February doesn't have to be a boring month! Here are some of the big events and activities happening across Eastern Iowa and beyond:

*Looking for Valentine's/Galentine's Day events in the Corridor? Click HERE!*

Kids Dream Family Film Series

  • Marcus Theatres (Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City)
  • January 24th through March 16th
    • Trolls Band Together: January 31st - February 2nd
    • IF: February 7th - 9th
    • Despicable Me 4: February 14th - 17th
    • Hitpig! - February 21st - 23rd
    • Abominable: February 28th - March 2nd
    • Transformers One: March 7th - 9th
    • Smallfoot: March 14th - 16th
  • $3 tickets, $3.50 sodas, $3.50 popcorn, and $3 hot dogs
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Shucked

  • Des Moines Civic Center
  • January 28th through February 2nd
  • Tony Award®–winning musical comedy
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Dubuque Auto Show

  • Grand River Center, Dubuque
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, January 31st from10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Saturday, February 1st from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday, February 2nd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Your favorite local dealers will be attending this 3-day event with various new makes and models for customers to explore."
  • Admission is free

RoughRiders Hockey

  • ImOn Ice Arena, Cedar Rapids
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, January 31st at 7:05 p.m.
    • Saturday, February 1st at 7:05 p.m.
    • February 14th & 15th at 7:05 p.m.
    • Friday, February 21st at 7:05 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Heartlanders Hockey

  • Xtream Arena, Coralville
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, January 31st at 7 p.m.
    • Saturday, February 1st at 6 p.m.
    • Sunday, February 2nd at 3 p.m.
    • Wednesday, February 12th at 7 p.m.
    • Friday, February 14th at 7 p.m.
    • Saturday, February 15th at 6 p.m.
    • Wednesday, February 19th at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Made In Iowa Winter Market

  • Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, February 1st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Featuring 150+ vendors
  • Admission and parking are free

Bulls, Bands, & Barrels

  • Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, February 1st at 6:30 p.m.
  • "We will have some of the rankest bulls and bull riders in the country as well as some of the fastest equine to ever go around a 3 barrel pattern PLUS freestyle bullfighting!! Following the bulls & barrels we will have a LIVE CONCERT featuring TREATY OAK REVIVAL with KOLBY COOPER to finish the night off with a bang! This will be the ONE event you don't want to miss!!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Extreme Enduro

  • The Hippodrome, Waterloo
  • Saturday, February 1st from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • "Watch the best racers in the midwest battle bar to bar for Extreme Enduro supremacy or bring your bike and join in on the action!!"
  • Admission is $20 for ages 13+, $15 for ages 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and under

Menopause the Musical 2

  • Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls
  • Saturday, February 1st at 2 p.m.
  • "Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship — plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses! Join us on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Daddy-Daughter Events

  • Daddy, Daughter, & Heroes Date Night
    • Johnson Ave Hy-Vee, Cedar Rapids
    • Saturday, February 1st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • "We will have a flower for each daughter, photo opportunities, and fun activities to create a memorable experience for you and your little gal!"
    • Buffett is $5 for ages 12 and under and $15 for ages 13+
  • Daddy Daughter Dance
    • Dubuque Community YMCA, Dubuque
    • Friday, February 7th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • "Join us for our annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, February 7, 2025! This year's theme is HOLLYWOOD. Join us on the red carpet for a memorable night! Party includes a meal, desserts, crafts, photo booth & dancing! The event is designed for children ages 3-12 and an important person in their life."
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Queen's Ball
    • Jones County Fairgrounds, Monticello
    • Saturday, February 8th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • "Join us for the first-ever Queen's Ball, an immersive experience featuring dinner, music, dancing, crafts, and shimmering hair tinsel! Enjoy a night of elegance as you dress up, dance, giggle, and create cherished memories with your dad. Every girl is a queen in her own right, and this is your chance to shine!"
    • Purchase tickets HERE
  • Father-Daughter Dance 2025
    • Lawrence Community Center, Anamosa
    • Friday, February 21st from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Purchase tickets HERE

Grand Shanghai Circus

  • Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls
  • Sunday, February 2nd at 2 p.m.
  • "The astonishing athletes of Grand Shanghai Circus defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in this spellbinding show. These fearless performers bring to the stage more than two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions with spectacular flair to be enjoyed by all ages."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Freeze Fest

  • Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, Iowa City
  • Sunday, February 2nd from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Freeze Fest is a fun, family friendly exploration for all ages. There will be indoor and outdoor activities including games, winter hiking, survival skills, crafts, birdwatching, and snowshoeing (weather permitting). All children must be accompanied by an adult."

