Open-air market with fresh, homegrown produce, baked goods, handicrafts, plants, and flowers. Enjoy live music and activities in the park each week.
Notable Dates:
May 3: Opening Day!
September 20: Kid's Market
October 25: Halloween at the Market and Closing Day
Visit www.icgov.org/farmersmarket for more information.
2025 Market Music Schedule:
May 3: Golden Alexander
Golden Alexander is a dynamic new band rooted in vintage rock and roll, with vibrant influences of Americana and power pop. These triplet brothers share a passion for tight and tuneful rock, drawing inspiration from legends like the Beatles and Byrds along with contemporaries such as Wilco and Spoon. From their catalog of diverse, inventive original material to their deep well of delightful covers, Golden Alexander is down-home rock and roll, times three.
May 10: David G. Smith, Song-Catcher Troubadour
Internationally acclaimed Artist-Songwriter David G Smith is an acoustic roots solo performer with a lyric intensive style featuring guitars, resonator, music and a voice that range from dirt-funk to intimate. His music is a blend of Folk, Americana, Country & Blues. David was recently accepted as a Juried Artist with Noel Paul Stookey's (Peter, Paul & Mary) Music To Life Org. He is a 2008 International Song Competition 1st Place Winner, a Robert Germann DISCovery Award recipient, and two-time ISC semifinalist. He performs at the prestigious Bluebird Cafe/Nashville where his shows are regularly sold out. David has released 11 albums. Mary Gauthier and Keb Mo make appearances on 4 of them to include a duet with Mary called "Shine". David has shared the stage with Justin Townes Earle, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Kelly Willis+ Bruce Robison, 5-time WC Handy Award winner, Rory Block, Rissi Palmer, Buddy Mondlock, Jelly Roll Johnson, Chuck Pyle, Dave Moore, Catfish Keith, Kevin Gordon and many more. He has five nationwide #1 singles and four nationwide #1 albums to include his latest release, Witness Trees on the Roots Music Report (RMR) Folk & Alt-Folk charts. His single "River Gonna Talk" was a 2023 #1 add on the NACC chart and reached #1 in the nation on Radio Guitar One's Top 30 Americana Chart. David has been featured in American Songwriter and his songs have appeared on TNT, Lifetime Network, Travel Channel, several PBS affiliate shows and he has a string of indie & major-indie song-cuts to include with Rissi Palmer, only the 3rd black female country artist to chart, in 2007. His last 4 albums have been accepted for Grammy consideration. His Give-Back Series donates time and raises money and awareness for a variety of charitable causes. David, his voice and his songs are authentic. " Like Mary Gauthier and Sam Baker, Smith cuts through ... to find essential phrases and words to represent the ache of living". (Fervor Coulee)
May 17: Brick Street Ramblers
The Brick Street Ramblers are an eight-piece, Iowa City-based traditional jazz band, often playing original charts from recordings that have passed the century mark. They've played the Iowa City Jazz Festival, the Friday Night Concert Series, the Farmers' Market, the le Claire Park Jazz Concert for the Bix Fest, and many other events throughout the area. Various incarnations of the band have been rambling down Iowa City's brick streets for more than two decades.
May 24: Kerak
Nielo Gaglione (mandole algerois, vocals), Tara McGovern (fiddle, vocals), and Chris Dimond (guitar) present a global collision of love and unity through strings and song.
May 31: Pandelirium
The Pandelirium Steel Drum Band performs on instruments cut and hammered from 55-gallon oil barrels and their performances include a blend of musical styles ranging from traditional Calypsos and Soccas of Trinidad to Reggae, arrangements of popular songs, and jazz standards. The quartet is based in Iowa City and is made up of current and former members of the PanAmerican Steel Drum Band from the University of Iowa. They have performed at numerous venues in Iowa, including the Iowa City Jazz Festival, Iowa Corn Daze, the Marion Swamp Fox Festival, and RAGBRAI.
June 7: Cedar County Cobras
Cedar County Cobras play American Roots & Blues music from the last century. The music takes on an "old-time" blues feel that would most likely be found in a juke-joint down a gravel road in rural Iowa. Arriving with an upright bass, foot-drum, a mandolin, and a collection of guitars this duo plays music that is best described as contagious, acoustic rockabilly swamp blues, or old-time country with the gritty sound of soulful blues. Located in Iowa, Tom Spielbauer is the singer/songwriter for the duo and is known for playing slide guitar. His music partner, April Dirks, plays the boogie-blues on the upright bass. For more on the Cobras please visit:
https://cedarcountycobras.com/
June 14: Recliners of Iowa City
The Recliners is an 8-member ensemble and plays a wide variety of music shaped by the interests and talents of each individual member. This longstanding group of Iowa City denizens have played together for nearly 35 years. Their music ranges from classic '60s and '70s rock to newly released songs by contemporary singer-songwriters, and includes original tunes, American folk music, Irish melodies, bluegrass, blues, ballads, and mostly, good oldfashioned rock and roll.
