Big Events Happening This April in Eastern Iowa [LIST]

Spring is here! April is going to be a VERY busy month here in Eastern Iowa. Here are some of the big events happening in our area... and beyond!

Carden International Circus Spectacular

• Alliant Energy PowerHouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
• Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
• "Don’t miss all the fun!! Come one hour before each showtime for all the pre-show activities that will entertain the entire family: from elephant and camel and horse rides, to the fun inflatables and amazing face painting, there’s something for everyone of all ages!!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Fall Out Boy Concert

• Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
• Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
• With special guests Jimmy Eat World, Hot Mulligan, and CARR
• Purchase tickets HERE

John Mellencamp Concert

• Des Moines Civic Center
• Friday, April 5th at 8 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

John Michael Montgomery Concert

• Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside
• Friday, April 5th at 8 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Breaking Benjamin Concerts

• Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
  • Friday, April 5th at 7 p.m.
• Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
  • Saturday, April 6th at 7 p.m.
• With special guests Daughtry and Catch My Breath

Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival

• Collins Road Theatres, Marion
• April 5th through 7th
• "Selected films compete for Gold and Silver Eddy Awards and Audience Choice and Iowa Connection Awards, as well as a $1000 Collins Road Theatres Scholarship. The Official Selections always represent a wide variety of features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, and experimental films at Student, ProAm and Professional levels."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Pork Tornadoes Concert

• Club 5 at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, April 6th at 8 p.m.
• With special guest Alisabeth Von Presley
• Purchase tickets HERE

Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival

• Waterloo Convention Center
• Saturday, April 6th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• "The Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival is the first and only event in Eastern Iowa to feature all Iowa foods, products, chefs, authors and agriculture-related products... attendees will enjoy a one-day celebration of food and beverage tasting, cooking and product demonstrations, live entertainment and more."
• Purchase tickets HERE

14th Annual Girls Getaway

• Downtown Muscatine
• Saturday, April 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• "Girls Getaway starts out with a delicious brunch & mimosa at the Merrill Hotel in their gorgeous grand ballroom! You'll receive a detailed list of specials for the day and a gift bag! Enjoy a fabulous style show by The HallTree Boutique and have a chance to win great door prizes from our favorite local businesses! After all of that excitement, head out for a day of shopping, dining & exploring Downtown Muscatine's many shops, restaurants, and attractions. 20+ participating businesses will have special deals and happenings for you to enjoy!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

Dinosaur Adventure

• Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids
• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, April 6th from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 7th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• "Dinosaur Adventure is a one-of-a-kind exhibit featuring realistic, life-sized dinosaurs that come alive with their life-like movement and roars. As part of the Dinosaur Adventure, children of all ages will enjoy a variety of activities: Jurassic scooters, themed obstacle courses, riding their favorite dinosaur, and more!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

DBQ Bridal Expo Spring 2024

• Five Flags Center, Dubuque
• Sunday, April 7th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (11 a.m. VIP Hour)
• "There are already over 100+ exhibitors, ranging from Attire (men's and women’s Formal wear & Casual wear, including shoes and accessories), Jewelry, Makeup/Hair, Planning/Coordination, Venues, Catering, Bakery/Desserts, Florists, Decor, Photography, Videography, Photo Booths, Dj's, Musicians, Hotels, Travel, Stationary, Favors & Gifts, Wineries/Breweries, Officiant's, Rentals, Salon & Spas, Transportation, Entertainment, Food Trucks and more!"
• General admission is free - get VIP tickets online HERE

Queensrÿche Concert

• Club 5 at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
• Sunday, April 7th at 8 p.m.
• With special guest Armored Saint
• Purchase tickets HERE

RoughRiders Hockey

• ImOn Ice Arena, Cedar Rapids
• Dates/Times
  • Sunday, April 7th at at 4:05 p.m.
  • Friday, April 12th at 7:05 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Kernels Baseball

• Veterans Memorial Stadium, Cedar Rapids
• Dates/Times
  • Tuesday, April 9th at 6:35 p.m. (Home Opener)
  • April 10th through 12th at 6:35 p.m.
  • April 13th & 14th at 1:05 p.m.
  • April 23rd through 26th at 6:35 p.m.
  • April 27th & 28th at 1:05 p.m.
  • April 30th at 6:35 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Shen Yun

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• April 10th & 11th at 7 p.m.
• "Art carries the very essence of a civilization, and can bring the brilliance and wisdom of a lost culture back to life. Shen Yun takes this as its mission—to revive the very best of China’s 5,000 years of civilization. It’s a monumental undertaking that pushes the boundaries of performing arts. Ancient art forms meet with innovative multimedia, all-original music, and masterful artistry. Diverse ethnic and folk traditions are beautifully evoked through dance alongside stirring legends and stories of ancient China."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Jordan Davis Concert

