Festivals, Markets, & Concerts - May 2024 Eastern Iowa Events

May is going to be a VERY busy month! Here are some of the big events happening in Eastern Iowa and beyond:

NAIA Men’s Volleyball National Championships

Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
April 30th through May 4th
"The 12 team tournament will include three days of pool play, with the top team in each pool advancing to Friday's semifinal matches. The National Championship final will be played on Saturday, May 4th."
Purchase tickets HERE

Kernels Baseball

Veterans Memorial Stadium, Cedar Rapids
Dates/Times
- May 1st through 4th at 6:35 p.m.
- May 5th at 1:05 p.m.
- May 14th at 6:35 p.m.
- May 15th at 12:05 p.m.
- May 16th through 18th at 6:35 p.m.
- May 19th at 1:05 p.m.
- May 28th at 6:35 p.m.
- May 29th at 12:05 p.m.
- May 30th & 31st at 6:35 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

What Cheer Flea Market

Keokuk County Fairgrounds, What Cheer
May 2nd through 5th
$6 admission on Thursday and $4 admission on Friday & Saturday

Tulip Time

Pella, Iowa
May 2nd through 4th
"Pella is beautiful and unique all year long, but at Tulip Time it comes alive with tulips, Dutch attire, food, fun, and more. Thousands of residents wear Dutch attire and celebrate our Dutch heritage. Three days each spring, Pella is bursting with color and excitement for Pella residents and visitors alike!"
Purchase tickets HERE

Huge Flea Market

The Pickin Place, Manchester
May 2nd through 5th
Admission is free

Freedom FEASTival

Greene Square Park, Cedar Rapids
Friday, May 3rd from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
"...attendees will explore a celebration of local culinary delights from food trucks and community vendors"
Admission is free

Megan Moroney Concert

Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
Friday, May 3rd at 7:30 p.m.
With special guest Logan Crosby
Purchase tickets HERE

Vintage Torque Fest

Dubuque County Fairgrounds, Dubuque
May 3rd & 4th
"This is a vintage lifestyle event. The purpose is to raise money for kids with congenital heart defects. Join us for THE kick off event of the season with good music, swap meet, mini bike races, vintage cycle exhibition, dirt drag racing, demo derby action, vendors from around the country, camping, good food, and lots of classic cars & motorcycles."
Register online HERE

Orchestra Iowa Presents: E.T. - The Extraterrestrial

Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
May 3rd & 4th at 7:30 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

Iowa Pop Art Festival

NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
Saturday, May 4th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"NewBo City Market will be covered with booths from the state’s greatest creative minds and will feature ALL DAY FREE LIVE MUSIC"

Farm Life Festival

R7 Barn, Grandview
Saturday, May 4th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Barn shopping, handmade, unique and vintage vendors! Live music, delicious food and drinks for sipping!"
Admission is $5

2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Taco and Margarita Festival

Downtown East Moline
Saturday, May 4th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Featuring 100+ vendors, food, margarita flights, live music, a dance competition, a kids' zone, and more
Admission is free

Monster Jam

Vibrant Arena, Moline
Saturday, May 4th at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
"TRUCK LINEUP: Grave Digger® driven by Matt Cody; Megalodon® driven by Ashley Sanford; Jurassic Attack driven by Dalton Widner; Monster Mutt® Rottweiler driven by Berto Treviño; ThunderROARusä driven by Tony Ochs; Earth Shaker® driven by Joe Urie; Velociraptor driven by Devin Winfield"
Purchase tickets HERE

Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival

Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines
Saturday, May 4th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (11 a.m. early admission)
"Immerse yourself in a bacon lover's paradise, celebrating the crispy, savory delight that knows no bounds. Engage in the lively atmosphere with live music, bacony foods, and quirky activities."
Ages 21+
Purchase tickets HERE

Spring Fest

Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
May 4th through 27th - Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featuring baby animals, lilac fields, kids' activities, food & drinks, games, a farm market, and more
Purchase tickets HERE

Chalk the Walk

Downtown Mount Vernon
May 4th & 5th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"Iowa’s first and largest Madonnari Festival presents the work of more than 200 artists using the Main Street as the canvas. The festival draws thousands of on lookers and artists, who have the ability to participate in the large community mural"

Maifest

Amana Colonies
May 4th & 5th
"May means Maifest in the Amana Colonies and you’ll find the villages are ready for the summer with flowers and Maipoles. It’s the German tradition of celebrating spring and we carry that tradition on in Amana today by celebrating a variety of cultures!"

