Keep it easy.
The best days usually come without pressure or overplanning.
Jan 2 – Jan 3, 2026
Eagles and Ivories
Muscatine
Ragtime music festival sponsored by the Muscatine County Arts Council.
Iowa
Music Festivals in Iowa
26 events found
Not every place needs a reason.
Sometimes it's enough just to be there.
Jan 9 – Jan 10, 2026
Kee Live Music Festival
Cherokee
The Kee Live Music Festival was created with the idea of bringing live music to…
Leave room for the unexpected.
The best parts of a trip rarely show up on an itinerary.
Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2026
Annual Northeast Iowa Steel Guitar Jam
Waterloo
Country, swing, blues, jazz, gospel and pop, with 28 artists from several midwestern states. At…
Simple trips are often the best.
You don't need much for a place to leave an impression.
Apr 17 – Apr 18, 2026
Simply The Blues
Fort Madison
Outdoor blues festival includes Grammy and W.C. Handy award winners/nominees.
May 9 – May 10, 2026
Taste Louisiana Cajun & Zydeco Festival
Amana
Taste Louisiana Cajun & Zydeco Festival brings the food, music and fun of a real…
Stop when something catches your eye.
Those moments tend to matter more than the planned ones.
May 26 – May 31, 2026
Burlington Steamboat Days – American Music Festival
Burlington
National rock, country, pop, rhythm and blues, jazz, big band and oldies groups perform daily…
A place to slow down.
Not every stop needs to be busy to be worth your time.
Jun 6 – Jun 6, 2026
Saturday in the Park Festival
Sioux City
Free music festival featuring top name national entertainers, Kid's Zone, Arts Alley, beer garden, and…
Worth the stop.
Some places don't need much time, just the right moment.
Jun 11 – Jun 13, 2026
IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
Davenport
Annual festival along the banks of the Mississippi River features 20 top blues performers, children's…
A place to slow down.
Not every stop needs to be busy to be worth your time.
Jun 11 – Jun 14, 2026
Glenn Miller Festival
Clarinda
Activities include various big band concerts, panel discussions, stage shows, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and…
Jun 26 – Jun 27, 2026
FREE Promise Land Fest Music Festival
Ottumwa
Promise Land Fest is a free, family-friendly, 2-Day Rock & Rap Music Festival with great…
Take the long way.
The best parts of the trip are usually the ones you didn't plan.
Jun 26 – Jun 28, 2026
Iowa City Jazz Festival
Iowa City
Come down for three days of live jazz performances and delicious dishes. You're sure to…
Go a little further.
The next turn is often where things start to get interesting.
Jun 26 – Jun 28, 2026
Sturgis Falls Celebration
Cedar Falls
More than 20 bands play jazz, country, rock-n-roll and blues in three city parks. Parade,…
Take the detour.
The extra miles are often where the story begins.
Jun 26 – Jun 28, 2026
Cedar Basin Music Festival
Cedar Falls
This three-day festival is full of free, live music in a variety of styles (jazz,…
Make time for quiet places.
Not every destination needs noise to be meaningful.
Jul 3 – Jul 5, 2026
Bicycle, Blues and BBQ Festival
Clear Lake
Great food, music and family activities. Nationally known blues bands, bike ride and race, free…
Go a little further.
The next turn is often where things start to get interesting.
Jul 9 – Jul 11, 2026
Guthrie’s River Ruckus
Guthrie Center
Country Music show with 3 stages and various singers. Three nights featuring a range of…
Jul 17 – Jul 19, 2026
Annual Backbone Bluegrass Festival
Strawberry Point
Come enjoy a weekend of bluegrass music at Backbone State Park. Camping on the scenic…
Take the detour.
The extra miles are often where the story begins.
Jul 18 – Jul 18, 2026
Central Iowa Music Festival: Sweet Music at Sweet Corn Time
Marshalltown
Blues, folk, jazz, classical, Latin/salsa. Barbecue, fresh sweet corn.
Worth the stop.
Some places don't need much time, just the right moment.
Jul 25 – Jul 25, 2026
Ushers Ferry Folk Music Festival
Cedar Rapids
August at Ushers Ferry means Folk Music! Join us beneath the shade trees on the…
Not every place needs a reason.
Sometimes it's enough just to be there.
Jul 25 – Jul 25, 2026
Waukee Music Festival Presented by The Kee
Waukee
The Waukee Music Festival, presented by The Kee, is being launched to bring exposure to…
Go where you feel alive.
Pay attention to the places that pull you in without explanation.
Jul 30 – Aug 1, 2026
Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival
Davenport
Features 8 bands from around the U.S. and abroad, honoring the memory and perpetuating the…
Pause when it feels right.
Some stops aren't on the map, but they're worth taking.
Aug 3 – Jul 9, 2026
31st Annual National Old-Time Country and Bluegrass Festival and Contest
Missouri Valley
More than 25 bands playing 20 genres of old-time music on 10 stages. Arts and…
A place to slow down.
Not every stop needs to be busy to be worth your time.
Aug 5 – Aug 9, 2026
Annual Old Time Country Music Jamboree
Avoca
Country music, family entertainment, camping available. Stages run all day.
Go where you feel alive.
Pay attention to the places that pull you in without explanation.
Aug 7 – Aug 8, 2026
Rollin’ on the River Blues Fest
Keokuk
IOWA'S BEST FEST BY A DAM SITE - Keokuk, Iowa presents it's end of the…
Follow what feels interesting.
Curiosity is usually a better guide than a strict plan.
Aug 7 – Aug 9, 2026
Annual Central City Bluegrass Festival
Central City
Annual Bluegrass Festival with live music and all night jam sessions. No Alcoholic Beverages. Bring…