Looking for the coolest and best music festivals in Iowa in 2024? Well, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to Iowa festivals that are guaranteed to impress.
Bordered by the Missouri and the Mississippi Rivers, Iowa is known as the “Food Capital of the World” for its established agricultural production. In the heart of the Midwest, where farmlands and rolling hills are typical, the state was dubbed the “Hawkeye State” for its rich Native American history.
The music festivals in Iowa inspire and celebrate the community thanks to the irrefutable country charm and hospitality that welcomes all to travel to this festive state! Also, be sure to read my guides to the Best Music Festivals USA, Country Festivals, Folk Festivals, and Metal Festivals for more festival inspiration!
1) Hinterland Music Festival
When: August, 2024
Where: Saint Charles, Iowa
https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hinterlandiowa/
“Hosted at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, the Hinterland Music Festival is a four-day summer event serving world-class acts in one out-of-this-world celebration! The Hinterland Music Festival is by far one of the best music festivals in Iowa, where attendees can get up close and personal with big-name artists like Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson. If you love music and the wilderness, this festival is for you! The ultimate rural escape from the hustle and bustle of life for days of fun, activity, and celebration. Attendees can immerse themselves into the unbeatable Hinterland Music Festival experience camping outdoors in Iowa within easy walking distance of the action.”
2) Saturday in the Park Festival
Credit: Saturday in the Park Festival
When: July 6, 2024
Where: Sioux City, Iowa
https://saturdayinthepark.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SaturdayInThePark/
A free single-day event, the Saturday in the Park Festival began in 1991 and has since become one of the top music festivals in Iowa. Thousands of people travel from all over Iowa and the United States to attend this event held close to July 4. The Saturday in the Park Festival is notorious for intertwining unique musical traditions in one glorious celebration on its two stages. Some past big names who have performed at the festival include the Avett Brothers, AJR, and The Neville Brothers. Attendees can scour, pick, and choose from the numerous vendors selling handmade arts, crafts, foods, and refreshments between performances. The festival ends with a firework show that booms and streaks through the sky in a vibrant display for the perfect finish to a lifetime event.
3) 80/35 Music Festival
When: July 12-13, 2024
Where: Des Moines, Iowa
https://www.facebook.com/8035musicfestival
Powered by the people, the 80/35 Music Festival is a nonprofit with a mission of celebrating culture and music in one axis-tilting event! Spread across one paid stage and four free stages, the festival is hosted in the hopping downtown of Des Moines, Iowa. It is one of the most sought-out music festivals in Iowa for its exceptional and diverse lineup of musical talent. Attendees can expect Grammy winners and musical legends such as The War on Drugs and Outkast in its 50+ performances hosted on the top-class lineup for the festival.
4) Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival
Credit: Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival
When: August, 2024
Where: Davenport, Iowa
https://www.bixsociety.org/festival.php
https://www.facebook.com/BixSociety/
One of the largest jazz festivals in the U.S., the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival commemorates the world-renowned jazz composer, cornetist, and pianist Leon Bix Beiderbecke. The icon was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, in 1903 and eventually became a history maker in the jazz and musical field.
Formed in 1971, the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society hosts one of the most popular jazz festivals in Iowa and the United States on the first weekend of August every year. The festival honors the jazz icon while also supporting youth jazz education. Festival attendees can experience premier jazz ensembles from across the globe in one fantastic event in downtown Davenport along the banks of the Mississippi River.
5) Guthrie’s River Ruckus
Credit: Guthrie’s River Ruckus Festival
When: June 8-9, 2024
Where: Saint Charles, Iowa
https://www.guthriesriverruckus.com/
https://www.facebook.com/guthriesriverruckus/
Where famous artists like Chris Young, Miranda Lambert, and Lee Brice come to play, Guthrie’s River Ruckus is undoubtedly one of the top music festivals in Iowa! The two-day event occurs in the charming small town of Saint Charles in Iowa. It is held in the Guthrie Center Fairgrounds’ amphitheater, where the crowds can jump, dance, and sing to the beat of their favorite songs sung by beloved artists. Surprisingly, the festival has only been running since 2009 and has continued to establish a world-class reputation every year it’s hosted by bringing in top performers and massive crowds for a ground-quaking celebration of country music and lovin’.