• Vibrant Arena, Moline
• Thursday, April 11th at 7 p.m.
• With special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Ashley Cooke
• Purchase tickets HERE

Lil Wayne Concert

• Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
• Thursday, April 11th at 7:30 p.m.
• With special guest Cordae
• Purchase tickets HERE

Cody Jinks Concert

• Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
• Thursday, April 11th at 7 p.m.
• With special guest Blackberry Smoke
• Purchase tickets HERE

2024 Linn County Fair Kickoff

• Lynn Dunn Memorial Building, Central City
• Friday, April 12th at 6:30 p.m.
• "Get ready to be amazed by the electrifying performance of Dueling Pianos! Watch as two pianists battle it out on the keys, playing your favorite tunes and taking your requests. It's a musical showdown you won't want to miss! Live and silent auctions will also take place. Enjoy an array of delectable appetizers served throughout the evening. From savory bites to tempting treats, there's something for everyone to savor. Quench your thirst with a variety of refreshing beverages available for purchase at our fully stocked bar."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention

• Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, April 12th from 2 p.m. to midnight
  • Saturday, April 13th from 11a.m. to midnight
  • Sunday, April 14th from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• "The 4th annual Middle the Map Tattoo Convention, held at the Iowa Event Center will feature three days of live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! We will have live music, live painters, live tattooing, and so much more! 200 of the nation's top tattoo artists will show off their talent."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Charlie Berens Comedy Shows

• Stephens Auditorium, Ames
  • Friday, April 12th at 8 p.m.
• Five Flags Center, Dubuque
  • Saturday, April 13th at 8 p.m.

Taste of Iowa

• Dan & Debbie's Creamery, Ely
• Saturday, April 13th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Come see why Iowa is so wonderful and sample products from across the state!"

Dubuque Psychic & Paranormal Expo

• Grand River Center, Dubuque
• Saturday, April 13th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• "Admission is $5 per day and that gets you in to see the 40+ vendors all types of merchandise, readings, treatments (such as reiki, reflexology, etc) and more!! Each vendor sets their own prices and there is something for everyone.
  
  Your $5 admission also gets you in to the presentations/speakers at no additional charge!! Past speaking topics included ghost hunters, gallery readings, crystals, angels, past lives, haunted locations, etc."

Annual Spring Clean Garage Sale Fundraiser

• Dogs Forever, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, April 13th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• "Come buy some of our overflow goodies with 100% of the proceeds coming back to the sweet pups at our shelter. Dog goodies from new and slightly used beds, kennels, crates, clothes, collars, leashes, harnesses, accessories, and more! Dogs Forever Merchandise from t-shirts, tanks, hats, and hoodies for humans of course."

Spring Craft Show

• The Gathering Place, Manchester
• Saturday, April 13th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top Concert

• Vibrant Arena, Moline
• Saturday, April 13th at 7 p.m.
• With special guest Black Stone Cherry
• Purchase tickets HERE

Monster Jam

• Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, April 13th at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 14th at 1 p.m.
• "Enjoy big-time family fun at Monster Jam®, where the world’s best drivers and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill. Witness massive stunts, big-air, backflips and fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship. You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching the world’s most popular trucks like Grave Digger®, Max-D™, Megalodon® and more push the limits in Freestyle, Skills and Racing competitions."
• Purchase tickets HERE

ZZ Top Concert

• Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake
• Tuesday, April 16th - doors open at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

AJR Concert

• Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
• Tuesday, April 16th at 7:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Kane Brown Concert

• Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
• Thursday, April 18th at 7 p.m.
• With special guests Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee
• Purchase tickets HERE

Mercy Auxiliary’s Spring Bazaar

• Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids
• Thursday, April 18th from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.
• Featuring 30+ vendors of handcrafted items

Jake Owen Concert

• Rhythm City Casino & Resort, Davenport
• Friday, April 19th at 8 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Spring Market

• 16679 116th Ave, Monticello
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, April 19th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 20th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bluey Breakfast

• Wilson Ave Hy-vee, Cedar Rapids & Coralville Hy-Vee
• Saturday, April 20th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• "Join us for a fun filled breakfast buffet featuring Bluey! Enjoy photo ops, coloring, temporary tattoos, balloon dog adoption, and so much more!"

Olin Spring Vendor Bazaar

• Hammers Hideaway, Olin
• Saturday, April 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Come Shop with some of your local small businesses. See what new items have been created and released. The bar will be open for your favorite food and drinks."

George Thorogood & The Destroyers Concert

• Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport
• Saturday, April 20th at 8 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

EcoFest 2024

• NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, April 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Enjoy live music, live raptor programs, create your own t-shirt (bring your own used shirt to print on) and visit with many eco-friendly vendors AND much more.
  NEW IN 2024: Check out the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium's Ocean Odyssey touch tank!"

