All the Big Events in Eastern Iowa This September [LIST]

Summer isn't over yet!

September is going to be another busy month here in Iowa! Here are some of the big events happening in Eastern Iowa and beyond in September of 2023:

Midwest Old Threshers Reunion

• Thursday, August 31st through Monday, September 4th
• McMillan Park in Mount Pleasant
• "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

Gin Blossoms & Sugar Ray Concert

• Friday, September 1st at 6 p.m.
• McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids
• With special guests Tonic & Fastball
• Purchase tickets HERE

FRYfest

• Friday, September 1st
• Iowa River Landing in Coralville
• Featuring a trade show, a kids' zone, a block party, a pep rally, live music, games, and more

Oak Ridge Boys Concert

• Friday, September 1st at 8 p.m.
• Rhythm City Casino in Davenport
• Purchase tickets HERE

Good Makers Market

• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 1st from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 2nd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cedar County Fairgrounds in Tipton
• "Shop the best hand picked vendors from all around the Midwest. Here you'll find handmade artisan goods, score some amazing vintage, shop our on trend mobile boutiques, eat from our delicious food trucks and listen to local live music."
• Admission is $10 - ages 14 and under are free

Kernels Baseball

• Dates/Times
  • September 1st & 2nd at 6:35 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 3rd at 1:05 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 14th TBD
• Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids
• Purchase tickets HERE

Hawkeye Football

• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, September 2nd at 11:03 a.m. - vs. Utah State
  • Saturday, September 9th at 2:30 p.m. - vs. Iowa State (@ Iowa State in Ames)
  • Saturday, September 16th at 2:30 p.m. - vs. Western Michigan
  • Saturday, September 30th at TBA - vs. Michigan State
• Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City

Waterloo Food Truck Festival

• Saturday, September 2nd from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• RiverLoop Expo Plaza in Waterloo
• "The festival will takeover RiverLoop Expo Plaza and more, and will feature more than 20 of the best food truck vendors from throughout the region. Join us for a day of food, football, and fun!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

2023 Women's Arts Festival

• Saturday, September 2nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids
• "Join us as we celebrate Women’s arts through musical performances, visual art demonstrations, the Women’s-Owned Business Market, yoga with live music, and much more! This event will also feature local and regional emerging artists with original artwork, community vendors, and Market Shopkeepers."

Rob Zombie & Alice Cooper Concert

• Saturday, September 2nd at 6 p.m.
• Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines
• With special guests Ministry & Filter
• Purchase tickets HERE

Craft Beer Bash

• Sunday, September 3rd from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (12 p.m. VIP Hour)
• Millstream Brewing Co. in Amana
• "Don’t miss the Epic Beer Bash of the Summer…The Iowa Craft Beer Bash! VIP & GA ticket purchase includes unlimited beer, cider & beverage tastings from over 50 of the best breweries in Iowa, souvenir glass plus live music by Exit 185 and the DTKK Polka Band. Food trucks will be there too."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Dinner on the Bridge

• Thursday, September 7th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• 16th Ave Bridge in Cedar Rapids
• "Here's what you can expect:
  • A Cocktail Hour with Appetizers & Drinks from Local Restaurants & Breweries
  • A Silent Auction with Exclusive Offers from Shops & Services in Czech Village & New Bohemia
  • A Plated Dinner from one of our Four Local Caterers
  • A Fun Night with Friends, Complete with a DJ
  • A Beautiful View of the Sunset over the Cedar River - Perfect for Photo-ops!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jim Gaffigan Comedy Show

• Friday, September 8th at 7 p.m.
• Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena in Cedar Rapids
• Purchase tickets HERE

Morgan Wallen Concert

• Friday, September 8th at 7 p.m.
• Vibrant Arena in Moline
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Concert

• Friday, September 8th at 7:30 p.m.
• Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City
• With special guest Wednesday
• Purchase tickets HERE

The Fall Market at White Barns

• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 8th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 9th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Fayette County Fairgrounds in West Union
• "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, (men’s, 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 - ages 5 and under are free

ANIMATE! Des Moines

• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 8th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 9th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 10th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Iowa Events Center in Des Moines
• "It's an ANIMATION CELEBRATION at GalaxyCon Presents ANIMATE! 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

Third Eye Blind Concert

• Saturday, September 9th at 8 p.m.
• Q Casino in Dubuque
• With special guest 10 Years
• Purchase tickets HERE

Fall Into Marion Parade

• Saturday, September 9th at 10 a.m.
• Uptown Marion
• "The theme of the parade celebrates all things fall. Both Marion and Linn-Mar High School marching bands plan to participate, along with a variety of nonprofits and area businesses. Floats are encouraged and prizes will be awarded in a number of categories."

