A Big List of September 2024 Events in Eastern Iowa

Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean it will be any less busy! Here are some of the big events happening this September in Eastern Iowa and beyond:

Midwest Old Threshers Reunion

• Midwest Old Threshers, Mount Pleasant
• August 29th through September 2nd
• "Come for five full days of steam engines, antique car & trucks, gas engines, tractors, horses, and so much more! With over 2,000 exhibits and attractions. And the best part of them all is the country music shows are FREE with your admission!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Iowa Craft Beer Bash

• Millstream Brewing Co., Amana
• Sunday, September 1st from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (12 p.m. VIP hour)
• "A ticket purchase includes unlimited beer, cider & beverage tastings from over 50 of the best breweries in Iowa, souvenir glass plus live music by BigFoot Park and the DTKK. Food trucks will be there too including Beast & Bird, Casserole Kitchen and Millstream Brau Haus"
• Ages 21+
• Purchase tickets HERE

Kernels Baseball

• Veterans Memorial Stadium, Cedar Rapids
• Dates/Times
  • September 3rd through 7th at 6:35 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 8th at 1:05 p.m.
• Bark in the Park
  • Veterans Memorial Stadium, Cedar Rapids
  • Friday, September 6th at 6:35 p.m.
  • "We are welcoming you AND your dogs to the Kernels game on September 6th. All dogs must be registered and be vaccinated for rabies. You must complete the registration form for your dog at bit.ly/BarkInTheParkRegistration. Humans must purchase lawn seats and then add a dog ticket for their friends at check out. Dog ticket sales benefit Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids."
• Purchase tickets HERE

O.A.R. Concert

• McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
• Wednesday, September 4th at 8 p.m.
• With special guests Ripe and DJ Logic
• Purchase tickets HERE

The Fall Market at White Barns

• Fayette County Fairgrounds, West Union
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 6th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 7th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Sip & shop your way through the grounds & SEVEN buildings FULL of quality vendors, including trending home decor, yard art, handmade artisan goods, vintage, boutique clothing, (children’s & plus sizes too!) fall flowers, art, jewelry, spiritual readings, permanent jewelry, antiques, yummy non-alcoholic beverages, & pumpkins! Sample delicious food, wine, cocktails & sweet treats, and relax while listening to live music…"
• Admission is $5 for ages 6 and up

Wicked Kreations Car Show

• Main Street, Central City
• Saturday, September 7th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• "The first 100 registrants get a goodie bag packed with fun stuff! Spectators are FREE! All the proceeds from the entries will be donated to Eastern Iowa Honor Flight! We were able to donate $1500 from our 2023 show!! We have so many surprises in store this year, you won't want to miss it!!!!"

Coffee With Cows

• Tenley Farms, Mechanicsville
• Saturday, September 7th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Come out the farm and enjoy your favorite beverage with our beautiful bovines! Coffee and other beverages will be served by the Iowa Coffee Cup. Sip your coffee while you get acquainted with our cows! Tenley Farms Beef, Pork, and Fresh Milk will be available for sale as well. Other vendors will be located on site!"

Spark In The Park Cultural Festival

• Lowe Park, Marion
• Sunday, September 8th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• "Spark In The Park is a free festival for the entire community. Celebrate our our diversity and learn new healthy habits! There will be activities for all ages, food from around the world, cultural performances, fashion demonstrations and more!
  We hope to see you there!"

ARTapalooza

• Main Street, Cedar Falls
• Sunday, September 8th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "This juried art show features approximately 50+ of the region’s best artists in categories such as jewelry, painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, sculpture, metal, wood and mixed media. Presented by Community Main Street, ARTapalooza is a one-day festival that also features musicians, street performers, and hands on art activities for children and adults."

Petting Zoo

• Fleet Farm, Cedar Rapids
• Sunday, September 8th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• "We'll have Nick's Barnyard Buddies at our store from 12PM thru 6PM for FREE pony rides and you'll have the chance to feed goats, pigs and rabbits. This event is FREE and open to all ages, so bring the whole family out for this fun and interactive time with some of your kids' favorite farm animals!"

