A Huge List of July 2024 Events in Eastern Iowa
Summer has arrived and there are a TON of big events happening in Eastern Iowa and beyond! Check out a list below!
*For a full list of fireworks displays happening in Eastern Iowa, click HERE*
Waitress the Musical
- Theatre Cedar Rapids
- Select dates from June 21st through July 28th
- "Jenna, a waitress (and expert pie-maker) dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. A county baking contest — and a handsome new doctor — offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. Supported by her sweet and sassy crew of fellow waitresses and customers, Jenna’s tale reveals the power of friendship and the courage to take chances."
- Purchase tickets HERE
Fireworks & Fireflies
- Lowe Park, Marion
- Wednesday, July 3rd at 6 p.m.
- "Enjoy live music by FunkDaddies starting at 7 p.m. Food trucks, face painting and a grand fireworks finale will round out the event. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Coolers are permitted. Patrons are asked to leave pets, sparklers, fireworks and pop-up tents at home."
- Admission is free
Ellis Fireworks
- Ellis Park & Harbor, Cedar Rapids
- Wednesday, July 3rd at 9 p.m.
- Admission is free
Anamosa Fireworks
- Ken Fearing Track, Anamosa
- Wednesday, July 3rd
- "Family Fun Games by Anamosa AmVets Post 110 from 6 - 8 pm on the football field. Prizes and a goodie bag will be given away. Fireworks by Anamosa Rotary at dark."
North Liberty Fireworks
- Penn Meadows Park, North Liberty
- Wednesday, July 3rd at 9:30 p.m.
- "Viewers are welcome and encouraged to arrive to the park early to play on the play structures and enjoy a picnic, however there will not be any organized programming or on-site food sales available. Alcohol is prohibited."
- Classy Chassy Cruisers Car Show at 7 p.m.
Celebrate Indee
- Riverwalk Parks, Independence
- July 3rd & July 4th
- "Celebrate Indee is held over the 3rd and 4th of July in Independence, Iowa with an array of musical entertainment, activities for people of all ages, great food, drink, and Iowa’s most awesome and awe inspiring fireworks over the beautiful Wapsipinicon River in Independence, you will not be disappointed."
Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival
- Thursday, July 4th
- Car Show
- ImOn Ice Arena
- 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Free to attend
- Pancake Breakfast
- ImOn Ice Arena
- 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- "Meals are $10 each ($5 off with a Freedom Festival button to make it $5 per meal) and includes delicious pancakes, sausage links, banana, granola bar, and orange juice!"
- Celebration of Freedom Concert
- McGrath Ampitheatre, Cedar Rapids
- 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Featuring Days Live Music and Alisabeth Von Presley
- Food vendors and a kids' fun zone will also be available
- Celebration of Freedom Fireworks
- Downtown Cedar Rapids
- Begin at dusk (around 9:45 p.m.)
Central City’s 4th of July Summer Fest
- Central City, Iowa
- Thursday, July 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Featuring live music, a parade, a pie sale, an ice cream social, vendors, inflatables, contests, kids' activities, and more
- Fireworks will take place at dusk at the Linn County Fairgrounds
Monticello's July 4th Celebration
- Jones County Fairgrounds, Monticello
- Thursday, July 4th
- Featuring a parade (11 a.m.) and the Monticello Firemen's Breakfast (6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)
- Fireworks at dusk
Lincoln Highway Nitty Gritty
- Uptown Mount Vernon
- Thursday, July 4th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- "The open-air market will feature over 70 vendor booths. More than 8,000 visitors are expected for the one-day-only outdoor sale. Mount Vernon’s historic First Street will be closed to traffic for the day, creating a Pedestrian Mall with an outdoor food court and vendor booths set up and down three blocks of Mount Vernon’s Uptown Business District."
Kernels Baseball
- Veterans Memorial Stadium, Cedar Rapids
- Dates/Times
- July 4th through 6th at 6:35 p.m.
