Live music events

The popular outdoor concert event is scheduled to return this summer after a five-year hiatus caused by the high cost of production.

Comedian Jane Lynch, known for roles in Glee and Only Murders in the Building, has been bringing holiday spirit and her musical talents across the country for the last decade. Lynch spoke with Charity Nebbe ahead of her Iowa City performance about spreading the Christmas spirit through song. But first, we get to know Studio One host Mark Simmet, as he prepares to retire, and Iowa Public Radio's Morning Edition host Megan McKinney.

The brand-new, two-day music festival will bring artists like Pieta Brown and Frankie and the Witch Fingers to Iowa City in April 2026.

Writers Bob Leonard and Jason Walsmith share stories from their new series Portraits of Hunger in Iowa, documenting Iowans facing food insecurity and homelessness. Also, a conversation with members of the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra ahead of their first-ever honor orchestra concert.

Marching bands from across the state are currently competing against one another with high-energy spectacles, complete with props, costumes, sets and intricate sound systems.

On this Newbuzz edition of River to River, we hear about Iowa's abortion landscape, community college loan defaults and plenty more.