All the Big Events in Eastern Iowa for October 2023 [LIST]

There's a whole heck of a lot going on in Eastern Iowa in the month of October! Here are some of the big events to check out:

Amana Oktoberfest

• Friday, September 29th through Sunday, October 1st
• Amana Colonies
• "Enjoy beer, live music, games, German food, and so much more all through the Colonies during this festival weekend."
• Admission is $10 for a one-day pass and $15 for a two-day pass - purchase tickets online HERE

Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert

• Sunday, October 1st at 2 p.m.
• Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
• "Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert is a 45-city tour where Encanto lovers of all ages have the opportunity to sing along with their favorite GRAMMY®-Award winning songs performed by a live band while watching the full film."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Move it! Dig it! Do it!

• Sunday, October 1st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The Iowa Children's Museum, Coralville
• "Move it! Dig it! Do it! is back for another year of free, fun-filled activities focused on big equipment that MOVES. Join us on Sunday, October 1st for an up-close look at construction vehicles, farming equipment, and emergency vehicles. Check out these vehicles of all shapes and sizes, and make pit stops for games and activities."
• Event is free

Beers in the Barnyard Fundraiser

• Thursday, October 5th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Bever Park in Cedar Rapids
• "Enjoy an evening of live music featuring the O'Connell Brothers Band, a catered picnic meal by Winifred's wine sampling and local craft beer from Iowa Brewing Company and Clock House Brewing . All net proceeds from the 2023 fundraiser will help fund capital projects at Old MacDonalds Farm, ongoing sustainability projects and CRPF organizational support. The event will also include a CRPF Merchandise Store, stellar silent auction in the barn and fun adult activities with prizes . Food and beverages are included with your ticket purchase."
• Ages 21+
• Purchase tickets HERE

The Guess Who Concert

• Friday, October 6th at 7:30 p.m.
• Stephens Auditorium in Ames
• Purchase tickets online HERE

Waverly Oktoberfest

• Friday, October 6th & Saturday, October 7th
• Kohlmann Park in Waverly
• "This family-friendly event features live music, food and beverage garden including Iowa craft beers, and fun and games for youth and adults alike."

Anamosa Pumpkinfest

• Saturday, October 7th
• Main Street in Anamosa
• "Some activities include dozens of food and craft vendors, kids’ games, one of the largest parades in all of Iowa, and of course, GIANT pumpkins!"

Kids Expo

• Saturday, October 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Grand River Center in Dubuque
• "Families will visit over 50 booths to learn more about resources in the community and pick up information and giveaways. Throughout the day, the event will feature family crafts, games, and stage entertainment. Activities will include balloon artists, musical performances, dance demonstrations, and make-and-takes. The expo will include a reading corner and a map of exhibitors available at the door.
  
  Kids Expo–Dubuque County will offer health services for children, including child ID kit, pediatric immunizations, flu shots, oral health screenings, lead testing, vision checks, and developmental screenings. Immunizations require an advance appointment through the Visiting Nurse Association at 556-6200."
• Admission is free

Historical Haunted Tour of Downtown Waterloo

• Dates/Times
  • Thursday, October 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 13th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• Downtown Waterloo
• "This is a ticketed event that will allow participants to learn more about the history in downtown Waterloo and its stories with an entertaining and eerie element. Come experience the fascinating history by candle-light and soak in the spooky season on this guided tour."
• Ages 18+
• Purchase tickets online HERE

The Woman in Black

• Select dates Thursdays through Sundays from October 12th through October 29th
• Theatre Cedar Rapids
• "This spine-tingling play spins the unusual tale of a lawyer who hires an actor to help him recount to friends and family a troubling and mysterious event from his past. There he catches sight of the woman in black. The mere mention of her terrifies the locals, as her specter haunts the neighborhood where her child was killed. Anyone who sees her dies!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Clue

• Select dates Thursdays through Sundays from October 12th through October 29th
• Theatre Cedar Rapids
• "Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery."
• Purchase tickets online HERE

Cole Swindell Concert

• Friday, October 13th at 7 p.m.
• Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena in Cedar Rapids
• With special guest Nate Smith & Greylan James
• Purchase tickets HERE

Amy Grant Concert

• Friday, October 13th at 7:30 p.m.
• Adler Theatre in Davenport
• Purchase tickets HERE

Frightening Fridays

• Friday, October 13th at 7 p.m.
• NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids
• "Enjoy a screening of the fan favorite, Goosebumps 2, and take in the refreshing fall air at this family-friendly event, which is completely free of charge. The movie will start at sunset, and all you need to bring is something comfy to sit on. Plus, don't forget to dress up in your best movie-themed costumes for a chance to win our costume contest! Support our Shopkeeper community by grabbing your movie snacks and beverages right inside the Market. Please note that outside food and drinks are not allowed in the Market Yard."

