase them HERE

Winterfest

Amana Colonies
Saturday, January 25th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Featuring a 5k, a wine & beer walk, games, competitions, chili, live music, and more

Monster Truck Nitro Tour

Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids
Saturday, January 25th at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
"See these incredible 10,000-pound, car crushing giants compete in racing, wheelie contests, and then rock the house with amazing freestyle action during the Monster Truck Nitro Tour! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party!"
Purchase tickets HERE

Cody Johnson Concert

Vibrant Arena, Moline
Saturday, January 25th at 7:30 p.m.
With special guests Ashley McBryde and Drew Baldridge
Purchase tickets HERE

Coralville BrrrFest 2025

Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center, Coralville
Saturday, January 25th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (VIP hour at 12 p.m.)
"Celebrate the beers of winter and the brewers who make them! Sample and purchase craft beers showcased by breweries from across the Midwest. Proceeds benefit Coralville's annual 4thFest celebration and the Iowa Brewer's Guild."
Purchase tickets HERE

Fire & Ice Festival

Penn Meadows Park, North Liberty
Saturday, January 25th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Featuring the Snowzilla Slide, fire shows, ice skating, fireworks, ice sculptures, a glow playground, food vendors, games, and more

Puzzle Palooza

NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
Saturday, January 25th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Compete as a family or adult team to see how fast you can piece together a puzzle!"
Register online HERE

Shucked

Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines
January 28th through February 2nd
"Featuring a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy® Award–winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ 'Follow Your Arrow[), and directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater."
Purchase tickets HERE