May 2025 – Eastern Iowa’s Festivals, Concerts, Markets, & More [LIST]

May 2025 – Eastern Iowa’s Festivals, Concerts, Markets, & More [LIST]

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May is going to be a VERY busy month in Iowa! Here are some of the big events and activities coming up in Eastern Iowa and beyond in May of 2025:

On the hunt for Eastern Iowa Farmers Markets? Click HERE!

Iowa Tulip Festival

  • Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
  • April 24th through mid-May
  • "Tulips are coming to Bloomsbury for the first time ever this spring! Immerse yourself in stunning, colorful fields of tulips, snap memorable photos, and meet adorable baby animals!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Tulip Time

  • Pella, Iowa
  • May 1st through 3rd
  • Featuring 300,000+ tulips, parades, street vendors, Dutch dinners, historical tours, live entertainment, a quilt show, a craft market, and more
  • Admission is free, but some activities require a ticket

What Cheer Flea Market

  • Keokuk County Fairgrounds, What Cheer
  • May 1st through 4th
  • "We will have over 425 vendors taking up 750 spaces over 20 acres!! We have vendors from 12 states!"
  • Admission is $6 on Thursday and $4 Friday & Saturday - ages 12 and under are free

Freedom FEASTival

  • Greene Square Park, Downtown Cedar Rapids
  • Friday, May 2nd from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • "Come out and try some of the best local food trucks & vendors, jam out to live tunes all day long! And don’t miss the high-energy, fun-filled performance by Iowa National Guard’s 34th Army Band 42 Romeo from 5 PM - 7 PM!"
  • Admission is free

WWE Friday Night Smackdown

  • Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
  • Friday, May 2nd at 6:30 p.m.
  • Featuring Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, LA Knight, Kevin Owens, Damian Priest, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, Solo Sikoa, Charlotte Flair, Jacob Fatu, and more
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Jurassic Quest

  • Xtream Arena, Coralville
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, May 2nd at 12 p.m.
    • Saturday, May 3rd at 9 a.m.
    • Sunday, May 4th at 9 a.m.
  • Featuring true-to-detail & size dinosaurs, an interactive Baby Dinosaur Show & Raptor Training Experience, dinosaur rides, bounce houses, fossil digs, crafts, and more
  • Purchase tickets HERE

UFC Fight Night

  • Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
  • Saturday, May 3rd at 6 p.m.
  • "A former flyweight champion looking for his fourth win since moving to 135 pounds, Deiveson Figueiredo is chasing a historic second divisional title, but to move closer to that goal, he'll have to get by Cory Sandhagen, a fellow top-five contender who owns wins over Frankie Edgar, Marlon Vera, and Rob Font."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

The Sandlot Experience

  • Des Moines Civic Center
  • Saturday, May 3rd at 3 p.m.
  • Featuring a movie screening and a Q&A session with the cast
  • Cast lineup includes Tom Guiry, Chauncey Leopardi, Marty York, Shane Obedzinski, Brandon Quintin, Victor DiMattia, and Grant Gelt
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Cinco De Mayo Party

  • Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport
  • Saturday, May 3rd from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Featuring a fun run, live music, a jalapeno eating contest, inflatables, food vendors, magic, balloon animals, and more
  • Admission is free

UI Day of Play

  • Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, Iowa City
  • Saturday, May 3rd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • "This free event, for children ages 5+, will offer a variety of adaptive recreation and inclusive play activities. Spend the morning visiting activity stations, learning new games and new ways to play old favorites."

Odd Mama's Indoor Market

  • Veteran's Memorial Building, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, May 3rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Featuring 50+ vendors and food
  • Admission is $3 - ages 12 and under are free with a paid adult

Made in Iowa Mother's Day Market

  • Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, May 3rd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Featuring 150 vendors
  • Admission is $5 for ages 13+ - purchase them online HERE

Spring Linn County Fair UTV Ride

  • Linn County Fairgrounds, Central City
  • Saturday, May 3rd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spring Craft Show

  • Downtown Washington
  • Saturday, May 3rd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Featuring 100 vendors and 10 food trucks