RoughRiders Hockey

• Dates
  • Friday, October 13th
  • Saturday, October 14th
  • Friday, October 20th
  • Friday, October 27th
  • Saturday, October 28th
• All games at 7:05 p.m.
• ImOn Ice Arena in Cedar Rapids
• Purchase tickets online HERE

Scenic Drive Festival

• Friday, October 13th through Sunday, October 15th
• Keosauqua, Bonaparte, & Bentonsport
• "Arts and crafts vendors, antique vendors, art shows, music, garage sales, kid's entertainment, parade, car and motorcycle show, food, and many more activities throughout the Villages!"

Harvest Festival

• Saturday, October 14th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Fross Park in Center Point
• "Wear your costumes and trunk or treat with local businesses! There will be inflatables, games, face painting, cornhole, music, vendors, and a ton of pumpkins to decorate!"
• Event is free

Falliday Market

• Saturday, October 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Lowe Park in Marion
• Featuring indoor and outdoor vendors

Cedar Rapids Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

• Saturday, October 14th at 8:30 a.m.
• NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids
• "Everyone receives a caramel apple and hot cider at the finish line."
• Register HERE

Osborne Heritage Days

• October 14th & 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Osborne Nature Center in Elkader
• "Demonstrations include: basketry, candle making, quilting, spinning, story telling and flint napping. Contests include: buffalo chip throwing, chili cooking, and pumpkin decorating. Tasty Foods include: caramel apples, pie, buffalo stew, fry bread, and lefse."

Foreigner Concert

• Wednesday, October 18th at 6:30 p.m.
• Xtream Arena in Coralville
• Purchase tickets HERE

Dropkick Murphys Concert

• Wednesday, October 18th at 7 p.m.
• Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena in Cedar Rapids
• With special guests The Interrupters & Jesse Ahern
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jeff Dunham Comedy Show

• Thursday, October 19th at 7 p.m.
• Vibrant Arena in Moline
• Purchase tickets HERE

Wine with the Witch

• Thursday, October 19th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Bloomsbury Farm in Atkins
• "You will enjoy an evening full of deliciously frightful finger food, wine, entertainment by Wheezy the Witch & friends, as well as VIP access to two of our indoor haunted attractions. One drink ticket for a glass of wine or beer is included with admission."
• Must be 21+
• Purchase tickets online HERE

Junkin' Market Days

• Dates/Times
  • Friday, October 20th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 21st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Linn County Fairgrounds, Central City
• "A 2-Day Market featuring repurposed, rustic, shabby chic, farmhouse, vintage and one-of-a-kind finds!"
• Admission is $5 - ages 12 and under are free

Howie Mandel Comedy Show

• Friday, October 20th at 8 p.m.
• Riverside Casino
• Purchase tickets HERE

John Crist Comedy Show

• Friday, October 20th at 7 p.m.
• Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jefferson Starship Concert

• Friday, October 20th at 8 p.m.
• Rhythm City Casino in Davenport
• Purchase tickets HERE

Rocky Horror Picture Show

• October 20th & 21st at 8 p.m.
• NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids
• "Rocky Horror Picture Show comes to life once again at NewBo City Market! Join us for the singing, dancing, screaming, and an occasional thrown object.
  
  Local burlesque troupe Knights of the Round Pasties will lead the pre-show activities, including the audience-judged costume contest! NewBo Beer and Wine will be open with drink specials for the evening. Every guest will receive a prop bag, so pull on those fishnets and bring your best voice for this great Halloween classic!"
• Purchase tickets for Friday HERE - or Saturday HERE

Wickiup Fall Fest

• Saturday, October 21st from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Wickiup Hill Learning Center, Toddville
• "Come out and experience our friendly trick or treat hike through the woods, pumpkin bowling, straw scramble, creepy critters, and more! Aimed at ages 3-10, but younger and older attendees welcome. Costumes are encouraged!"
• Cost is $3 per child - register online HERE

Fall Festival Train Ride

• Saturday, October 21st
• Times
  • 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• 298 Western Ave, Marengo
• "Train ride from Marengo to Victor and back"
• Tickets MUST be purchase in advance - get yours HERE

UNI Homecoming Parade

• Saturday, October 21st at 10 a.m.
• Main Street in Cedar Falls

100th Year Anniversary Celebration

• Saturday, October 21st at 6 p.m.
• Monticello Berndes Center
• "We are thrilled to share that The Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce is all set to celebrate a momentous milestone - 100 years of service! Join us on October 21st for an unforgettable evening filled with festivities, recognition, and live entertainment you won't want to miss!"

