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. This will be a Father’s Day celebration like no other, 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, contests, and more!
Admission is free—but don’t forget your $10 Drink Access Pass (koozie required to purchase alcohol in the event), or treat dad like a VIP with the $45 VIP Ticket Package which includes a drink access koozie, one meal ticket, drink ticket, VIP Zone concert access, and skip-the-line bar access. Chamber Members – for information on the VIP Table Package for 8 click HERE.
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
NW Corner of Downtown
1:30-4:30
Welcome to the ultimate day hangout. Kick back in lounger seating, grab a cold beverage, and catch the action on our giant screen playing the U.S. Open—all from the comfort of Iowa’s Largest Man Cave. It’s got everything you can dream of: sports, shade, space to relax, and zero to-do lists. Whether you're a golf fanatic or just here for the vibes, this is your front-row seat to chill.
Welcome to the ultimate zone of dad dreams. The Big Boy Toy Club is where rugged meets refined—featuring everything with wheels to grills that belong in a backyard showroom. Whether you’re into horsepower, hunting gear, fishing rigs, or just love checking out the latest tools and toys, this is your place to explore, admire, and maybe even add a few items to your wish list. Bonus: test your strength in the Tire Challenge and earn bragging rights for days. If it makes you want to build a bigger garage—or sneak in one more hobby—you’ll find it here.
Pull up a picnic table, grab a bite, and stay awhile—this is where smoky flavors meet summertime fun. The Backyard Barbeque zone brings together sizzling BBQ, classic yard games, and a whole lot of chill. Whether you're here to feast, toss a beanbag, or pick up a few tips from pitmaster pros, this area serves up the best parts of a backyard hangout—no cleanup required.
Where the kids are the stars of the show! The Lil' Rockstar Zone is packed with high-energy fun and hands-on creativity. Dunk your dad (if you dare), shoot some hoops in the Bungee Basketball challenge, and take on your friends in the Big Bounce Throwdown. When it’s time to cool down, head over to build your own birdhouse, paint a rockin’ mini guitar, or craft a custom coupon book just for Dad. Plus, backyard games galore keep the good times rolling all day long. It’s all fun, all day—for our littlest legends.
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
No guitar? No problem. Just bring the attitude. Let your kiddo take the stage and absolutely shred… the air. From epic solos to wild hair flips, this contest is all about channeling rockstar vibes and letting loose with invisible instruments. Bonus points for dramatic knee slides, headbanging, and full-on rock faces. Rockstar outfits highly encouraged (but not required). One air guitarist will walk away with the title of “Ultimate Air shredder!” Think they’ve got what it takes to melt a face without ever touching a real string? Let’s find out!
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!
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 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