Taste of the District

• Olympic South Side Theater, Cedar Rapids
• Thursday, September 12th from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "We welcome you to join us as we thank our sponsors on Thursday, September 12th from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. for cocktails and heavy appetizers provided by District restaurants and food vendors, live music by Billy Heller and mingling with friends while supporting The District’s mission and programming."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Cage the Elephant Concert

• Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
• Friday, September 13th at 6:30 p.m.
• With special guests Young The Giant and Bakar
• Purchase tickets HERE

Fall Festival: Opening Day

• Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
• Friday, September 13th from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Featuring a U-pick pumpkin patch, a 10-acre corn maze, farm animals, photo ops, food, and 30+ attractions
• The Fall Festival runs Fridays through Sundays from September 13th through November 3rd
  • Mum Fest - September 13th through September 22nd
  • The Great Pumpkin Balloon Glow - September 27th
  • Oktoberfest - September 28th & 29th
• Purchase tickets HERE

Barks, Blues, and Brews

• The Harmac, Cedar Rapids
• Friday, September 13th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• "Welcome to Barks, Blues, and Brew! Join us at The Harmac for a paw-some evening filled with live blues music, delicious brews, and furry friends. Get ready to groove to the tunes, sip on some cold brews, and mingle with other dog lovers. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the company of both two-legged and four-legged friends."
• Ages 21+
• Purchase tickets HERE

Adventureland Oktoberfest

• Adventureland Park, Altoona
• Saturday, September 14th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Featuring rides, games, live music, contests, beer, and food
• Ages 21+
• Tickets start at $44.99 - purchase them HERE

Dubuque Oktoberfest

• Back Waters Stage at Q Casino, Dubuque
• Saturday, September 14th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Featuring live entertainment, a keg march, a wiener dog parade/races, food, beer, games, and a stein-holding contest
• Admission is free, but donations to Camp Albrecht Acres will be accepted

Fall Into Marion Parade

• Uptown Marion
• Saturday, September 14th at 10 a.m.
• "Celebrate fall with a parade! Both Marion and Linn-Mar High School marching bands plan to participate, along with a variety of nonprofits and area businesses. The parade will start at 10 a.m. and travel north on 15^th Street and then west on 6^th Avenue from 15^th Street to 9^th Street (map below). Floats are encouraged and prizes will be awarded."

Bloktoberfest

• Millwork Historic District, Dubuque
• Saturday, September 14th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featuring skating and BMX contests, food vendors, local beer, and more

Food Truck Wars

• Heartland Harley Davidson, Burlington
• Saturday, September 14th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Formed & Made Market

• Riverloop Expo Plaza, Waterloo
• Saturday, September 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "You will find incredible handpicked vendors who have crafted or repurposed their goods! There will be food as well so your breakfast lunch and dinner can be marked off for the day. Come and support small businesses!"
• Admission is $5 - ages 12 and under are free

Brick Convention LEGO Fan Expo

• Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport
• September 14th & 15th
• "BRICK CONVENTION is an event like no other and brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO® building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Whittier Corn Crib Cruise Car Show

• Knight's Farm, Springville
• Sunday, September 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Fun trophies, door prizes, music. Food truck from That's So Cheesy! 
  