6) Iowa City Jazz Festival
Credit: Iowa City Jazz Festival
When: July 5-7, 2024
Where: Iowa City, Iowa
https://summerofthearts.org/sota-events/iowa-city-jazz-festival/
https://www.facebook.com/summeroftheARTS/
The three-day Iowa City Jazz Festival showcases enigmatic and passionate jazz performers in one of the hands-down best music festivals in Iowa! The festival is an extravaganza of fun, tasty dishes, and outstanding jazz performances from national to international talent. The summer event is held the first weekend of July every year on four stages featuring new and established jazz musicians. The Iowa City Jazz Festival welcomes all ages to lay down a blanket and vibe to the music. Then, to end the festival on the perfect note, attendees can witness the grand display of a colorful and impactful firework show lighting up the sky!
7) Abate Of Iowa Freedom Rally
When: July 3-6, 2024
Where: Algona, Iowa
https://www.abateiowafreedomrally.com/
https://www.facebook.com/iowafreedomrally/
Running for almost half a century, the Abate Of Iowa Freedom Rally lures in motorcyclists from all over Iowa, the United States, and even Canada for a jam-packed party! At this one-of-a-kind event, attendees can expect a world of excitement and activity. From a bike show and mud wrestling to concerts and a rodeo, the Abate Of Iowa Freedom Rally is one you’ll never forget. Vendors line the site selling motorcycle-inspired items while tattoo artists prepare to lay out new pieces for incoming clientele. Concert performances to expect at this event include 14 bands of rock and country-inspired music from performers like Trace Adkins and Dirt Road Rockers.
8) Great Jones County Fair
When: July 17 – July 21, 2024
Where: Monticello, Iowa
https://www.greatjonescountyfair.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JonesCoFair
The Five Best Days of Summer!
Pushing on almost two centuries of running, the Great Jones County Fair is one of the best summer festivals in Iowa. Its roots run deep, from the days of wagon wheels where families loaded themselves and their picnic baskets. The festival honors agriculture and tradition, inspiring others and celebrating its founding roots. The fair goes above and beyond with magnificent lineups of stars ranging from comedy to country for a headbanging event everyone from Iowa and beyond looks forward to seeing. And that’s not all! The Great Jones County Fair hosts other special events, including harness racing, stock car racing, the demolition derby, and the Midway’s rides and shows for an honest-to-goodness spectacular occasion.
9) The Big Country Bash
When: July, 2024 (TBC)
Where: Saint Charles, Iowa
https://www.forestcityia.com/tag/tree-town-music-festival/
“Recognized as the third major country festival in Iowa, this recently resurrected event boasts two days of country music from artists like Brett Eldredge, Midland and Russel Dickerson. Held in late June at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, attendees can enjoy tunes and get the full experience with camping at a reduced price.”
10) Kosmic Kingdom Music Festival
When: June 3-4, 2024
Where: Des Moines, Iowa
“Kosmic Kingdom is a 3-day electronic music and arts festival in Des Moines, Iowa. It evolved from Kosmos Music Festival, which took place in St Charles, Iowa in 2014-2016. The style of music remains the same, however, the new venue at Sleepy Hollow Renaissance Park is one of the most unique locations for a festival in Iowa. The event focuses on many different genres such as (but not limited to) experimental bass music, funk-bass, dubstep, and more.”
Am I missing any incredible music festivals in Iowa?
While Iowa is often overlooked for music festivals, it’s got an awesome live music scene and more festivals are popping up around the state! So if you know of any particular music or any fun festivals in Iowa missing from this list – please do reach out and let me know!
Looking for more music festivals in the USA?
My blog is filled with articles and festival guides just like this! Be sure to save and read some of my favorites below so you can keep the party going all year long!
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Thanks for reading about the best music festivals in Iowa! Share this article with your festival crew!
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