June 21: Mike Maas and Carlis Faurot
Mike Maas (guitar) and Carlis Faurot (violin) have been at the forefront of Eastern Iowa music for many years. Original cast members of Liar's Holographic Radio Theatre, and exactly 1/2 of the acclaimed group Black Sheep. They have traveled the world with their music. Together they play a mix of Folk, swing, jazz and blues. Guitar & Violin, at its best. Never predictable ... always entertaining.
June 28: Dave Helmer Trio
Dave Helmer is a songwriter's songwriter from eastern Iowa. Helmer toured the country for 15+ years with his band Crystal City and added Dave Helmer Band as his newest project. Helmer's love of guitar is reflected even further in his work as a professional luthier proudly supporting area musicians. Helmer's signature Rock & Roll sound on his newest release "Such a Clown" has honest lyrics, catchy melodies, and ripping guitar work that sticks in your head.
July 5: Sam Ross and Joe Shanks
Joe Shanks and Sam Ross are versatile musicians and multi-instrumentalists from Iowa City. They are both recent graduates of the University of Iowa's Jazz Studies program. The two both have experience playing and recording in a variety of styles including jazz, funk, opera, rock, hip-hop, and R&B. The two have grown together as players by holding monthly residencies at the Ideal Theater and the Chart Room, as well as both being members of the Iowa City funk band Yesternite.
July 12: The Fritters
The Fritters are longtime Iowa City musicians Dave Rosazza, Jennifer Horn-Frasier, and Nie Arp. They perform an acoustic-based, eclectic mix of originals and covers.
July 19: Jeff Stagg
Jeff Stagg is a West Des Moines-based Americana Singer/Songwriter. Influences include Neil Young, Jason Isbell, John Prine, Tyler Childers and Bob Dylan. Jeff will be playing cover songs and some originals off his newest album "Basement Views".
July 26: David Donald Trio
The David Donald Trio is an exciting jazz ensemble made up of students from the University of Northern Iowa. Led by pianist David Donald, the trio plays original composition as well as classic jazz standards. Accompanied by bassist Martin Hachmann and drummer Jack Deahl, the group plays with striking synergy and cohesion. Drawing from classic to modern influences, the David Donald Trio delivers performances that are engaging and imaginative, showcasing what jazz in Iowa can offer.
Aug. 2: Freegrass
Freegrass is not your typical string trio - they are a musical powerhouse consisting of Dan Padley on guitar, Tara McGovern on fiddle, and Blake Shaw on cello and vocals. Together, they form a collaborator's dream team, pushing the boundaries of genre and creating captivating music that transcends traditional labels. Inspired by a desire to break free from genre constraints while staying true to their roots, Freegrass blends influences ranging from classical composers like Felix Mendelssohn to jazz legends like Thelonious Monk, creating a sound that is as eclectic as it is mesmerizing. Dan Padley, a talented guitarist and composer hailing from Iowa City, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the trio. With a background in jazz, ambience, americana, and film music, Dan's original compositions add depth and richness to the Freegrass repertoire. Tara McGovern, a fiddler with deep Irish roots and a classical and jazz education from The University of Iowa, infuses the group's music with unique style and passion for storytelling through their instrument. Fiddling is not just a skill for Tara - it's a fami ly tradition that spans generations and continents. Blake Shaw, a skilled double bassist and vocalist, rounds out the trio with his impressive musical background and innovative approach to arranging familiar tunes in fresh, exciting ways. With a diverse musical education that includes classical double bass performance and jazz studies, Blake brings a dynamic energy to the Freegrass performances- on CELLO! Prepare to be enchanted by the captivating sounds of Freegrass - a trio that defies expectations, blurs musical boundaries, and invites listeners on a journey through a world of music that is as diverse and colorful as the musicians themselves.
Aug. 9: Heartfelt Trucking
Heartfelt Trucking is an acoustic music duo formed in 2004 featuring Tom Nugent and Nick Stika. Both of these musicians are veterans of the Iowa live music scene, and both are inductees into the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association Hall Of Fame, located in Arnolds Park, Iowa. Tom was inducted in 2018 with The Trippers, an Iowa City rock and roll band throughout the 60s. Tom's career spans over 6 decades, most recently performing solo and with the bands Rock Lobster and Olds and the Mobiles. Nick was inducted in 2011 with the Buzzards, an Iowa City Oldies/New Wave/Punk band and again in 2013 with Dogs On Skis from Iowa City, who he still performs with today. Nick's career spans over 5 decades and has played with numerous bands and solo performances. Nick and Tom had been friends for a long time. Tom was a customer of Nick's when he sold guitars for West Music Company in Coralville, la. The two had discovered they had similar tastes in music and guitars and became fast friends. They had always wanted to perform as an acoustic duo at some point and decided to start performing together under the working title of Heartfelt Trucking, though they had billed themselves as either Nick and Tom or Tom and Nick, depending on who booked the gig, or the connection one or the other had to the venue. It was finally decided to adopt the working title name as the official duo name in 2023 when there was enough inquiries and pressure from fans about choosing an official name. Heartfelt Trucking performs many styles of music, from acoustic rock, folk and classic country. Artists as varied as Beatles and Stones to John Prine and Dire Straits to Pink Floyd and Willie Nelson. You never really know what will come out of these two, they are always performing songs to the tastes of the crowd. You could say they are good at "Reading a Room".