Spring Fest

Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
Saturdays & Sundays from May 4th through May 27th (plus Memorial Day) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featuring baby animals, lilac fields, farm attractions, food, drinks, photo ops, games, and more
Purchase tickets HERE

Whiskey Myers Concert

Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
Sunday, May 5th at 6:30 p.m.
With special guest Lukas Nelson + POTR and Reid Haughton
Purchase tickets HERE

Whose Live Anyway?

Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
Sunday, May 5th at 7:30 p.m.
Featuring Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, Ryan Stiles, and Joel Murray
Purchase tickets HERE

Dustin Lynch Concert

McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
Thursday, May 9th at 8 p.m.
With special guest Skeez
Purchase tickets HERE

Mac & Cheese Fest Dubuque

Grand River Conference Center, Dubuque
Thursday, May 9th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"Foodies and craft beer lovers unite to taste more than 20 varieties of mac & cheese paired with over 50 craft beers. LIVE MUSIC by Boogie Monster Funk!"
Purchase tickets HERE

Millwork Night Market

7th - 9th on Jackson St, Dubuque
Thursday, May 9th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"Fresh local foods, original artists, live entertainment, and craft beer courtesy of our friends the Dubuque Jaycees."

Rock the Block

NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
Dates/Bands
- May 10th - Surf Zombies
- May 17th - Crazy Delicious
- May 24th - Gold Revere
- May 31st - Alicia Monee
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"Rock the Block is free, and open to the public on a first-come-first-served basis. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and find a space to sit and enjoy the concert!"
No outside food or beverages

Katt Williams Comedy Show

Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Friday, May 10th at 8 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

Cake Concerts

McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
- Friday, May 10th at 8 p.m.
Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, Des Moines
- Saturday, May 11th at 8 p.m.

Cedar Rapids River Kings Football

Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
Dates/Times
- Friday, May 10th at 7:35 p.m.
- Saturday, May 18th at 6:35 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

Vintage Market Days of Eastern Iowa

Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids
May 10th through 12th
"Gorgeous vintage pieces + hand crafted goods + architectural salvage + repurposed finds + local eats and treats = an event you won't soon forget"
Purchase tickets HERE

20th Annual Benz Beer Fest

Benz Beverage Depot, Cedar Rapids
Saturday, May 11th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (VIP hour at 1 p.m.)
"Sample unlimited craft beverages from local Iowa craft vendors."
Purchase tickets HERE

Llama Story Time & Encounter

Greene Square Park, Cedar Rapids
Saturday, May 11th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
"Join us for an afternoon filled with llama joy! A short story time begins at 1 pm, followed by photo opportunities and fun interactions with two llamas from Prairie Patch Farm. All ages welcome!"

Beaux Arts Fair

Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport
Dates/Times
- Saturday, May 11th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 12th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Held at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, this art fair sprawls throughout a spacious area that accommodates 100 booths, plenty of free parking, music, food, and daily crowds of 8,000."
Admission is free

Disturbed Concert (rescheduled from 1/25)

Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Tuesday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m.
With special guests Falling in Reverse and Plush
Purchase tickets HERE

Cody Johnson Concert

Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Friday, May 17th at 7:30 p.m.
With special guests Justin Moore and Drake Milligan
Purchase tickets HERE

Howie Mandel Comedy Show (Rescheduled Date)

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside
Friday, May 17th at 8 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

2024 Downtown Summer Shop Crawl

Downtown Iowa City
Friday, May 17th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"Sip and shop your way through Iowa City and enjoy the leisurely evening with friends, family, or your own company! This shopping experience makes for the perfect time to visit your favorite stores and discover new ones along the way (while also imbibing in specialty cocktails)."
Purchase tickets HERE

Houby Days

Czech Village, Cedar Rapids
Dates/Times
- Friday, May 17th from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 18th from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, May 19th from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Featuring live music, a parade, food, vendors, contests, a beer garden, games, and more

Marion Kite Festival

Lowe Park, Marion
Saturday, May 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Great American Kites specializes in jaw-dropping giant kite displays that will leave you in awe. With over 15 years of experience, Great American Kites brings a wealth of expertise to create a visual spectacle like no other. This come-and-go event promises lasting memories for attendees of all ages. Bring the whole family for a day of wonder!"
Admission is free

Marion Arts Festival

Uptown Marion
Saturday, May 18th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"One day. Fifty artists. Exceptional art. For over 30 years!"

