A6 Experience Your Best Summer Yet in Western Iowa

In each Western Iowa county, residents look forward to the yearly summer events that have become a community staple. From live music to festivals to sporting events, each county has unique gatherings that happen year after year. Here’s what to enjoy in Western Iowa this summer.

What Each Community is Hosting This Year

Denison

Hot Summer Nights in Uptown Denison is entering its third year of free family fun. This year, the event will include six mini-festivals running until the end of August.  Each event will include live music, food trucks, a beer garden, a kids' zone, and activities for all ages. Taylor Borkowski, the founder of Hot Summer Nights, started this event series to prove that life in Denison truly is “a wonderful life.” She’s committed to giving the community an event they can be proud of. All proceeds from this year’s will be donated to Washington Park.

Carroll

Carroll’s yearly Live + Local concerts unite neighbors, friends, and the community for an enjoyable evening of music. The concerts are free and are sponsored by local Chamber member businesses. Each of the five concerts will take place on Thursday nights from 6-9 PM at the Depot Centre park and on 5th Street, between Carroll and N West Streets. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and coolers, although several food trucks will be on site. These events run from July to September, so make sure to check their website to see when the next Live + Local event is coming up!

Audubon

The Audubon Public Library hosts Music in the Park, a free concert series sponsored by local donations.  This will be the 14th year in a row the library has hosted this series. All concerts begin at 7 pm and are held on Thursday evenings in June, July, and August in the John James Audubon Park at 401 N Park Place. Local organizations often provide food before and during the concert. Visit Audubon County’s website for more information about when the concerts will be held.

Sac

The Stone Pier Summer Concert Series is hosted each year at beautiful Black Hawk Lake. Since 2011, the community has gathered each year to watch live music sitting on the lawn or relaxing on a boat. Lake View’s local volunteer Fire Department operates the official Concert Series Burger Boat to bring food to listeners on Black Hawk Lake. Recognized as Iowa’s 2019 Outstanding Event, the Stone Pier Summer Concert series draws visitors from across the state.

Ida Grove

Ida Grove’s Old Town Vinyard & Winery is open seasonally, with live music on Friday nights throughout the summer. The family-owned vineyard spans four acres and uses nine varieties of grapes to make their wine. Whether visiting for a delicious drink or the live music, Western Iowa residents enjoy spending their summers at the winery.

No matter which events you attend this summer, Western Iowa’s vibrant communities have something for everyone. Visit our website to learn even more about how to spend a summer in Western Iowa.