Set the mood this summer and embrace the season’s warmth with the help of outdoor music events in Iowa. From enchanting garden settings to lively music festivals, Iowa offers a diverse array of events for all music enthusiasts.
Music in the Courtyard
Cedar Rapids
Enjoy music under the stars at Music in the Courtyard at Brucemore in Cedar Rapids. The 20-year tradition features a concert series to be enjoyed with good company while basking in seasonal warmth outside. The event is part of the Artisan Studio live performance series, aiming to support Iowa-based artists in their personal and professional pursuits. Guests can expect live music from Hope and Other Foolish Things (July 27, July 28 and July 29) and Hear, There, and Everywhere (August 31, Sept. 2 and Sept. 7 to Sept. 9). Tickets start at $25 for Brucemore donors or $30 for non-donors. For more information, visit brucemore.org.
Rock the Block
Cedar Rapids
Looking for some free and enjoyable entertainment? Come and experience Rock the Block, a popular weekly concert series at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids. This event features local and national touring bands that will take over the Bankers Trust Stage each Friday until August 25. Guests can catch performances by Miss Christine (July 7), Molly Nova & The Hawks (July 14), Halfloves (July 21), FunkDaddies (August 4), Surf Zombies (August 11) and much more. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs, grab some snacks and find a comfortable spot to sit down and enjoy the show. For more information, visit newbocitymarket.org.
Music in the Garden
Des Moines
Join Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for a warm, sun-soaked summer music series in its serene gardens. The outdoor music event in Iowa will run every Thursday until Sept. 28, starting at 6 p.m., with food, handcrafted sips, lively music and a vibrant, lush setting hidden in the gardens. Each week a new artist will take the stage, with upcoming shows featuring Damon Dotson, Bruce Day, Birdchild, Gina Gelder, The Feel Right and many more. Be sure to stay until after the show to partake in Dance in the Garden, with a new theme taking place each week, from salsa to swing dancing. Admission to Music in the Garden starts at $9 for kids and $12 for adults 12-plus. For more information, visit dmbotanicalgarden.com.
Winterset Cidery
Winterset
Enjoy the tastes and sounds of The Heartland at Winterset Cidery’s music nights. The magical outdoor music event in Iowa will take place on select nights through summer, with live music in the countryside, food trucks to indulge in and crisp apple cider to cheers to summer. Performances will feature music from country, rock and jazz artists. The experience is $5 per person, with kids 17 and under admitted for free. For more information, visit wintersetcidery.com.
Hinterland
Saint Charles
A seasonal tradition since 2015, Hinterland in Saint Charles will return from August 4 to August 6 with a star-studded music lineup featuring some of your favorite artists and local performers. The outdoor music event in Iowa will include performances from Bon Iver (August 4), Zach Bryan (August 5), Orville Peck (August 5), Maggie Rogers (August 6) and many more. To add an earthy experience to the festival, attendees can opt to camp on Hinterland grounds and immerse themselves in nature and the music community. General admission starts at $100 for one day or $250 for all three days. For those looking to camp, prices start at $50 for tent-style camping. For more information, visit hinterlandiowa.com.