5 ways to feel the beat this summer in Iowa from Hinterland to arts festivals and more

Heather Torpy

Special to the Register

Take the music outdoors this summer with festivals big and small across Iowa. The biggest on our list, Hinterland, takes over a park in St. Charles in August. Smaller music festivals head to Newton, Orient and Audubon over the summer with pizza or art, and several of those are even free to attend. But if music with a view is more your thing, head to the Quad Cities for dueling pianos on a riverboat.

Here, a look at five ways to listen to music outdoors in Iowa this summer.

Hinterland, St. Charles

Hinterland is back again this year with three days of music Aug. 4-7 at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in Saint Charles. The lineup includes Glass Animals, Lake Street Dive and Phoebe Bridgers.

Find it: Saints Amphitheater 3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles

Learn more: hinterlandiowa.com

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Impromptune Dueling Pianos on the River, Moline, Illinois

Board the Celebration Belle in Illinois then cruise the Mississippi River and enjoy the scenery while you listen to Impromptune Dueling Pianos on June 24, July 22 or Aug. 26. There is a full bar and homemade pizzas available for purchase. Boarding starts at 6 p.m. and cruises last until 9 p.m.

Find it: 2501 River Drive, Moline, Illinois

Learn more:celebrationbelle.com

Pizza on the Prairie, Orient

A family enjoys a game of checkers outside The Gathering Table on the grounds of the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center near Orient.

Starting June 3, you can listen to live music and eat brick oven pizza at The Wallace Centers of Iowa every Friday night through Sept. 30. The pizza is made with farm fresh vegetables and local meats. Take a walk while you’re there and enjoy the outdoor art on display. Reservations are required, and bring your own chairs or blankets.

Find it: 2773 290th St., Orient

Learn more:wallace.org/pizza-on-the-prairie

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Summer Concert Series at Maytag Bowl, Newton

The Fred Maytag Bowl is the site of summer concerts and high school graduations in Newton.

The Maytag Bowl in Newton has free concerts scheduled throughout the summer. Bring your own food, beverages, chairs or blankets while you enjoy music from the Opus Taylor Band (June 9), Hard Left Turn (July 14) and the Newton City Band (June 2, June 16 and June 30). All kick off at 7 p.m.

Find it: Maytag Park, 301 S. 11th Ave W., Newton

Learn more:newtongov.org

Art in the Park 2022, Audubon

A huge statue, Albert the Bull, greets motorists coming into Audubon, Iowa, from the south on U.S. Highway 71. Bearing the claim of the world’s largest bull, the statue is a nod to the Operating T-Bone days when Audubon area cattle feeders took a train to Chicago to sell their cattle. Albert A. Kruse, then president of First State Bank in town, led the first trips starting in 1951.

On June 11, you’ll find artists, vendors, a wine garden, food trucks and a farmers’ market at the John James Audubon Birdwalk and Park from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. While you’re in town check out Albert, the world’s largest bull, weighing in at 45 tons and standing 28 feet tall.

Find it: 401 Park Place, Audubon

Learn more: auduboncounty.com

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