When it comes to live music, Grinnell’s summer scene is unmatched. Under the blazing Midwest sun and across the beautiful Central Park stage, Grinnell, Iowa hosts some of the most intimate and cozy performances in Iowa. From Solera’s wine bar to Hotel Grinnell’s fireplace patio, there are numerous ways to enjoy small concerts and watch live music performances. From country to latin pop, and classics to americana, there are tunes for the whole family, friend group, and solo travelers.
Stay in the know by regularly visiting the live music playlist below (get it?), presented by the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce. Subscribe to the Grinnell Chamber newsletter to receive reminders of upcoming music events each week. Email the Chamber staff to add your musical events to the schedule.*
*Reserved as a Grinnell Chamber benefit only.
SUMMER 2026’S PLAYLIST: MUSIC IN GRINNELL
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JULY
Turlach Ur Pipe Band | Thursday, July 2 @ 7 PM with the Grinnell Area Arts Council | Central Park Stage, Grinnell
Music from a Scottish pipe band? Yes, please! Based in Grinnell, Turlach Ur Pipe Band is the largest pipe band in Iowa with over 30 band members. This drum and bagpipe band performs a variety of traditional pipe band pieces mixed with the unexpected pop or rock tune!
All-Class Reunion featuring 3 live bands | Friday, July 3 @ 6 PM
Head to Central Park as the Grinnell-Newburg All-Class Reunion hosts live music and a beverage garden beginning at 5 PM in Central Park! Music begins at 6 PM with The Sears Band followed by Mojo Machine and wraps up with local favorite, Whiplash, around 9 PM.
Iowa Brass Band | Saturday, July 4 @ 7 PM with the Grinnell Area Arts Council | Central Park Stage, Grinnell
Join as the Veterans Memorial Monument is officially dedicated during this ceremony. Remarks will begin at 7 PM, followed the playing of the National Anthem and a concert from the Iowa Brass Band.
Tanya English Band | Thursday, July 9 @ 7 PM with the Grinnell Area Arts Council | Central Park Stage, Grinnell
Listen to the blues! Calling Iowa City home, the Tanya English Band has been playing classic and contemporary blues with a women’s empowerment twist in eastern Iowa for over a decade, bringing together the area’s finest musicians and creating a dynamic, family-friendly show.
Tyler Richton & The High Bank Boys | Thursday, July 16 @ 7 PM with the Grinnell Area Arts Council | Central Park Stage, Grinnell
Based in Deep River, Tyler Richton and The High Bank Boys bring a neo-traditional country sound with high energy and real music. Drawing influence from artists like Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels and Hank Williams Jr., audiences of all kinds find a show they can enjoy and music they can feel.
Barefoot Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen | Thursday, July 23 @ 7 PM with the Grinnell Area Arts Council | Central Park Stage, Grinnell
Hailing from Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Becky and her crew are perennial park favorites, bringing their seasoned mix of polka favorites. Bring your dancing shoes!
The Matt Torronez Band | Tuesday, July 28 @ 5:30-7:30 PM with Music at the Pavillion | Grinnell Central Park Picnic Shelter
Join for rockin', funky and soulful music! Matt Terronez leads projects that are purposefully genre-defying, with eclectic sets that can contain elements of soul, blues, rock, Americana and jazz, tied together via unique arrangements and stellar musicianship. Songs range from originals to obscure gems to heavily reworked classics.
Mango Soul | Thursday, July 30 @ 7 PM with the Grinnell Area Arts Council | Central Park Stage, Grinnell
Based in Central Iowa, you can find Mango Soul rocking basements to breweries to the 'brai with an eclectic assortment of covers and originals rooted in soul, funk, and pop!
AUGUST
The Blue 2+ | Tuesday, August 25 @ 5:30-7:30 PM with Music at the Pavillion | Grinnell Central Park Picnic Shelter
Listen to Bob Dorr & Jeff Petersen, original members of The Blue Band. Bob Dorr is on drums, vocals, harmonica; Jeff Petersen on guitar and vocals.
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