- July 19th & 20th at 6:35 p.m.
- July 21st at 1:05 p.m.
- July 30th at 6:35 p.m.
- July 31st at 12:05 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Rock the Block
- NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
- Dates/Bands
- July 5th - Isaac Jordan
- July 12th - Running in Place
- July 19th - The Evan Stock Band
- July 26th - Fight Paper Box
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Admission is free
7 Summers - Morgan Wallen Tribute Band
- The Double Z, Cedar Rapids
- Friday, July 5th at 6 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Iowa City Jazz Festival
- Downtown Iowa City
- July 5th through 7th
- "Bring a blanket, chair, and get ready for a weekend jazz extravaganza! Come downtown for three days of live performances on two stages showcasing a variety of well-known jazz musicians and up-and-coming talent alongside national and international artists. We want to create a jazz audience of all ages and encourage everyone to come out. There are also artist booths, organization booths, delicious dishes, and a lively beverage garden."
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market
- Downtown Cedar Rapids
- Dates
- Saturday, July 6th
- Saturday, July 20th
- 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
CR Pride Festival
- NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
- Saturday, July 6th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Featuring all-ages drag shows
Red, White & Loo the Mayor's Fireworks
- RiverLoop Expo Plaza & Amphitheatre, Waterloo
- Saturday, July 6th at 6 p.m.
- Event features beer tents, live music, food vendors, and more
- Fireworks at 10 p.m.
The Kid Laroi Concert
- Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
- Sunday, July 7th at 7:30 p.m.
- With special guests glaive and��Chase Shakur
- Purchase tickets HERE
Gabriel Iglesias Comedy Show
- Rhythm City Casino, Davenport
- Sunday, July 7th at 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
The Insect Zoo
- Hiawatha Public Library
- Monday, July 8th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- "Bugs, bugs, and more bugs! Have you hugged a bug today? This walk-through program brings you up close and personal with dozens of insects."
Delaware County Fair
- Delaware County Fairgrounds, Manchester
- July 8th through 14th
- Featuring concerts from Chris Young (7/11) and Brantley Gilbert (7/12), a parade, inflatables, MotoCross, Tough Trucks, a truck & tractor pull, a demo derby, and more
- Purchase admission passes and event tickets HERE
The Wallflowers Concert
- Capitol Theatre, Davenport
- Tuesday, July 9th at 7:30 p.m.
- With special guest Silverada
- Purchase tickets HERE
Cedar County Fair
- Cedar County Fairgrounds, Tipton
- July 10th through 14th
- Featuring a concert from Rodney Atkins & Easton Corbin (7/13), a rodeo, a tractor pull, races, Tough Trucks, and more
- Purchase admission passes and event tickets HERE
Brantley Gilbert Concert
- Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, Des Moines
- Thursday, July 11th at 6:30 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
DogFest at Big Grove
- Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City
- Thursday, July 11th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- "Come talk to your favorite vendor with dog themed items, play dog fair games, complete a Scavenger Hunt and other fun activities. Bring your dog, get free goodies, eat great food and enjoy a cold drink at Big Grove! First 50 attendees to purchase a “Paw Pass” at our Friends of the Animal Center Foundation booth will get a free goody bag!"
Eat. Drink. & Be Marion: Food & Pub Crawl
- Uptown Marion
- Thursday, July 11th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- "Enjoy a night out on the town for a good cause! With your ticket, you will receive a complementary glass, t-shirt, and exclusive deals (ex. $1 drinks) from participating businesses in the Uptown Marion District. Also, enjoy live entertainment and extended shopping hours as you walk to each participating establishment."
- Must be 21+
Walcott Truckers Jamboree
- World's Largest Truck Stop, Walcott
- July 11th through 13th
- "Enjoy free admission, free parking, free country music concerts, an antique truck display, Super Truck Beauty Contest, Iowa pork chop cook out, exhibits, and more!"