Nate Bargatze Comedy Show

Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Saturday, May 18th at 7 p.m.
Purchase tickets HERE

Chicago Concerts

Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
- Saturday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Adler Theatre, Davenport
- Tuesday, May 28th at 7:30 p.m.

Taylor Swift Ball

Ideal Theater & Bar, Cedar Rapids
Saturday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Featuring a limo shuttle, professional photos, a Taylor Swift-themed mocktail/cocktail menu, trivia, an "Eras" fashion contest, and Taylor Swift karaoke
All ages event
Purchase tickets HERE

Coralville Asian Festival

ST Morrison Park, Coralville
Saturday, May 18th from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"Join us for a free, fun, and friendly celebration of Asian culture. Enjoy delicious cuisines from Asia, entertainment including folding origami, karaoke, fashion show and traditional dances."

Alabama Concert

Vibrant Arena, Moline
Sunday, May 19th at 7 p.m.
With special guest the Bellamy Brothers
Purchase tickets HERE

Hiawatha Cars & Coffee

Cedar Graphics, Hiawatha
Sunday, May 19th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
"The first event of the season, bring your favorite car and bring the family! Come and go as you please. Expect around 200 to 300 cars. All cars are welcome, old and new. Coffee and food available for purchase."

Cocktail Classic 2024: Garden Party

NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
Tuesday, May 21st from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
"Ticket holders will enjoy 10 craft cocktail samples from local bartenders, the option to dine at any of our NewBo City Market vendors, a beautiful garden themed cupcake from Anh's Bread Therapy, plus popcorn from Almost Famous! A limited number of tickets are available."
Purchase tickets HERE

Good Makers Market

Cedar County Fairgrounds, Tipton
Dates/Times
- Friday, May 24th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 25th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Voted one of the must see markets in the Midwest by Midwest Living Magazine! 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

George Strait Concert

Jack Trice Stadium, Ames
Saturday, May 25th at 5:45 p.m.
With special guests Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town
Purchase tickets HERE

Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market

Downtown Cedar Rapids
Saturday, May 25th from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Odd Mama's First Outdoor Market

1216 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
Saturday, May 25th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"We are expecting to have around 90 vendors, live music, and local food trucks. We are planning to do these events once a month through October Vintage items from handmade crafts, toys, antiques, glass, baked goods, clothing, candy, jewelry, and so much more!"

Avenue of Flags

Cedar Memorial, Cedar Rapids
May 25th through 27th
"We are proud to invite you to our Memorial Day Avenue of Flags. More than 1,500 American flags—each donated by veterans' families —line the avenues from Saturday morning through Monday evening to honor our veterans and all those who serve in the military. "

32nd Annual Iowa Renaissance Festival & Gathering o’ Celts

Amana Soccer Fields
May 25th through 27th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"The Iowa Renaissance Festival celebrates 32 YEARS of family fun in 2024! Come experience three weekends of live entertainment featuring comedy, swordplay, music, magic, and even horseback jousting. Explore a marketplace full of unique merchandise from around the land. Enjoy tasty treats and drinks in the royal food court (including adult libations like honey mead). The village awaits your visit!"
Purchase tickets HERE

Riley Green Concert

Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
Friday, May 31st at 6 p.m.
With special guest Ella Langley
Purchase tickets HERE

The Spring Market at White Barns

Fayette County Fairgrounds, West Union
Dates/Times
- Friday, May 31st from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, June 1st from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Sip & shop your way through the grounds & seven buildings full of the very best selection of curated vendors, including trending home decor, yard art, handmade artisan goods, vintage, boutique clothing, angel readings, flowers, art, jewelry & antiques! Sample delicious food, wine, cocktails & sweet treats, and relax while listening to live music…"
Admission is $5 - ages 5 and under are free

St. Joseph Fun Days

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion
Dates/Times
- Friday, May 31st from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, June 1st from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, June 2nd from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Featuring a $20,000 raffle, bingo, silent auction, live music, carnival rides, games, a hog roast, a beverage tent, and more
Admission is free