Established 2001 | Always free!
It’s the first full week of classes for most schools and universities throughout the state. What better way to celebrate the return of busy work week schedules than to dive into the semester’s first Weekender proper? Thursday evening, Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City is throwing a free fall welcome concert with Cory Wong, Dawes and Reyna Tropical. The following day, at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, the Des Moines Symphony is hosting their own free performance with Movin’ Out Broadway star Michael Cavanaugh. At the Raccoon Motel in Davenport, frequent viral TikTok star Carter Vail (and creator of such gems as this ode to the dirtman) gets serious on his tour stop supporting his latest LP 100 Cowboys. Check out the rest of the weekender for more music and details on an anniversary celebration at The ARTery in Rock Island.
The Weekender is sponsored by:
COMING UP
Fall Welcome Concert
Iowa City | Hancher | Thurs, August 29, 5 p.m.
Hancher welcomes everyone back with a free music festival-style event on our front lawn!
Big Begonias at The Black Angel
Iowa City | The Black Angel | Sat, August 31, 9 p.m.
Come hear Big Begonias play music from their new record, “In Bloom.”
Tommy James & The Shondells
Clear Lake | Surf Ballroom | Fri, August 30, 8 p.m.
Come see the classic rock band behind hits like “Hanky Panky” and “Crimson and Clover” at the famous Surf Ballroom venue.
William Elliott Whitmore with guests The Goldenrods
Swisher | Cedar Ridge Distillery | Sun, September 1, 5 p.m.
The roots-folk musician William Elliott Whitmore plays this all ages show over Labor Day weekend.
The Des Moines Symphony’s Water Works Pops
Des Moines | Water Works Park | Sat, August 31, 7:30 p.m.
Bring your picnics and blankets and join the Symphony for free, family-friendly performances at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park!
Iowa Craft Beer Bash 2024
Amana | Millstream Brewing Co. | Sun, September 1, 12 p.m.
Unlimited beer tastings from 50 of Iowa’s best breweries, cideries & more. With live music by BigFoot Park.
Carter Vail
Davenport | Raccoon Motel | Sat, August 31, 3:30 p.m.
Chances are you’ve seen at least one viral Carter Vail TikTok. The musician visits Davenport on his 100 Cowboys album tour.
The ARTery Anniversary
Rock Island | The ARTery | Fri, Aug 30, 6 p.m.
The ARTery celebrates one year at their new ARTery location. There will be live music, food and closing reception for “Fiction Book Covers For Animal Authors”.
Half Gassed and Friends
Maquoketa | The Green | Fri, August 29, 6 p.m.
Come chill out in the green grass with your friends and your families — and see local favorites Half Gassed & Friends.
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