The Beach Boys Concert
- McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
- Friday, July 12th at 8 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Pop-Up Acts in the Artway
- Uptown Artway, Marion (between 10th & 11th St and 7th & 8th Ave)
- Dates/Bands
- July 12th - Angela Meyer
- July 19th - Joel Sires Trio
- July 26 - Pandelirium
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Admission is free
Cinema on the Cedar
- RiverLoop Amphitheatre & Expo Plaza, Waterloo
- Friday, July 12th at 8 p.m.
- "Grab your snacks and join us for an epic movie night at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre for BARBIE! Gates open at 8pm, movie starts at 9pm or sunset. FREE ADMISSION. Popcorn, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase."
Friday Loo
- Main Street, Waterloo
- Friday, July 12th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Featuring Livingston
- "Bring the whole family and join us for a night of great music, delicious food, and tons of fun!"
Heritage Days Festival
- Uptown Mount Vernon
- July 12th & 13th
- "Highlights of the two-day festival will include a beer garden, street-party, carnival games, a parade, a bags tournament, car show and the Memorial Park Family Fun Zone, a Fairy Tale-themed attraction for kids. New this year will be a Drone Show taking place at the new Martha Parsons Activities Center (MAC – MV Football Field), 731 Palisades Rd SW, on Friday, July 12, at dark."
Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend
- Iowa Speedway, Newton
- July 12th through 14th
- Concerts
- Luke Combs
- Pre-Race Show on Saturday, July 13th (90 minute set)\
- Eric Church
- Post-Race Show on Saturday, July 13th (90 minute set)
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Headliner 1 for Post-Race Show on Sunday, July 14th (60 minute set)
- Post Malone
- Headliner 2 for Post-Race Show on Sunday, July 14th (90 minute set)
- Luke Combs
- Purchase tickets HERE
Lavender Festival
- Pine Hill Farm, Walker
- Saturday, July 13th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Featuring train rides for kids, Wescott BBQ, face painting, fresh-cut flower arrangements & lavender bundles, homemade lavender soap & candles, local vendors, and more
Uptown Marion Market
- Uptown Marion
- Saturday, July 13th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- "Enjoy a fun morning of local food and artisan items coupled with family-friendly activities and entertainment. Don't forget to stop by and check out the shopping and dining in Uptown Marion. Admission is free to the public."
Music Under the Moon
- Lowe Park, Marion
- Saturday, July 13th at 7:30 p.m.
- Featuring Head East
- "Guests should bring chairs or blankets for general lawn seating. Outside food and drink are permitted and select vendors will be onsite during the event. The concerts are free to attend..."
Cat Cafe
- Cedar Rapids Public Library
- Saturday, July 13th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- "Meet adoptable kittens and cats while you enjoy cool treats and fun activities.After you become acquainted with our feline friends, make a cat toy for your own cat or the adoptable cats, create a cat button, and check out cat books."
Monarch Fest
- Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids
- Saturday, July 13th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- "At Monarch Fest there is fun for the entire family as you learn about Monarch butterflies and other pollinators, release butterflies, make milkweed seedballs, and adopt a caterpillar of your own to raise and release at home."
UB40 Concert
- Rhythm City Casino, Davenport
- Saturday, July 13th at 8 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Cedar Rapids Psychic & Paranormal Expo
- Palo Community Center, Palo
- Dates/Times
- Saturday, July 13th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, July 14th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- "Admission is $5 per day and that gets you in to see the 30+ vendors all types of merchandise, readings, treatments (such as reiki, reflexology, etc) and more!! Each vendor sets their own prices and there is something for everyone. Your $5 admission also gets you in to the presentations/speakers at no additional charge!! Past speaking topics included ghost hunters, gallery readings, crystals, angels, past lives, haunted locations, etc. "
Tour de Brew
- Millstream Brewing Co., Amana
- Saturday, July 13th at 10 a.m.
