Live Music & Entertainment at Tri City BBQ Fest

Get ready for two days of FREE live music and entertainment in Uptown Denison, Iowa! Tri City BBQ Fest returns September 18–19, 2026, bringing live bands, high-energy performances and entertainment to the heart of downtown Denison.

From classic rock and country to an AC/DC tribute and live circus arts, there’s something happening throughout the weekend. And the best part? All Main Stage concerts and festival admission are completely FREE.

Friday, September 18 – Main Stage

Live music kicks off Friday evening on the Main Stage, located near the Crawford County Courthouse.

4:50 PM – Opening Ceremony & National Anthem
Featuring the National Anthem performed by Addie Wood.

5:00 PM – Fountains of Dane

7:00 PM – Soulcage

9:00 PM – Not Quite Brothers

Friday night closes out with Not Quite Brothers, an Iowa-based band on a mission to keep classic rock alive. Their high-energy live show celebrates hits spanning generations, with music made famous by artists ranging from Aerosmith, Tom Petty and Johnny Cash to The Killers, Nickelback and more.

Not Quite Brothers has supported acts including Night Ranger, Tesla, Foghat, FireHouse and Buckcherry and has performed throughout the Midwest.

Friday Main Stage entertainment is sponsored by Silverline Truck Wash & Mobile Concrete.

Saturday, September 19 – Main Stage

The music continues all afternoon and into the night Saturday on the Main Stage near the Crawford County Courthouse.

1:00 PM – DJ El Patrón

3:00 PM – Canaan James

5:00 PM – Monica Austin

7:00 PM – KICK

9:00 PM – Thunderstruck: America’s AC/DC Tribute

Saturday night ends LOUD with Thunderstruck, bringing the legendary music and energy of AC/DC to Uptown Denison. Get ready to rock out to the songs generations of AC/DC fans know and love during a FREE outdoor concert at Tri City BBQ Fest.

Saturday Main Stage entertainment is sponsored by Broadway Dental.

Omaha Circus Arts Live

The entertainment isn't limited to the Main Stage!

Catch Omaha Circus Arts Live throughout the day Saturday at the intersection of Broadway & Main in Uptown Denison.

Saturday Showtimes:
1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM | 6:00 PM

Watch live aerial and circus arts performances during four shows throughout the afternoon and evening.

Omaha Circus Arts Live is sponsored by DMU and Missouri River Energy.

FREE Entertainment All Weekend Long

Whether you're making the drive for Thunderstruck, coming to see Not Quite Brothers, bringing the family for Omaha Circus Arts, or planning to spend the entire weekend with us, there's no ticket required.

Tri City BBQ Fest admission is FREE, and all Main Stage concerts and Omaha Circus Arts performances are FREE to attend.

Come early, grab some BBQ and a cold drink, explore the festival and stay for the show.

Tri City BBQ Fest
September 18–19, 2026
Uptown Denison, Iowa

BBQ. Beer. Bands.