Tis the season! With Thanksgiving and Christmas on the way, the next couple of months are going to be very busy! Here are some of the big events happening in Eastern Iowa and beyond this November:

Day of the Dead

  • NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids
  • Friday, November 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • "Fuerzas Culturales will commence the evening at 6pm with an opening introduction. Following this, there will be alternating sessions of dance performances and Loteria (Mexican Bingo). Additionally, attendees can enjoy face painting services and explore a communal ofrenda (altar) during the event."

Jack SPLAT

  • Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, Iowa City
  • Saturday, November 2nd from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • "This free outdoor event gives your carved creations one last hurrah for the Halloween season. We will be throwing the pumpkins off the northwest corner of the parking ramp next to Chauncey Swan Park. Drop off your ghoulish gourd and set up your blanket or lawn chairs nearby to get the best view. Come for the SPLATS, but stay for outdoor activities, sing-alongs, and a warm breakfast from local food vendors."

Pumpkin SMASH!

  • Colony Acres Family Farm, North Liberty
  • Saturday, November 2nd from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • "Bring your leftover or carved pumpkins and let’s have some smashing fun while helping the environment! We’ll turn your smashed pumpkins into compost for our farm."

PUMPKIN DESTRUCTION FEST

  • Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
  • Saturday, November 2nd from 10a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Featuring goats, pumpkin destruction events, a corn maze, 30+ farm attractions, food, drinks, and more
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Totally Rad Vintage Fest

  • Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
  • Saturday, November 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • "Our vendors specialize in clothing and accessories from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K eras, while also offering a selection of toys, home goods, and more to complete your nostalgic shopping experience! Unleash your inner gamer at the Free-Play Vintage Arcade, and explore the Rad Rewind Museum with relics from the past. Strike rad poses at the throwback photo ops."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

The Grimoire Exhibition

  • Grand River Convention Center, Dubuque
  • Saturday, November 2nd from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • "The exhibition brings together various vendors of witchcraft, Halloween, dark couture, supernatural, strange, & metaphysical items, crystals, tarot, psychics, & pop-culture collections (candles, herbology, fairytales, folklore, fragrance, hand-crafts, & small businesses)."
  • Costumes are encouraged
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Downtown Swisher Holiday Market

  • Downtown Swisher
  • Saturday, November 2nd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Featuring vendors, specials, food, and drinks

Fall Harvest Festival

  • Freight House Farmers' Market, Davenport
  • November 2nd & 3rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • "There will be live music curated by our community partner Common Chord, local vendors selling unique items, fresh fall produce, food trucks and so much more!"

Disney's ENCANTO: The Sing-Along Film Concert

  • Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City
  • Sunday, November 3rd at 6 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Nitro Circus

  • Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
  • Sunday, November 3rd at 6 p.m.
  • "Our elite lineup features top athletes who will push the boundaries of what's possible, with jaw-droppingly stunts, high-flying tricks, and heart-pounding excitement."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Napoleon Dynamite LIVE! 20th Anniversary Celebration

  • Englert Theatre, Iowa City
  • Thursday, November 7th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Featuring Jon Heder, Jon Gries, and Efren Ramirez
  • Purchase tickets HERE

REO Speedwagon Concert

  • Alliant Energy Powerhouse Arena, Cedar Rapids
  • Friday, November 8th at 7:30 p.m.
  • With special guest Loverboy
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Taste of Iowa: Holiday Eats Edition

  • Dan & Debbie's Creamery, Ely
  • Saturday, November 9th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Featuring product samples and local gift baskets

Cedar Rapids Healing & Psychic Fair

  • Kiteville Hotel, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, November 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • "Awesome line ups for Reiki/Energy Healing, Psychic Readings, Essential Oils, Gemstones & Crystals, Jewelry, Natural and Organic, Metaphysical Items, Health Care Products, Holistic Workshops and Raffle Prizes ($20-$50 values)."
  • Admission is $5