- "The 23rd annual Tour is a heavenly 30-mile ride through the picturesque scenery of the Amana Colonies and Iowa County with “hydration” stops and surprises along the way. The ride ends with a Free Block Party at Millstream and is open to all with live music by the pFat Back Boys (1-4pm) and Detour (5-9pm). Ice-cold Millstream beer along with your favorite food trucks 12-8pm: Moy’s Food from the Streets, Opal & Hazel’s Wood Fired Pizza and County Line BBQ."
- Register HERE
Feelin' Sour? Iowa's Sour Beer & Cider Festival
- RiverLoop Expo Plaza, Waterloo
- Saturday, July 13th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- "Attendees will receive access to samples of 100+ sour beers & ciders from our vendors, a commemorative Feelin' Sour? tasting glass, the best beats on the track, and all the smiles and high-fives they can handle."
- Purchase tickets HERE
North Liberty Blues & BBQ
- Centennial Park, North Liberty
- Saturday, July 13th from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- "Blues & BBQ is North Liberty’s summer tradition of live music, kids’ fun, mouthwatering barbecue and craft beer. Admission, parking and inflatables are free thanks to the generosity of presenting sponsor Veridian Credit Union and other supporting sponsors."
Ludacris Concert
- Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, Des Moines
- Sunday, July 14th at 6:30 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Wild Times Exotics Animal Encounter
- Hiawatha Public Library
- Monday, July 15th at 2:30 p.m.
- Ladd Library, Cedar Rapids
- Monday July 15th from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- "You are in for a wild time with Lacey from Wild Times Exotics. Lacey will bring a variety of her furry friends. Maybe a kinkajou? Maybe a red coatimundi? Don’t miss this fun animal show."
Buchanan County Fair
- Buchanan County Fairgrounds, Independence
- July 16th through 21st
- Featuring concerts from Eddie Montgomery (7/18) and Walker Hayes (7/19), monster trucks, a demolition derby, a beer garden, food, and more
- Purchase concert tickets HERE
Great Jones County Fair
- Jones County Fairgrounds, Monticello
- July 17th through 21st
- Concerts
- Lainey Wilson
- Thursday, July 18th
- With special guest Jackson Dean
- Creed
- Friday, July 19th
- With special guests Switchfoot and Finger Eleven
- Cody Johnson
- Saturday, July 20th
- With special guest Randall King
- Hailey Whitters
- Sunday, July 21st
- Lainey Wilson
- Purchase admission passes and event tickets HERE
Little Texas Concert
- Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery, Walford
- Friday, July 19th at 8 p.m.
- With special guest Zakk Grandahl Band
- Purchase tickets HERE
Gin Blossoms Concert
- Rhythm City Casino, Davenport
- Friday, July 19th at 8 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Kinnick Stadium Insiders' Tour
- Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City
- Friday, July 19th at 11 a.m.
- "Join Iowa PBS for an insider's tour of the historic Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City hosted by Scott Siepker, producer of Kinnick: The Documentary. We'll start the day watching some of the film followed by time to talk with Scott about what went into the making of this historic documentary. After we eat lunch in the north end zone, we'll visit some areas that few fans ever experience... like the swarm tunnel, locker rooms, press boxes and close up on the 50-yard line."
- Purchase a ticket HERE
Solon Beef Days
- Solon, Iowa
- July 19th & 20th
- Featuring live music, steak dinners, a carnival, a 5k, a parade, tournaments, Bingo, a kids' corner, and more
Iowa Flower Fest
- Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
- July 19th through August 4th
- Times
- Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Featuring special ticketed events, flowers, live music, specialty wine drinks, photo ops, kids' activities, and more
- Tickets will be available to purchase HERE
Firefly Festival
- 5718 20th Avenue Dr, Vinton
- Saturday, July 20th at 4:30 p.m.