  50/50 raffle for American Cancer Society in memory of Paul Bryant"

Iowa Podcast Awards

• Olympic South Side Theater/NewBo District, Cedar Rapids
• Sunday, September 15th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets and see a full schedule of events HERE

Barenaked Ladies Concert

• McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
• Monday, September 16th at 7:30 p.m.
• With special guest Toad The Wet Sprocket
• Purchase tickets HERE

National Cattle Congress Fair

• National Cattle Congress, Waterloo
• September 18th through 22nd
• Featuring live entertainment, food, a carnival, tractor pulls, contests, a bike night, and more
• Purchase tickets HERE

Cooper Alan Concert

• Five Flags Center, Dubuque
• Thursday, September 19th at 8 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Vintage Market Days of Eastern Iowa

• Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 20th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 21st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "Vintage Market Days® is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Dierks Bentley Concert

• Vibrant Arena, Moline
• Friday, September 20th at 7 p.m.
• With special guests Chase Rice and Ella Langley
• Purchase tickets HERE

Lauren Alaina Concert

• Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside
• Friday, September 20th at 8 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Cedar Rapids Downtown Fall Farmers Market

• Downtown Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, September 21st from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

1st Annual Cider Stroll

• Main Street, Belle Plaine
• Saturday, September 21st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring multiple vendors, local shops, pumpkins, food, and music

10th Annual Wingfest

• Farley City Park
• Saturday, September 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring local competitors cooking over 15,000 wings, tournaments, a wing eating contest, a dunk tank, live music, and a Kidsfest Area

Judas Priest Concert

• Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, September 21st at 7:30 p.m.
• With special guest Sabaton
• Purchase tickets HERE

Knotfest

• Water Works Park, Des Moines
• Saturday, September 21st at 11 a.m.
• Featuring Slipknot, Till Lindemann, Knocked Loose, Hatebreed, Poison the Well, GWAR, Vended, Dying Wish, Zulu, Twin Temple, Holy Wars, Swollen Teeth, Spine, and Dose
• Purchase tickets HERE

Marion Oktoberfest

• 7th Ave, Marion
• Saturday, September 21st from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Each attendee will receive a commemorative tasting glass, access to samples, and complementary water. Music and games, traditional stein holding contest, hammerschlagen, and awards for best dressed!"
• Ages 21+
• Tickets start at $40 - purchase them HERE

10th Annual AsianFest

• NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, September 21st from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Iowa Asian Alliance’s 10th Annual AsianFest is a FREE event to celebrate and recognize culture and heritage from all over Asia located right in Eastern Iowa. Dine, dance, and develop an appreciation of the Asian communities in the area while fostering inclusive and welcoming environments for all."

Burning Red: A Tribute To Taylor Swift

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, September 21st at 7:30 p.m.
• "A show BY Swifties and FOR Swifties, Burning Red plays the hits and fan favorites from every single Taylor era so you can Shake it Off to the songs you know All Too Well."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Riverssance Festival of Fine Art

• Lindsay Park, Davenport
• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, September 21st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "Located on a scenic hill overlooking the Mississippi River in the historic Village of East Davenport, this 2-day festival features over 70 exhibiting artists, a children’s art activity tent, wine tasting, food vendors and live regional music."
• Admission is $5 per day or $8 for a weekend pass - ages 18 and under are free

Eastern Iowa Wedding Show

• Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center
• Sunday, September 22nd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Featuring catering samples, cake/desserts, drinks, live music, prizes, and more
• General admission is free - purchase VIP tickets HERE

Fall Cocktail Classic 2024: Astrology Mixology

• NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
• Tuesday, September 24th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• "Sample a variety of exciting cocktail creations from elite local mixologists all vying to win Best Cocktail! This year, all of the cocktails will be crafted from Cedar Ridge's award-winning bourbon. Our theme this fall celebrates all things Astrological! Each participating bar will choose one star sign to base their cocktail theme off of, and may the best sign win!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Dylan Scott Concert

• Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside
• Friday, September 27th at 8 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Blocktoberfest 3

• Downtown Cedar Rapids
• Friday, September 27th at 7 p.m.
• "The biggest party downtown Cedar Rapids has ever seen, returns in 2024! Join us at the intersection of 2nd Ave and 3rd St for Blocktoberfest 3 on Friday, September 27th. The Pork Tornadoes will be the headline act."

