SATURDAY, JUNE 14th . 1:00 – 10:00 PM . INDIANOLA DOWNTOWN
Get ready for an epic Father’s Day celebration where dads take center stage—but the whole family joins the fun. The fun will be vast, with Iowa’s Largest Man Cave, a Backyard BBQ, Lil’ Rock Stars Zone, and even a Dad Bod Parade! The Dads Rock Festival is a high-energy street festival packed with live music, great food, family activities, competitions, contests, and more!
Admission is free—but don’t forget your Drink Access Pass (koozie required to purchase alcohol in the event), or treat dad like a VIP with the VIP Ticket Package which includes a drink access koozie, BBQ meal, drink ticket, VIP Zone concert access, and skip-the-line bar access.
Sign-ups for the contests and competitions are down below. Check them out rockstars!
Big Hair Mafia
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Damon Dotson Band
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
BS & The Liars
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Catch the action on the big screen as the pros swing for the win! Grab a seat in Iowa’s Largest Man Cave and watch the U.S. Open unfold. It’s the perfect spot to relax, grab a drink, and cheer on the players while you kick back like a true rockstar. Don’t miss the action!
Rev your engines and unleash your inner kid at the Big Boy Toy Zone! This is your chance to get up close with the coolest rides, rugged rigs, and jaw-dropping machines that make your garage dreams come true. From lifted trucks to shiny bikes, tricked-out toys to power-packed gadgets—this is where horsepower meets playtime. Snap pics, talk shop, and maybe even find your next big obsession. It’s loud, it’s bold, and it’s built for the big kids. Let’s roll!
Welcome to the Backyard BBQ—where the smoke is rollin’ and the flavor is fire! Kick back with classic BBQ eats served up hot and fresh from one of the best food trucks around. Whether you’re here for the grub or just the good vibes, this is the spot to fill your plate and your soul. VIPs—don’t forget to flash your ticket for a mouthwatering meal on us. It’s not just barbecue… it’s a whole mood.
Let the littles live loud in the Lil’ Rockstar Zone! Packed with kid-approved fun, this area is all about big smiles and endless play. From bounce houses and games to crafts and surprises, it’s the perfect place for young rockstars to run wild while the grown-ups rock out. Safe, supervised, and seriously fun—this zone is where memories (and maybe a little mayhem) are made!
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Grab your little comedians and bring the best (or worst?) dad jokes you've got! Whether it’s a classic pun, a groan-worthy one-liner, or a joke so bad it’s actually amazing—we want to hear it. Kids will take the mic and compete for laughs, eye rolls, and maybe even the title of “Mini Master of the Dad Joke.” No experience required—just bring your sense of humor and your best punchline!
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Time to embrace the balloon belly! Kids, step right up and show off your finest dad bod impersonation! Each participant will get a balloon to stuff in their shirt—then strut their stuff on stage like they just finished mowing the lawn or coached their. Bonus points for dad-like swagger, hands on hips, and overly dramatic grunts when sitting down. It's all for laughs, fun, and dad bod glory. Are your kids ready to wobble?
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Calling all mini rockstars—this is your moment to shine! Strut down the Rockstar Runway dressed in your fiercest, loudest, most show-stopping rock 'n’ roll look. Think leather jackets, wild hair, glitter, sunglasses, band tees—if it screams rockstar, it rocks. Each kid will get their time to shine on the runway and show off their inner music legend. Prizes awarded for most rockin’ outfit, best stage presence, and future lead singer energy. Bring the confidence and prepare to steal the show!
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Calling all mini rockstars—this is your moment to shine! Strut down the Rockstar Runway dressed in your fiercest, loudest, most show-stopping rock 'n’ roll look. Think leather jackets, wild hair, glitter, sunglasses, band tees—if it screams rockstar, it rocks. Each kid will get their time to shine on the runway and show off their inner music legend. Prizes awarded for most rockin’ outfit, best stage presence, and future lead singer energy. Bring the confidence and prepare to steal the show!
Do I need a ticket to get in?
Entry is FREE, but tickets are required for certain activities. A $10 Drink Access Pass gets you the official event koozie to enjoy drinks inside. VIP tickets include the koozie, 1 Backyard BBQ ticket, 1 drink ticket, VIP Zone access, and skip-the-line bar. Enjoy the music and dad-tastic vibes!
Is this festival all ages?
Absolutely! Bring the kids, bring your crew, bring grandma—everyone’s invited to the party. The Lil’ Rock Stars Zones, Main Stage Contests and Competitions will be fun for all to enjoy!
Will there be alcoholic beverages available?
Local spots will sell cans to-go, and with a Dads Rock Koozie from the Drink Access Pass, you can enjoy your cold one at the event! Purchase online in advance and pick it up at a Drink Access Pass station, or grab one at the event. Cheers to a rockin’ good time!
Can anyone join the competitions?
Heck yes, they can! We welcome all the fun-loving, competitive spirits—dads, moms, and everyone else. You can sign-up through the ticket section of this site.
Will the event happen rain or shine?
Yep! We’re rocking no matter what, but production for the bands will make the final call on the music. If Mother Nature crashes the party with the bands, there will still be fun to have!
Can I still participate if I don’t register ahead of time?
To keep things smooth and on schedule, we do need everyone register for the competitions and contests by June 11th, you can sign-up through the ticket section of this site.
What can I bring with me?
You’re welcome to bring a chair, a clear purse/bag (diaper bags allowed), and one clear, sealed water bottle. We’ve got everything else you’ll need on site!
Will there be food and drink?
In addition to the Backyard BBQ, local spots and food trucks will be serving up delicious bites. Alcohol will be available from local establishments. You can bring clear, sealed water into the event or grab bottled water from vendors throughout. Come hungry and thirsty for a good time!
Where do I park?
You can find parking at the nearby lots around the square, or find any legal spot on the street. You can find a map of parking here: https://indianolaiowa.gov/808/Indianola-Downtown-Square