Nikki Glaser Comedy Show

  • Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, November 9th at 7 p.m. & 10 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 10th at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Cedar Rapids' Largest Flea Market & Garage Sale

  • Former Younkers at Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, November 9th from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 10th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • "Over 200 spaces available with crafts, garage sale, flea market items, baked goods, direct sales, and small businesses."
  • Early bird tickets are $5 (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and general tickets are $3

Miles in the Maize

  • Colony Acres, North Liberty
  • Saturday, November 9th at 9:30 a.m.
  • "Miles in the Maize is a unique running experience for people of all ages and abilities! With a 5k and Maize Mile, this event takes competitors through a unique off-road course weaving around a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and other beautiful fall Iowa scenery!"
  • Register online HERE

Veterans Day Service

  • Veterans Memorial Building, Cedar Rapids
  • Monday, November 11th at 10 a.m.
  • "Metro Veterans Council facilitates the hour-long program and the service includes: presentation of the colors, guest speaker, Volley Salute and more."

Quad Cities Veterans Festival

  • Leclaire Park & Bandshell, Davenport
  • Monday, November 11th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Featuring a 5K, vendors, food trucks, pro wrestling, music, fireworks, and more

A Motown Christmas

  • Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
  • Tuesday, November 12th at 7 p.m.
  • "A Motown Christmas features a world-class vocal group, assembled from past and present members of Motown’s most legendary groups…Ali Woodson’s Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours." 
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert

  • Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
  • Thursday, November 14th at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Kip Moore Concert

  • Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
  • Thursday, November 14th at 7:30 p.m.
  • With special guest Hannah McFarland
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Patton Oswalt Comedy Show

  • Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
  • Thursday, November 14th at 8 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Girls Night Out: The Show

  • Ideal Theater & Bar, Cedar Rapids
  • Thursday, November 14th at 8 p.m.
  • Ages 21+
  • Purchase tickets HERE

The Festival of Trees

  • Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids
  • Dates/Times
    • Jingle Mingle: Thursday, November 14th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Sensory Day: Friday, November 15th from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 16th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featuring visits with Santa, live entertainment, train rides, cookie decorating, and more
  • Purchase tickets HERE

'Tis the Season Kickoff

  • Downtown Iowa City
  • Friday, November 15th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • "Our Pop-up Markets will be making a reappearance in Black Hawk Mini Park. Wilson’s Orchard and Farm will be selling Christmas trees, the kid’s market will be open, and the Downtown District will be handing out complimentary cider. An old-school trolley will be making the rounds around downtown, taking shoppers to and from the Ped Mall and Northside Neighborhood. UI Old Gold and Iowa Hawkapellas will be gracing us with their beautiful carols, and last but not least, our holiday lights will be turned on for the first time this season."

Fall Luminary Walk

  • Morgan Creek Park, Cedar Rapids
  • Friday, November 15th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • "Enjoy a campfire and walk the illuminated trail as we celebrate the beauty of fall. A family-friendly self-guided walk takes place along the trail lit with luminaries and lights. Stop by Morgan Creek Shelter to warm up and connect with others. Bring your own marshmallows or s’mores supplies if you’d like!"

Beauty & the Beast

Little Big Town & Sugarland Concert

  • Vibrant Arena, Moline
  • Saturday, November 16th at 7 p.m.
  • With special guest The Castellows
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Orchestra Iowa Pops II: Home Alone In Concert

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, November 16th at 7:30 p.m.
  • "A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by Orchestra Iowa."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

A Charlie Brown Christmas

  • Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Wednesday, November 20th at 6:30 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

ZZ Top Concert

  • Vibrant Music Hall, Waukee
  • Thursday, November 21st at 7:30 p.m.
  • With special guest McKinley James
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Blippi: Join The Band Tour!

