Next top Must-Attend Events in Iowa for November and December 2021

Despite the state's large expanses of rural land, Iowa is home to plenty of attractions for people seeking urban adventure and experiences. During the year, Iowa residents and tourists enjoy a robust repertoire of seasonal festivals, theater productions, special events and much more. Visitors can also take advantage of the state's numerous outdoor destinations to see Iowa's natural beauty.

Feb 2022 Clear lake

Winter Dance Party

February 3-5, 2022
Clear Lake, Iowa in Clear lake, IA

The annual event occurs during the last weekend in January at the Surf Ballroom and commemorates the last live concert provided by Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens before their plane crashed just outside of town in 1959. Don your poodle skirts, bobby socks or rolled up sleeves and penny loafers and head over for a night of historic rock 'n' roll.

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At the Des Moines Art Center, visitors can sample a large collection of art from renowned artists from around the world. Some of the artists featured in the permanent exhibits include Andy Warhol, Auguste Rodin, Claude Monet and Georgia O'Keeffe. The grounds of the Iowa State Capitol invite visitors to take in an expansive view of the Des Moines downtown area and take pictures of the building's unusual gold dome. The building also houses a number of visual treats, including a collection of porcelain dolls representing each of the state's First Ladies.

Visitors or residents with young family members can spend a day at Adventureland, an amusement park with over 100 attractions and rides. In addition to the fun water slides and roller coaster rides, guests can attend magic and circus shows.

Nature fans can find plenty to celebrate at the Reiman Gardens, located in Ames. Within the garden's indoor conservatory, guests will find tropical flowers and seasonal plants. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium focuses on educating visitors about life in the Mississippi River. The facility houses exhibits about the river's inhabitants, including giant catfish, frogs and turtles.

At the Effigy Mounds National Monument, travelers can traverse around a collection of over 200 prehistoric mounds. These mounds, built by Native Americans, depict many animals, including birds and bears. The nearby visitors center explains the history of these fascinating mounds. Guests can also attend ranger-led tours to learn more about the mounds and how they were constructed.

Top destinations for this weekend!

Weekend in Des Moines
60 events and shows this weekend
Weekend in Cedar Rapids
44 events and shows this weekend
Weekend in Dubuque
29 events and shows this weekend
Weekend in Iowa City
23 events and shows this weekend
Weekend in Boone
19 events and shows this weekend
Weekend in Council Bluffs
15 events and shows this weekend

Photo credit:

wikipedia / Stephen Cummings / wikipedia

Next top Must-Attend Events in Iowa

Winter Dance Party

Main cities in Iowa

Counties in Iowa