Mission Creek Festival

After a six-year break from music, Your Smith returned to Iowa for the Mission Creek Festival and played some songs from her upcoming album.

Iowa City’s Mission Creek Festival held its 20th edition this year, with an eye towards changes in 2026.

Mission Creek has announced its 2025 lineup and it’s exciting and varied as ever, with a who’s who of exciting new acts and returning favorites.

Misson Creek announces dates of April 3 - 5 2025 for its 20th iteration. This year will mark the last for The Englert Theatre as a producer. New plans are in the works.

Indigo De Souza gave a memorable performance at the 2024 Mission Creek Festival in Iowa City. She also took the time to speak to us about making music for herself and setting limits to protect her mental health.

McKinley Dixon talks Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?, philosopher Dr. Cornel West and his last email from the late rapper Sean Price: "I wouldn't let no one hear this."

"I mean the goal is to eventually automate everything that we're doing so we don't actually have to, you know, play any of our shows."

Indie heavy-hitters like Sudan Archives, Snail Mail and Kevin Morby packed The Englert; The Riverside Theatre offered a sit-down experience for intimate performances and experimental acts; the line to see Mars Hojilla, Karen Meat and Friko at Trumpet Blossom Cafe wrapped around the block; and Gabe's is where heads banged the night away to everything from hip-hop, punk and Latino dream pop, to whatever TEKE::TEKE does.

Sometimes less is more.