  • Xtream Arena, Coralville
  • Friday, November 22nd at 6 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Hailey Whitters Concert

  • DanceMor Ballroom, Swisher
  • Dates/Times
    • Friday, November 22nd at 7 p.m. - SOLD OUT
    • Saturday, November 23rd at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

The Nutcracker

  • Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
  • November 22nd through 24th
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Hairball Concert

  • Xtream Arena, Coralville
  • Saturday, November 23rd at 7:30 p.m.
  • With special guest The Pork Tornadoes
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Nate Smith Concert

  • Wooly's, Des Moines
  • Saturday, November 23rd at 7 p.m.
  • With special guest John Morgan
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Quad Cities Psychic & Paranormal Expo

  • River Center, Davenport
  • Dates/Times
    • Saturday, November 23rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Sunday, November 24th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • "One of the best expos in the Midwest featuring 45+ vendors!! Psychics, medium, paranormal teams, haunted locations, healings, reiki, reflexology, stones, gems, drums, tarot cards, shamans, candles, herbs, books and SO much more!!!!"
  • Admission is $5

Quad City Arts Festival of Trees

  • River Center, Davenport
  • November 24th through 27th and November 29th through December 1st
  • "Featuring over 150 designer displays, fun-filled attractions, special events and the largest helium balloon parade in the Midwest. Join us as we welcome back this 10-day holiday extravaganza in-person, bigger and better than ever before!"
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Dueling Pianos

  • The Olympic South Side Theater, Cedar Rapids
  • Wednesday, November 27th at 7:30 p.m.
  • "Come spend the night with us dancing, singing, and enjoying a few drinks with your friends while listening to Dueling Pianos."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

  • Adler Theatre, Davenport
  • Wednesday, November 27th at 7:30 p.m.
  • "A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, is a contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Wednesday, November 27th at 7 p.m.
  • Purchase tickets HERE

9th Annual Cousin Eddie Party

  • Iowa Brewing Company, Cedar Rapids
  • Thursday, November 28th from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cedar Rapids Turkey Trot (5K)

  • Downtown Cedar Rapids
  • Thursday, November 28th at 9 a.m.
  • Register online HERE

Cedar Valley Turkey Trot

  • George Wyth State Park, Waterloo
  • Thursday, November 28th at 8 a.m.
    • FREE Tot Trot for ages 10 & under at 7:45 a.m.
  • Register online HERE

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party

  • Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
  • November 28th through December 1st
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Pork Tornadoes Concert

Tannenbaum Forest

  • Festhalle Barn, Amana Colonies
  • Opening Weekend (Santa will be present all three days)
    • Friday, November 29th from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, November 30th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sunday, December 1st from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Explore over 70 beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the Festhalle Barn, each uniquely adorned by local businesses, organizations, groups, or families. The entire barn will be decked out for the season, complete with Santa’s Sleigh, festive photo opportunities, and a stunning 17-foot German Christmas Pyramid as the centerpiece!"
  • Admission is free, but free-will donations are encouraged
  • See the full schedule HERE

Grinchmas in Whoville

  • National Guard Armory, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, November 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Bring the family out for pictures with the Grinch. Pets invited too with proper vaccinations. Multiple vendors there and rescues participating with adoptable cats and dogs. Pick up some holiday gifts for the family and friends along with your pets."
  • Admission is a $5 donation

An Evening with Peter Billingsley & A Christmas Story

  • Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, November 30th at 7 p.m.
  • "Each event includes a screening of the 1983 film and a moderated Q&A where Peter will share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, rare photos, and cherished memories from the iconic Christmas film. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, and each screening will also host a Toy for Tots fundraiser."
  • Purchase tickets HERE

Santa's Arrival

  • Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids
  • Saturday, November 30th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • "We will have exciting activities for everyone, including face painting, balloon artistry, live remote, and Pedal Taxi, which will bring Santa to the party. Santa will be greeting the children and then heading to the set for photos with Cherry Hill."

Craft/Vendor Markets

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Gallery Credit: Courtlin