ARTapalooza

• Sunday, September 10th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cedar Falls Downtown District
• "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."

Intercultural Festival

• Sunday, September 10th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Lowe Park in Marion
• "DANCE WORKSHOPS (Salsa, Afrobeat Chacha/swing) KIDS ACTIVITIES, FOOD, MUSIC, FASHION SHOW, PANNEL DISCUSSIONS, TELL MY STORY, RAFFLE TICKETS, ZUMBA FITNESS, and more"

Dubuque Comic & Toy Show

• Sunday, September 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Five Flags Center in Dubuque
• "Join us for a geeky good time at the Five Flags Event Center. Cosplay Showcase, Video Game tournaments, art, & vendors selling vintage video games, comics, posters, Funko pops, and lots of vintage toys."

200-Lap Enduro Race

• Sunday, September 10th at 12 p.m.
• Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids
• Admission is $5 - ages 8 and under are free

Anamosa Hillclimb

• Sunday, September 10th beginning at 10 a.m.
• 10277 Shaw Rd, 1 mile north of Anamosa
• "Come watch fast bikes compete to go the farthest up a steep and rough 160 ft hill! Beer, vendors, and shirts! You don’t want to miss this crazy event!"
• Admission is $15 - ages 10 and under are free

Train Concert

• Tuesday, September 12th at 7:30 p.m.
• McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids
• With special guest Parmalee
• Purchase tickets HERE

Rodney Carrington Comedy Show

• Thursday, September 14th - doors at 6 p.m.
  • Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake
• Thursday, September 28th at 7 p.m.
  • Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids

BrewNost

• Friday, September 15th at 6:30 p.m. (5:30 VIP hour)
• National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids
• "BrewNost's 20th anniversary will let you enjoy a festive evening full of food and beverages from some of the area’s finest restaurants, local breweries and distilleries. Enjoy craft beers, wine, spirits, and a wide range of international beers hand selected by Doug Alberhasky, from John’s Grocery in Iowa City, Iowa!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jordan Davis Concert

• Friday September 15th at 7:30 p.m.
• Water Works Park in Des Moines
• With special guests Danielle Bradbery & Greylan James
• Purchase tickets HERE

2000s Throwback Party

• Friday, September 15th at 8 p.m.
• The Olympic South Side Theater in Cedar Rapids
• "Taking you back in time, playing all the hits of our younger years! Time to dig in that closet and find your best vintage fashion from the era. LETS PARTY!"
• Featuring a taco bar, live music, and drink specials
• Tickets are $15 at the door

Blues Fest

• Friday, September 15th & Saturday, September 16th
• LeClaire Park & Bandshell in Davenport
• "Blues Fest 2023 will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 15-16, at the historic LeClaire Park in Davenport, Iowa. This year we have over 10 food and merch vendors!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Farm Fresh Reggae Music & Arts Festival

• Friday, September 15th through Saturday, September 16th
• Troy's Farm in Springville
• "We hope you'll join us for a weekend full of live music by some most talented reggae and jam band acts in both the local and regional scenes. We've got live painters, live glass blowers, and a variety of vendor offerings available all weekend long."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market

• Saturday, September 16th from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Downtown Cedar Rapids

Marion Oktoberfest

• Saturday, September 16th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (11 a.m. VIP Hour)
• 7th Ave in Marion
• "The event features the best breweries in Iowa and surrounding areas. Reps will be on hand to visit with and educate beer enthusiasts!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Cedar Rapids Festival Latino

• Saturday, September 16th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids
• "Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of local Latin-American music, and entertainment acts. There will be ethnic foods for purchase, local business vendors, and non-profit organizations from around the community which will have the opportunity to display their services and products."

Stone City Festival

• Sunday, September 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Stone City, Iowa
• "The annual Stone City Festival is making a come back this year to celebrate the history of Grant Wood country. Plan to see the iconic ice wagons, a local blacksmith working in the historic blacksmith shop, artists and vendors selling their work, food from The General Store, and much more."

Dubuque Oktoberfest

• Sunday, September 17th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Backwaters Stage at Q Casino in Dubuque
• Featuring a wiener dog parade/race, live entertainment, food trucks, contests, and more
• Admission is free - donations to Camp Albrecht Acres will be accepted at the entrance

Oktemberfest

• Thursday, September 21st through Sunday, September 24th
• Downtown Marshalltown
• Featuring live music, a parade, a 5/10k, a car show, and more

Guttenburg Germanfest

• Friday, September 22nd & Saturday, September 23rd
• River Park Drive in Guttenburg
• "LIVE MUSIC Friday & Saturday night, open air market, kid activities, food trucks, wiener dog races, German car show, and so much more!"