PLAYing in the Park Festival

  • North Ridge Park, Coralville
  • Saturday, May 3rd at 12 p.m.
  • "Get ready to dance, play, and read at this one-of-a-kind music festival! Families can stroll through the brand-new Book Walk, dance along to live performances and take part in hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and exploration. With nature all around and plenty of space to run, climb, and play, this festival is the perfect way to kick off a summer of fun!"
  • Event is free

Waverly’s Art Walk

  • Kohlmann Park, Waverly
  • Saturday, May 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "Over 30 Midwest artists will showcase and sell their creations, including ceramics, paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and more! Enjoy food vendors, kids’ activities, and live music throughout the day."
  • Admission is free

Chalk the Walk

  • 1st Street, Mount Vernon
  • May 3rd & 4th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • "The committee has chosen Henri Matisse’s 'Woman in a Purple Coat' as its large community piece this year. For a $10 donation to the festival, any interested festival participant will be given a set of chalk sticks to create a single 2’ by 2’ square of a portion of this giant 40’ x 80’ Matisse image. When finished, a re-creation of the artwork will appear on Mount Vernon’s historic 1st Street created by dozens of artists of all ages and abilities. This year’s event also will feature the work of up to 166 artists creating original art in 8’ by 10’ rectangles chalked directly onto Mount Vernon’s historic 1st Street."

Maifest

  • Amana Colonies
  • May 3rd & 4th
  • Featuring Maipole Dancers, a parade, live music, a food truck fair, a wine & beer walk, kids' activities, shopping, and more

Comedian Steve Trevino

Tiffin Emergency Responders' Pancake Breakfast

  • Tiffin Fire Station
  • Sunday, May 4th from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Serving pancakes, hash browns, cinnamon rolls, and sausage
  • Free-will donations accepted

Hike and Pint

  • Mt. Trashmore, Cedar Rapids
  • Sunday, May 4th at 12 p.m.
  • "Join us for an afternoon of scaling Mt. Trashmore in Cedar Rapids! To celebrate our successful climb, we’re headed to Lion Bridge for a couple of beers.
    We will meet outside the Recreation building at noon and then we’ll start our ascent!"
  • Event is free

& Juliet

  • Des Moines Civic Center
  • May 6th through 11th
  • "& Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Seether Concert

  • McGrath Amphitheatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Wednesday, May 7th at 7 p.m.
  • With special guests MAMMOTH WVH and Nonpoint
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Downtown CR Foodie Crawl

  • Downtown Cedar Rapids Restaurants
  • Wednesday, May 7th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • "We'll kick things off with a warm welcome at Cliff's Dive Bar at 5:00 PM. From there, we will split up into 3 groups to visit Bartini, Fireside Tavern and The District CR. We have teamed up with Downtown Cedar Rapids to utilize the Downtown Trolley helping us travel between each stop in style! We'll finish the night at Brick's Bar & Grill before calling it a night."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Central Plaza Ribbon Cutting

  • City Square Park, Marion
  • Wednesday, May 7th at 4 p.m.
  • "The Central Plaza at City Square Park features a refrigerated ice-skating loop, enclosure of the Depot Pavilion, year-round public restrooms, live performance space, engaging water features, an interactive play sculpture, public art, seating and more. Perennial plantings, native trees, commemorative bricks and decorative lighting enhance the space."

Comedian Tom Segura

  • Vibrant Arena, Moline
  • Thursday, May 8th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Millwork Night Market Season Opener

  • Millwork District, Dubuque
  • Thursday, May 8th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Featuring vendors, food, artists, and live music

Cedar Rapids Silent Party

  • Big Grove Brewery, Cedar Rapids
  • Friday, May 9th at 8 p.m.
  • Featuring a silent disco, a photo booth, and 360 video
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Rock the Block

  • NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
  • Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • May 9th - Jordan Messerole
    • May 16th - Matthew Kane and the Band Greenbrier
    • May 23rd - Surf Zombies
    • May 30th - Vinyl Alibi
  • Admission is free