Back Road Fest

• Saturday, October 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• 23840 80th Ave, Walcott
• "A great day in the country! Lots of awesome vendors, food trucks, music & drinks! Come out and enjoy some outside time"

2023 Halloween Parade

• Saturday, October 21st at 6:30 p.m.
• NewBo & Czech Village District in Cedar Rapids
• Pre-parade activities at NewBo City Market from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wynonna Judd Concert

• Friday, October 27th at 7:30 p.m.
• Stephens Auditorium in Ames
• Purchase tickets HERE

Larry the Cable Guy Comedy Show

• Friday, October 27th at 6 p.m. & 9 p.m.
• Riverside Casino
• Purchase tickets HERE

Day of the Dead

• Friday, October 27th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids
• "Fuerzas Culturales will commence the evening at 5:30 pm with an opening introduction. Following this, there will be alternating sessions of dance performances and Loteria (Mexican Bingo). Once the dance and Loteria activities are concluding, a screening of "Coco" in Spanish will take place. Additionally, attendees can enjoy face painting services and explore a communal ofrenda (altar) during the event."

Nikki Glaser Comedy Show

• Saturday, October 28th at 8 p.m.
• Riverside Casino
• Purchase tickets HERE

Halloween Bar Crawl

• Saturday, October 28th from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Participating Bars
  • Bricks Bar & Grill
  • The Keg
  • El Dorado Bar & Grill
  • Hazzard County
  • Pub 217
  • Tipsy Tomato
• Featuring a costume contest, food & drink specials, professional photographers, an after-party, and more
• Must be 21+
• Purchase tickets online HERE

Cedar Rapids Haunted Halloween Ball

• Saturday, October 28th
• More details TBA

Fall Arts & Crafts Show

• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, October 28th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 29th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
•  Hyatt Regency Conference Center in Coralville
• "This is the area's largest show, with over 150 talented exhibitors presenting and selling the Midwest's finest handcrafts. Among the various products presented at the show are oak furniture, paintings and prints, gourd art, bird houses, bird feeders, ceramics, jewelry, metal art sculptures, pet products, yard and garden art, stained, etched, and fused glass, quilts, photography, pottery, candles, clothing, floral wreaths, dolls & doll clothes, rugs, baskets, aprons, place mats, table runners, purses, wood and metal signs, wall hangings and many more original products. Exhibitors will also be selling homemade salsa, wines, breads, fudge, barbeque sauce, jams, dried soup and food mixes."
• Admission is $5 - ages 5 and under are free

Theresa Caputo Live

• Sunday, October 29th at 3 p.m.
• Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
• "Theresa Caputo, TV's favorite medium, will share personal stories about her life and explain how her gift works. She will deliver healing messages to audience members and give people comfort knowing that their loved ones who passed are still with them, just in a different way."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Halloween Ball

• Sunday, October 29th from 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Eastbank Venue in Cedar Rapids
• Ages 21+
• Purchase tickets online HERE

Nate Bargatze Comedy Show

• Sunday, October 29th at 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
• Adler Theatre in Davenport
• Purchase tickets HERE

Iowa Music Awards

• Sunday, October 29th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
• "From 5pm - 9pm this will be a black tie ceremony filled with live performances, a live dj, trophies given, nominees announced, winner speeches, photographers, photo booths, with food and beverage available. With hometown celebrities as the hosts and presenter and live performances from several genres."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Trick or Treat in the District

• Tuesday, October 31st from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cedar Falls Downtown District
• "Join us in the Cedar Falls Downtown District for Trick or Treating, the merchants will be set up outside their stores, ready to hand out candy and see all the awesome costumes that will be sure to take over the District."

Trunk or Treats

• Sherman's Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze, Manchester - October 29th
• Gospel Light Baptist Church, Marion - October 22nd
• St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids - October 28th
• El Kahir Shrine, Hiawatha - October 27th
• The Views Senior Living, Cedar Rapids - October 26th
• Palo Community Center - October 29th