BLOCKtoberfest II

• Friday, September 22nd from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Downtown Cedar Rapids
• "BLOCKtoberfest returns to the 3rd St. 2nd. Ave block in downtown Cedar Rapids on September 22 from 5-11PM. All are welcome at a $5 entry fee."

Kevin James Comedy Show

• Friday, September 22nd at 7:30 p.m.
• Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls
• Purchase tickets HERE

Vintage Market Days of Eastern Iowa

• Friday, September 22nd through Sunday, September 24th
• Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids
• "Vintage Market Days® is an upscale, vintage-inspired, indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, food trucks, seasonal plantings, and a little more. Join us for an unforgettable weekend full of shopping our carefully curated vendors, enjoying live music and local yummy eats and treats while you shop!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Summer Rock Series

• Saturday, September 23rd from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Uptown Artway in Marion
• "Bring your own bag chair on select Saturdays this summer at 7:00pm for a mix of rock, blues and funk from some of your favorite local hall of famers."
• All Star Evening with SPECIAL GUESTS

Northside Oktoberfest

• Saturday, September 23rd
• Northside Marketplace in Downtown Iowa City
• "The Northside Oktoberfest, benefiting Iowa City area nonprofits, showcases the Bohemian nature of the Northside Marketplace with great craft beers, neighborhood food, beer games, and much more!"
• Iowa City BrewFest will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - purchase tickets HERE

Ely Fall Fest

• Saturday, September 23rd
• Ely, Iowa
• "On Saturday the 23rd, plan on spending the day strolling through the vendor fair, check out the massive car show, eat some delicious food and be sure to not miss our best Kids Zone ever!"
• 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run will be held on Sunday, September 17th ($15/$25) - get registered HERE

Matt Mathews Comedy Show

• Friday, September 22nd at 8 p.m.
  • Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls
• Saturday, September 23rd at 8 p.m.
  • Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids

Tim Dillon Comedy Show

• Saturday, September 23rd at 8 p.m.
  • Rhythm City Casino in Davenport
• Thursday, September 28th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines

Be Brave

• Saturday, September 23rd at 5 p.m.
• McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids
• "The DJ’s and staff involved have experienced firsthand the harmful effects of addiction either personally or through their loved ones and are ready to rave for RECOVERY! Come out for a good family time and dance the night away at IOWA’S FIRST AND ONLY 100% Sober/substance free MUSIC EVENT!!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Iowa Oktoberfest

• Saturday, September 23rd & Sunday, September 24th
• Anton's Garden in Downtown Waterloo
• "A festival celebrating German heritage, music and food in downtown Waterloo. Dress in your dirndls and lederhosen, grab your stein and your friends, and get your Prost on at Iowa Oktoberfest!"

Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire

• Saturday, September 23rd & Sunday, September 24th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Credit Island Park in Davenport
• "The Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire is back! 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

Bluey's Big Play

• Dates/Times
  • Tuesday, September 26th at 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 27th at 6:30 p.m.
• Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
• "Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life."
• Purchase tickets HERE

311 Concert

• Wednesday, September 27th at 6:30 p.m.
• McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids
• With special guests AWOLNATION & Blame My Youth
• Purchase tickets HERE

Godsmack Concert

• Thursday, September 28th at 7 p.m.
• Vibrant Arena in Moline
• With special guests I Prevail, Flat Black, and Jason Hook
• Purchase tickets HERE

Penn & Teller Present: The Foolers

• Thursday, September 28th at 7 p.m.
  • Five Flags Center in Dubuque
• Friday, September 29th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Adler Theatre in Davenport
• Saturday, September 30th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
• "The Foolers brings an evening of jaw-dropping illusions curated by Penn & Teller. Celebrating television’s #1 rated magic show, this interactive and irreverent evening presents the Fool Us alumni who share the distinction of being among the few who have impressed the pair with mystifying mind magic and hilarious comedic routines."

Drew Lynch Comedy Show

• Friday, September 29th at 8 p.m.
• Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids
• Purchase tickets HERE

LeAnn Rimes Concert

• Friday, September 29th at 9 p.m. (rescheduled from 12/9)
  • Riverside Casino
• Saturday, September 30th at 7 p.m.
  • Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls

Lauren Daigle Concert

• Friday, September 29th at 7 p.m.
• Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines
• Purchase tickets HERE

Samantha Bee Comedy Show

• Friday, September 29th at 7:30 p.m.
• Englert Theatre in Iowa City
• Purchase tickets HERE

Kalona Fall Festival

• Friday, September 29th & Saturday, September 30th
• Kalona Historical Village
• Featuring live music, demonstrations, wine tasting, pony rides, farm animals, vendors, and more
• Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for ages 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and under

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

Dyersville Downtown Market

• Saturday, September 30th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Downtown Dyersville

Uptown Marion Market

• Saturday, September 30th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Uptown Marion