- "Bring your family & friends out for a magical evening filled with fireflies, laughs, delicious food and beverages, games, art, firefly education, & live music from local artists!"
Shellsburg Big Day
- Shellsburg, Iowa
- Saturday, July 20th at 10:30 a.m.
- "A day full of family fun jam-packed with tons of entertainment and activities for all ages. Celebrate Shellsburg's small town living with big personality!"
Mark Normand Comedy Show
- Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
- Saturday, July 20th at 7 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Maddie & Tae Concert
- Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake
- Saturday, July 20th - doors open at 8 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Ocean Odyssey Touch Tank
- Hiawatha Public Library
- Monday, July 22nd from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- "Let’s kick off Shark Week with actual sharks! Kids, this is your opportunity to pet a shark and a ray!"
Jackson County Fair
- Jackson County Fairgrounds, Maquoketa
- July 23rd through 28th
- Featuring concerts from Muscadine Bloodline (7/26) and Justin Moore (7/27), a truck & tractor pull, stock car races, Night of Destruction, contests, kids' activities, food, and more
- Purchase event tickets HERE
Maren Morris Concert
- Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
- Friday, July 26th at 8 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Mega Foam Blaster
- Guthridge Park, Hiawatha
- Friday, July 26th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- "Have a blast with our Mega Foam Blaster! The Blaster shoots out a dry stacking foam that evaporates for easy cleanup. It is non-slippery, non-toxic, non-staining, non-allergenic, bio-degradable and guaranteed fun!"
Backbone Bluegrass Festival
- Strawberry Point, Iowa
- July 26th through 28th
- "The Backbone Bluegrass Festival is a fun filled weekend for the whole family. Several bands performing Bluegrass music, Country & Gospel music. Camping and electric hookups available with hot showers."
- Purchase tickets HERE
Swisher Fun Days
- Swisher, Iowa
- Saturday, July 27th
- Featuring a parade, a vendor market, a kiddie tractor pull, a 5k, live music, a bags tournament, and more
Primus & Coheed and Cambria Concert
- McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
- Saturday, July 27th at 6:30 p.m.
- With special guest Too Many Zooz
- Purchase tickets HERE
Rick Springfield Concert
- Rhythm City Casino, Davenport
- Saturday, July 27th at 8 p.m.
- Purchase tickets HERE
Backyard Blues Fest
- Ideal Theater & Bar, Cedar Rapids
- Saturday, July 27th at 4 p.m.
- "Join us for BACKYARD BLUES FEST, a fundraiser for the Linn County Blues Society! Ticket profits will be donated back to LCBS, which fosters and promotes the blues genre in the Linn County area. Gates will open at 4PM! Food trucks, raffle prizes and giveaways will run throughout the day. Wristbands will allow ticket holders to come and go at will."
- Purchase tickets HERE
Brown Farm Pioneer Days
- 1361 Sawyer Rd, Central City
- July 27th & 28th
- "Pioneer era living history demonstrations of rural Americana. Steam, gas, diesel, and real horse power! Family friendly event, free entry. Donations greatly appreciated. Working saw mill powered by steam, blacksmithing, museums, threshing, sunflower maze, model T driving school, and so much more!! Horse and tractor people movers to journey over seventy acres!"
1st Annual Pizza World Hot Rod & Custom Car Show
- Pizza World, Cedar Rapids
- Sunday, July 28th from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- A car show featuring food, music, and 50/50 raffles
Mississippi Valley Fair
- Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport
- Concerts
- Thomas Rhett
- Tuesday, July 30th
- Koe Wetzel & Priscilla Block
- Wednesday, July 31st
- T-Pain
- Thursday, August 1st
- Bret Michaels
- Friday, August 2nd
- Alice Cooper
- Saturday, August 3rd
- Scotty McCreery
- Sunday, August 4th
- Thomas Rhett
- Purchase tickets HERE
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Gallery Credit: Courtlin