Adult Book Fair

• Marion Public Library
• Friday, September 27th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• "Remember the excitement and magic of school book fairs? We're bringing that nostalgia back, just for adults! We'll have books, nostalgic goodies, and treats that bring you back to the good ol' days."
• Ages 18+

Des Moines Oktoberfest

• Water Works Park, Des Moines
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 27th from 3 p.m. to midnight
  • Saturday, September 28th from 12 p.m. to midnight
• Featuring beer, food, live music, competitions, games, and a silent disco
• Purchase tickets HERE

Roots & River Market

• Iowa County Fairgrounds, Marengo
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 27th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 28th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "The Roots & River Market is full of handmade and boutique vendors, food and drink trucks and live music in one convenient location. Grab your friends and enjoy this unique shopping experience."
• Admission is $5

Iowa Oktoberfest

• Downtown Waterloo
• September 27th & 28th
• Featuring yard games, live music, beer, food, contests, and a dog parade
• Admission is free
• 2024 schedule has not been released yet

Nightmare Weekend

• Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 27th from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Saturday, September 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Sunday, September 29th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• "The crypt opens up and spine-tingling fun rises from the depths as we present 3 days of scary celebrities, petrifying parties, villainous vendors, ghastly gaming, creepy cosplay contests, and fearful fun for EVERYONE!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

ANIMATE!

• Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 27th from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Saturday, September 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Sunday, September 29th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• "It's an ANIMATION CELEBRATION at GalaxyCon Presents ANIMATE! DES MOINES. Join us for 3 days of anime, animation, cosplay, and more! We feature entertainment, Q&As, video and tabletop gaming, panels, costume contests, cosplay wrestling, and so much more fandom for you to explore."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Northside Oktoberfest

• Northside Marketplace, Iowa City
• Saturday, September 28th
• BrewFest sampling event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "BrewFest attendees will have access to unlimited samples (55+ breweries), which will include craft beer, wine, and a few NA selections. Tickets also include a $10 gift card that can be used at any of the Northside businesses."
  • Purchase tickets HERE
• Bier Hall
  • Featuring German food, games, contests, live music, beer, and SodaFest activities for kids
  • Admission is $10
  • More details are coming soon

Riverview Bacon & Brew Fest

• Riverview Bandshell, Clinton
• Saturday, September 28th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Featuring craft beer vendors, food trucks, and live music
• Ages 21+
• Tickets are $30 at the gate

Uptown Marion Market

• Uptown Marion District
• Saturday, September 28th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

National Alpaca Farm Days

• McCarty's Corner Farm, Eldridge
• Saturday, September 28th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Get ready for an amazing time! Meet adorable alpacas, enjoy fantastic entertainment, delicious food, and create unforgettable memories with friends."

Dinner Across the Bridge

• Downtown Waterloo
• Saturday, September 28th from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• "​Indulge in an enchanting evening filled with delectable cuisine, lively entertainment, and the shimmering glow of lights, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Downtown Waterloo. Buffet style dinner with Pork Tenderloin, Chicken, Green Beans Almondine, Mashed Potatoes, White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, and bread"
• Ages 18+
• Purchase tickets HERE

Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire

• Credit Island Park, Davenport
• September 28th & 29th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• "Join us for two days of family fun and entertainment. There will be multiple stages of live entertainment, unique merchandise in the village marketplace, and fun food, drinks and snacks."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Fall Market

• Beckman Heritage Farms, Burlington
• September 28th & 29th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring 70+ vendors, food trucks, live music, a corn maze, and family activities
• Admission is $5 per vehicle

Harvest Time Festival

• Pine Hill Farm, Walker
• September 28th & 29th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Visit the farm for our 7th annual Harvest Time Festival!
  
  Flowers
  Pumpkins
  Lavender products
  Good food & entertainment"

Cars for Kids Car Show

• Town & Country Shopping Center, Cedar Rapids
• Sunday, September 29th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Experience an array of classic, custom, and contemporary American and foreign cars and trucks, all while supporting a great cause! This event promises:
  
  Spectacular Car Displays
  Delicious Food and Refreshments
  Custom Trophies"