WinterFest

  • Iowa River Landing, Coralville
  • Sunday, February 2nd from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, a scavenger hunt, a s’mores station, crafts, winter sports, and more

Iowa Ag Expo

  • Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
  • Dates/Times
    • Tuesday, February 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Wednesday, February 5th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Thursday, February 6th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Spanning 7.25 acres, the Iowa Ag Expo is the third largest indoor ag show in the United States, hosting nearly 700 exhibitors across 3 buildings of the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. These companies come from around the world to display the best ag has to offer, from big iron, precision ag, and livestock production to autonomous equipment, electric vehicles, robotics, artificial intelligence solutions—and more!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Zach Top Concert

  • Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines
  • Thursday, February 6th at 8 p.m.
  • With special guest Cole Goodwin
  • Purchase tickets HERE

IGHSAU State Wrestling Tournament

  • Xtream Arena, Coralville
  • February 6th & 7th
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Luminary Walk

  • Wickiup Hill Learning Center, Toddville
  • Friday, February 7th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • "Enjoy a campfire and walk the illuminated trail as we celebrate the beauty of winter. Stop by for the family-friendly self-guided walk along the trail lit with luminaries and lights. Bring your own marshmallows or s’mores supplies if you’d like."

Friday Flix at the Market

  • NewBo City Market
  • Fridays at 6 p.m.
    • February 7th: Space Jam: A New Legacy
    • February 14th: Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
    • February 21st: The Emperor's New Groove
    • February 28th: Smart House
  • "Be sure to bring a cozy blanket to sit on, treat yourself to delicious snacks from Market Shopkeepers, and quench your thirst with drinks from NewBo Beer & Wine. Every movie screening starts at 6pm—don't miss out on the free-to-attend fun!"

Jersey Boys

  • Theatre Cedar Rapids
  • Shows on select dates from February 7th through March 2nd
  • "...Jersey Boys takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

34rd Annual Chili Cook-Off

  • Metro Harley-Davidson Suzuki Can-Am, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, February 8th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • "Enter your homemade chili from 9-11am, judging starts at 11, and all-you-can-eat chili for $5.00 starts at noon until it's gone. Every person who enters a chili will receive a $10.00 Metro gift card. We will have a bake sale as well as a 50/50 raffle!"

Pork Tornadoes Concert

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, February 8th at 8 p.m.
  • With special guest Super Size Seven
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Ian Munsick Concert

  • Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake
  • Saturday, February 8th at 8:45 p.m.
  • With special guest Colby Acuff
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Cat Cafe

  • Downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library
  • Saturday, February 8th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • "Looking for your next feline friend or just need a kitty fix? Come meet adoptable cats and kittens and enjoy treats and fun activities."

Cedar Rapids Comic & Toy Show

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, February 8th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • "Join us for a day of geeky goodness! This is THE pop culture celebration for Eastern Iowa! Vendors, artists, and authors from 5 states selling comics, toys, posters, books, anime, video games, art, cards, as well as special guests. Video game tournaments, cosplay contest, and panel discussions."
  • Tickets are available at the door

'daBluesapalooza 2025

  • The Olympic South Side Theater, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, February 8th at 6 p.m.
  • "All-Star jam with the top Blues and R&B musicians from Cedar Rapids and Iowa City"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Chocolate on Main

  • Main Street, Monticello
  • Saturday, February 8th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • "Explore participating stores on Main Street and unwrap one-of-a-kind chocolate treats at each stop. Cast your vote for the 'Best Chocoholic' and help crown the most creative use of chocolate."

Winter Play Day

  • Happy Hollow Park, Iowa City
  • Saturday, February 8th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Sledding, snowshoeing, snowballs, and more! Bring your own sled to Happy Hollow Park and enjoy an afternoon playing in the snow. Parks and Rec staff will be on hand, and hot chocolate will be provided."

Full Moon Night Hike

  • Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids
  • Monday, February 10th from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • "Lace up your snow boots 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. Night hikers will explore some of our favorite spots on the property. Encounters with wildlife are sure to occur! Hikers should dress for the weather and wear snow boots."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Pretty Woman: The Musical

  • Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Wednesday, February 12th at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Dancing With The Stars Live

  • Stephens Auditorium, Ames
  • Thursday, February 13th at 7:30 p.m.
  • "...starring your favorite pros Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Gleb Savchenko, Pasha Pashkov, Rylee Arnold and special guests to be announced!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Cirque Du Soleil - Crystal

  • Vibrant Arena, Moline
  • February 13th through 16th
  • "With seven jaw-dropping traditional circus acts all thrillingly adapted for Cirque du Soleil’s first foray into a brand new creative territory – the ice – CRYSTAL takes audiences on an unforgettable journey into the vivid and whimsical world of imagination."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Des Moines Home + Garden Show

  • Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
  • Dates/Times
    • Thursday, February 13th from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Friday, February 14th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Saturday, February 15th from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Sunday, February 16th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Featuring 400+ booths
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Flatland Cavalry Concerts

Collective Soul Concert

  • Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside
  • Friday, February 14th at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Parmalee Concert

  • Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines
  • Friday, February 14th at 7:30 p.m.
  • With special guest Avery Anna
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Luminary Night Hike

  • F.W. Kent Park, Oxford
  • Friday, February 14th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • "Experience hiking under starlight on this one-mile hike. This self-guided hike will be lit by luminaries to help direct hikers along the way."