Vintage Market Days

  • Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, May 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (9 a.m. with pre-purchased tickets)
    • Saturday, May 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (9 a.m. with pre-purchased tickets)
    • Sunday, May 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "Gorgeous vintage pieces + hand-crafted goods + architectural salvage + repurposed finds + local eats and treats = an event you won't soon forget!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

CRBS Benz Beer Fest

  • Benz Beverage Depot, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, May 10th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (VIP hour at 1 p.m.)
  • Featuring beer sampling, live performances, food trucks, and more
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Super Saturday Cedar Rapids Toy & Comic Con

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
  • Saturday, May 10th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (early bird entry at 9 a.m.
  • Featuring toys, comics, cosplay, collectables, cards, and special guests Kurt Angle, Tracy Lynn Cruz, Isaak Wells, and Jamie Marchi
  • General admission is $10 - ages 12 and under are free with a paid adult

Putnam Palooza

  • Putnam Museum, Davenport
  • Saturday, May 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Featuring live music, cultural performances, food trucks, face painting, a foam & bubble party, crafts, and more
  • Event is free

Monster Jam

  • Vibrant Arena, Moline
  • May 10th & 11th at 2 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

READ MORE: 2025 Mother's Day Events & Brunch Spots in the Corridor

Spring Beaux Arts Fair

  • Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, May 10th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, May 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "This art fair sprawls throughout a spacious area that accommodates 100 booths, plenty of free parking, music, food, and daily crowds of 8,000. Enjoy free admission to the museum during the fair."

Fields Of Flight Kite Festival

  • Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
  • May 10th & 11th from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Featuring giant kites, farm activities, photo ops, and more
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

Alice Cooper Concert

  • Vibrant Arena, Moline
  • Tuesday, May 13th at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Riverdance: The Next Generation

  • Five Flags Center, Dubuque
  • Tuesday, May 13th at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Statm!nt Pop Up Consignment for Adults

  • Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, May 16th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, May 17th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (After Dark Party - early access to the half-price sale, join the waitlist HERE)
    • Sunday, May 18th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (half-off day)
  • "Browse over 100 closets and thousands of gently use items under one roof. We have gently used men + women's clothing, shoes, jewelry, hats and other accessories - name brands, designer & everyday styles."
  • Admission is free

Coralville Asian Festival

  • S.T. Morrison Park, Coralville
  • Saturday, May 17th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Featuring food vendors, live performances, and more
  • Admission is free

Marion Arts Festival

  • Marion Square Park
  • Saturday, May 17th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featuring 50 artists, a half marathon & 5K, live music, food vendors, art demonstrations, and more

Marion Kite Festival

  • Lowe Park, Marion
  • Saturday, May 17th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Featuring giant kite displays from Great American Kites
  • Admission is free

Cat Cafe

  • Marion Public Library
  • Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • "Join us in the Community Room for a fun-filled morning to meet some adorable adoptable cats! Cat-themed activities and books will also be available."
  • Featuring cats from S.A.I.N.T. Rescue

Quad Cities Topless Cruise for Charity

  • Starting/ending at Front Street Brewery Taproom, Davenport
  • Saturday, May 17th 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • All vehicles are welcome - donations are based on vehicle
  • 100% of proceeds will be donated to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities
  • Register online HERE

Catfish Bend Spring Craft & Vendor Show

  • Catfish Bend Convention & Event Center, Burlington
  • Saturday, May 17th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Houby Days

  • Czech Village, Cedar Rapids
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, May 17th from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Sunday, May 18th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Featuring live music, a parade, vendors, food, Chalkfest, balloon glow, a kolache eating contest, and more

Hiawatha Cars & Coffee

  • Cedar Graphics Parking Lot, Hiawatha
  • Sunday, May 18th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • "Whether you have a classic, exotic, muscle car, motorcycle, or daily driver, all vehicles are welcome. Bring the whole family—including your pets—for a fun morning of cars, coffee, and great company!"