Interactive 'The Princess Bride'

• Cedar Rapids Public Library
• Saturday, April 20th at 2 p.m.
• "Join us for a special showing of 'The Princess Bride' on the big screen with special interactive moments, call outs, and audience participation. Whether your first time or your five hundredth, you've never seen it quite like this."

Market Days

• Jackson County Fairgrounds, Makoqueta
• Dates/Times
  • Saturday, April 20th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 21st from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gladys Knight Concert

• Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
• Sunday, April 21st at 7:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Tri-State Raceway Car Show

• Tri-State Raceway, Earlville
• Sunday, April 21st from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring contests, free lunch, big wheel racing for kids, Delaware County emergency vehicles, and more
• Admission is free

Daniel Sloss Comedy Show

• Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
• Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Full Moon Hike

• Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids
• Tuesday, April 23rd from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• "Lace up your hiking shoes and venture out at dusk to join a small group of adventurers for a guided night hike. The ICNC prairie and woodland trails will be lit by the light of the full moon, but you’ll also want to bring a flashlight or headlamp, just in case of cloud cover. Encounters with wildlife are sure to occur! Hikers should dress for the weather. Children are welcome, including babies in carriers. (Strollers not recommended). Friendly dogs on leashes are also welcome."
• Pre-registration is required HERE

Cancelled Podcast Live

• Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
• Wednesday, April 24th at 7:30 p.m.
• "EXTRA! EXTRA! CANCELLED is hitting the stage LIVE! Get up close and personal for a discussion with your favorite co-host besties Tana Mongeau and Brooke Schofield in these unfiltered, uncut, interactive live shows!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

2024 Women Lead Change Conference

• DoubleTree by Hilton Convention Complex, Cedar Rapids
• April 24th & 25th
• "Ready. Set. Lead! at the 2024 Women Lead Change Conference: Cedar Rapids. A full 2 days of tactical leadership development, peer-to-peer networking, and more for women leaders and allies. Featuring keynote speakers Paula Faris, Christiana Smith Shi & Grace Puma, Brandi Spurling, Lauren Graham, Selena Rezvani, Ally Love, and James Clear."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Lewis Black Comedy Show

• Englert Theatre, Iowa City
• Thursday, April 25th at 7:30 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Zach Bryan Concert

• Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
• April 25th & 26th at 7 p.m.
• With special guests The Middle East and Levi Turner
• Purchase tickets HERE

Pianopalooza

• Club 5 at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse, Cedar Rapids
• Friday, April 26th at 7 p.m.
• "Dueling pianos have been captivating fans across the Midwest for as long as anyone can remember. Based out of Des Moines, Iowa these guys are well-known for their fun and entertaining performances. As talented musicians and vocalists, they engage the crowd and put on a show!"
• Purchase tickets HERE

The Marshall Tucker Band & Jefferson Starship Concert

• Val Air Ballroom, Des Moines
• Friday, April 26th at 7 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Gary Allan Concert

• Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
• Friday, April 26th at 8 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Marion Winter Market

• Marion American Legion Hall
• Saturday, April 27th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• "Discover a treasure trove of offers, including specialty foods, handcrafted and homemade goods and small business wares."

Cars and Coffee

• Junge Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha
• Saturday, April 27th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• "Grind Coffee Co. and Wich-Uh-Waffle food/beverage trucks will be in attendance.
  
  This event is open to all makes and models! Be sure to invite every car, coffee or waffle lover you may know."

Eastern Iowa Pet Expo

• Armed Forces Reserve Center, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, April 27th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• "Stop out and have some fun! Rescues will have animals for you meet. Vendors participating will have pet items, pet themed items for pet parents, direct sales, baked goods, food trucks, balloon artist and much much more! Event is $5 - pets allowed on leashes and with proper vaccinations."

Tay Tay Dance Party

• Club 5 at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, April 27th at 8 p.m.
• "This 2-hour (or longer as needed) themed dance party hosted by DJ SWIFTIE™ comes with a professional laser show crafted around everyone’s favorite Taylor songs! This show is Taylor-made for the ultimate fans. Surrounded by friends and Swifties, you’ll dance the night away singing along to every song."
• Purchase tickets HERE

Lonestar Concert

• Rhythm City Casino, Davenport
• Saturday, April 27th at 8 p.m.
• Purchase tickets HERE

Anamosa Chamber Spring Craft and Vendor Expo

• Lawrence Community Center, Anamosa
• Saturday, April 27th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Simply Made Market

• Bella Sala Event Center, Tiffin
• Sunday, April 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring over 40 local vendors, live music, food trucks, and more