Aug. 16: Johnson Co Ukulele Social Club
The Johnson County Ukulele Social Club (aka: The Uke-a-maniacs) has been in operation since 2006. We are a club-based group welcoming beginners and advanced players alike. Our usual meeting time is the third Sunday of each month at the Legacy Retirement Center from 3:30-5 PM. The song repertoire includes old American standards and modern rock and pop songs. We would love to have you join us! You may check out our FB page for more information.
Aug. 23: Alone Tonight Quartet
After some time playing under the name Seu I Ce Soir Quartet, this group of Django Reinhardt fans recently settled on the much easier to spell "Alone Tonight Quartet." Piano, drums, and bass make up the steady back line, while a cast of guest soloists sit in to fill out the fourth (or fifth) in this combo. Expect to hear songs from old films, cabarets, and Looney-Tunes as heard through the floorboards of your cheap apartment upstairs from the theater.
Aug. 30: Nikki Lunden Trotter
Nikki Lunden Trotter is no stranger to the Iowa City local music scene. Since 2000, Nikki has been winning over the hearts of many fans with her angsty vocals and songs about love and broken hearts, addiction, self-reflection and recovery. Whether it be solo or with one of her bands - Natural Habits, The Trollies, Nikki brings a contagious energy to the stage and a heartfelt performance. You can listen to Nikki's solo music as well as her bands at naturalhabitsband.com
Sept. 6: Ryne Doughty
Music from the Heartland. Songs from the heart. Ryne Doughty is a Folk/Americana singer-songwriter out of Des Moines, IA, whose music is deeply rooted in real life stories of love, loss, work, and play. His stripped down, earthy sound is directly influenced by the small, rural town where he was born and raised. The hard-working, simple living, and friendly way of life of the Midwest shines through his music that is understated yet complex and rich with beauty and realness.
Sept. 13: Nicole Dean
Nicole Dean was born and raised in the south where her love for music was cultivated. That love has deepened and widened as she's made her way through the world to her current home in the Midwest. From nostalgiafueled 90's country to Brandi Carlile to writing original songs, music has always been a vivid source of human connection for her.
Sept. 20: River Glen & Band
After being named Iowa Public Radio's Artist of the Month, and releasing "As Above, So Below", a record which features 150+ singers/musicians from Iowa, River & His Band are stepping back into the spotlight to showcase that they are a powerhouse of instrumental, vocal, and lyrical talent. Attendees of the Iowa City Farmers Market can expect a program of original music that's a blend of conscious folk-pop, folk-rock, and even a flair of hip-hop, that will both move listeners & get them movin' and groovin' 'cause music is medicine.
Sept. 27: The Soft and Low
Neither all that soft nor low, The Soft and Low plays music from the heart. Having spent much of t heir musical lives playing in rock and traditional Irish bands, respectively, Jeffrey C. Capps (guitar, vocals, harmonica) and Tara McGovern(fiddle, vocals) formed their partnership in 2013 with a desire to focus their full energy on original songs - ones that change the world, or at least make you feel a bit better about living in it. Both artists are active in a range of vocational and avocational interests in the Iowa City area that focus on making the community a better place for all. Their acoustic performances, consisting primarily of tunes written by Capps, capture that spirit of fostering connection through music and reinforcing the belief that everyone has a song to sing. McGovern is a member of the eclectic string ensembles Freegrass and Kerak and Capps spent the better part of a decade performing with the Memphis-based band, The Central Standards, before moving to Iowa City in 2009. His solo debut is entitled The Muddy and the Blue.
Oct. 4: Mullins Brothers
When Stu and Sam Mullins formed The Mullins Brothers duo in 2012, it was guided by one principle: play songs they love and that enthusiasm will be contagious. The results are an eclectic set covering four decades of the best of pop-rock: everything from classic songs by The Beatles, Carole King and Steely Dan to modern masterpieces by Wilco, Ben Folds and Fiona Apple.
Oct. 11: Marc Janssen
When Stu and Sam Mullins formed The Mullins Brothers duo in 2012, it was guided by one principle: play songs they love and that enthusiasm will be contagious. The results are an eclectic set covering four decades of the best of pop-rock: everything from classic songs by The Beatles, Carole King and Steely Dan to modern masterpieces by Wilco, Ben Folds and Fiona Apple.
Oct. 18: Pete Balestrieri
Pete Balestrieri is an Iowa City saxophonist. He toured and recorded with Violent Femmes for twenty years and has a Gold Record for t heir first album. Most recently, he's been with Old Scratch Revival Singers, Brooks Strause and The Gory Details, and the Cirque Stupendo Circus Band. He also frequently performs solo.
Oct. 25: Electric Ear Sound Machine
The Electric Ear Sound Machine - playing all of your favorites!
Also check out other Music events in Iowa City, Entertainment events in Iowa City, Arts events in Iowa City.