Cruise In Night

  • CVSi Motorsports, Cedar Falls
  • Wednesday, May 21st at 5 p.m.
  • All vehicles welcome

Wiz Khalifa Concert

  • Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines
  • Thursday, May 22nd at 8 p.m.
  • With special guests Chevy Woods, Fedd the God, and DJ Bonics

The Fray Concert

  • Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport
  • Thursday, May 22nd at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Big Grove Book Fair

  • Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City
  • Thursday, May 22nd from 5 p.m.to 8 p.m.
  • An all-ages book fair hosted in collaboration with Prairie Lights Bookstore & Sidekick Coffee & Books

Island Party

  • Lindsay Park Yacht Club, Davenport
  • Friday, May 23rd from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Featuring live music from the Dirt Road Rockers, food trucks, full bar, and more
  • Event is free and open to the public

Friday Loo

  • Lincoln Park, Waterloo
  • Friday, May 23rd from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • "Get ready to groove, dance, and enjoy the summer nights in the heart of Downtown Waterloo. Invite your friends, bring your lawn chairs, and let's make Friday Loo the highlight of your summer!"
  • Featuring Dead Presidents

Good Makers Market

  • Cedar County Fair Grounds, Tipton
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, May 23rd from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Saturday, May 24th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "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 for ages 15+

Greater Iowa Swap Meet & Flea Market

  • Midwest Old Threshers, Mount Pleasant
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, May 23rd from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, May 24th from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Admission is free

Odd Mama's Outdoor Market

  • 1216 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, May 24th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Featuring 50+ vendors and food
  • Admission is free

Battle at the Sanburr Rodeo

  • Sandburr Arena, Lisbon
  • Saturday, May 24th at 7 p.m.
  • "This will be a fun family show and will be action packed from start to finish with Bare back bronc riding, Saddle bronc riding, Barrel racing and Bull Riding! We will also have mutton busting and junior riding events to showcase the future of Rodeo on the big stage, even a kids boot race!"
  • Live music from Fox Hill Troubadours from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Iowa Renaissance Festival

  • Middle Amana Community Park
  • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • May 24th through 26th
    • May 31st through June 1st
  • Featuring comedy shows, swordplay, live music, magic, jousting, vendors, food, and beverages
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Muddin for MS

  • Ride begins and ends at Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery, Walford
  • Sunday, May 25th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Benefits MS Moments
  • Register online HERE

Spring Cocktail Classic

  • NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
  • Tuesday, May 27th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • "The best and most creative cocktail bars and restaurants in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor have been invited to conquer this springs theme: SIGNATURE SOUNDTRACK. Each competitor will select one album from ANY era, and their cocktail and decorations must capture the essence of that album! Guests will get to sample EACH ONE of their exciting cocktail creations, which will be crafted from Cedar Ridge's award-winning Bagger Vodka."
  • Ages 21+
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Comedian Nikki Glaser

  • Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Thursday, May 29th at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Comedian David Spade

  • Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
  • Friday, May 30th at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Bellamy Brothers Concert

  • First Avenue Club, Iowa City
  • Friday, May 30th at 8 p.m.
  • With special guest Palomino Band
  • Purchase tickets HERE

St. Joseph Fun Days

  • St. Joseph Catholic Parish and School, Marion
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, May 30th from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Saturday, May 31st from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Sunday, June 1st from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Featuring a carnival, 5K, raffle, games, BINGO, a hog roast, food, a beverage tent, live music, and more
  • Admission is free

Des Moines Con

  • Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, May 30th from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Saturday, May 31st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday, June 1st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • "Des Moines Con is a celebration of comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy. If you're a fan of Batman, the Avengers, Doctor Who, Star Wars, LEGO, Disney, Star Trek, the Walking Dead, Power Rangers, Game of Thrones, etc., you'll probably fit right in at DMC!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Comedian Shane Gillis

  • Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
  • Saturday, May 31st at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Puttin' Around Downtown

  • Iowa City Downtown District - check-in at 103 E. College Street
  • Saturday, May 31st from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Featuring 15 holes of golf
  • "As teams meander their way through custom-made courses, built by each participating establishment, they'll have the chance to enjoy exclusive food and drink specials. This event is perfect for a weekend outing with friends or family!"
  • Register a team online HERE

Plant Sales

City-Wide Garage Sales

Looking for a full list of 2025 concerts in Iowa? Click HERE!

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Gallery Credit: Courtlin

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Filed Under: spring, events
Categories: Local News, Events