Battle for the Bluff Rodeo

  • Five Flags Center, Dubuque
  • February 14th & 15th at 7 p.m.
  • "Watch elite competitors in bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, and more. This family-friendly event features local food, entertainment, and the thrill of professional rodeo."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

30th Winter Blues Fest

  • Des Moines Marriott Downtown
  • February 14th & 15th
  • Featuring 20 blues acts
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Shiver on the River 2025

  • Captain Roy's, Des Moines
  • Saturday, February 15th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • "Des Moines’ hottest party has the coldest temperatures imaginable. Join your fellow village idiots for Shiver on the River, the premier event for pointless jackassery and top fuel feats of trivial competitions. Compete in winter games—each one more insignificant than the last—, enjoy food and drink and stay cool!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Comedian George Lopez

  • Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport
  • Saturday, February 15th at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Midnight Market: Vendor Fair

  • The Midnight Gem, Swisher
  • Saturday, February 15th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Featuring clothing, accessories, home items/decor, food, drinks, live music, and more
  • General admission is $7 (5 and under are free) - purchase tickets HERE

4th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash

  • The Olympic South Side Theater, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, February 15th at 6 p.m.
  • "This jam-packed night will feature electrifying live performances from Reggae Rapids, The Wontu Trees, Iyah Wise with No Voodoo Here, & DJ S. Ranx with Top Ranx Sound System."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Iowa City Restaurant Week

  • Participating Johnson County Restaurants
  • February 15th through 24th
  • "Restaurant Week is a week long celebration of the culinary scene in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty and surrounding areas. Participating restaurants offer guests a Prix-Fixe menu for lunch, dinner, or both! We hope that you’ll find your new favorite restaurant or dish during Restaurant Week and encourage you to visit as many restaurants as you can!"

DRUMLine Live

  • Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls
    • Sunday, February 16th at 7 p.m.
  • Five Flags Center, Dubuque
    • Wednesday, February 19th at 7 p.m.
  • "DRUMLine Live, the show stopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies, 'Drumline' and 'Drumline: A New Beat,' embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience. With its riveting rhythms, bold beats, and ear grabbing energy, DRUMLine Live is a high octane musical roller coaster ride that is guaranteed to touch every emotion in your body."

X Marks the Arts: Free Week

  • Downtown Iowa City
  • February 18th through 22nd
  • "From live music and theater to comedy and interactive art workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Venues across downtown will open their doors to offer an exciting lineup of free programming, featuring local and regional artists and performers. Explore iconic music venues, experience live theater and stand-up comedy, and engage with visual and creative arts workshops—all free of charge."

PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure

  • Vibrant Arena, Moline
  • February 18th & 19th at 6 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament

  • Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
  • February 19th through 22nd

Fork & Knife Feast

  • Epic Event Center, Marion
  • Thursday, February 20th from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • "Fork & Knife Feast will feature all participating Restaurant Week 2025 restaurants, who will sample culinary concoctions and preview items that may be part of their special Restaurant Week menus. Ticket price includes food and beverage samples from participating restaurants and a drink ticket."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

2025 Martini Shake Off

  • RiverCenter, Davenport
  • Thursday, February 20th from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • "You will spend an evening sipping on our area's best martini samples while supporting a great cause! The 2025 Martini Shake Off™ will feature delicious appetizers, incredible silent auction items and music by Afternoon Delight!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week

  • 20 Cedar Rapids Area Restaurants
  • February 21st through March 2nd
  • Visit participating restaurants for new menu items and specials

Parker McCollum Concert

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, February 22nd at 7:30 p.m.
  • With special guests Kameron Marlowe and Laci Kaye Booth
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Dubuque On Ice Brewfest

  • Five Flags Center, Dubuque
  • Saturday, February 22nd from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (VIP hour at 12 p.m.)
  • "...enjoy samples of craft beer, liquor, wine, and local coffee from over 60 vendors."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Soup-port Local

  • Downtown Waterloo
  • Saturday, February 22nd from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Mark your calendar and join us for a heartwarming (and tummy-warming) adventure. Sample a variety of delicious soups crafted by our locally owned eateries, and help crown the winner of the coveted Golden Ladle Award!"

Eastern Iowa Wedding Show

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Convention Complex, Cedar Rapids
  • Sunday, February 23rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • General admission is free after 1 p.m. - purchase early entry or VIP tickets HERE

Lee Brice Acoustic Concert

  • Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
  • Thursday, February 27th at 7:30 p.m.
  • With special guest Lewis Brice
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Waterloo Bull Riding Challenge

  • The Hippodrome, Waterloo
  • February 28th & March 1st at 7 p.m.
  • Featuring trick riding cowgirls, bull riding, and more
  • Purchase tickets HERE

The Most Beloved Dives Bars in Eastern Iowa

According to an MSN article from Finance Buzz, the best dive bar in Iowa is Carl's Place in Des Moines! What are some of the best dives bars in Eastern Iowa? Here are some of the suggestions from a 2023 article by the Iowa Starting Line:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

More From 94.1 KRNA